Today the Church honors
Sts. Timothy, Agapius, and Thekla, Martyrs.
Orate pro nobis.
Sts. Timothy, Agapius, and Thekla suffered martyrdom in the year 304 AD. Timothy was a native of the city of Caesarea in Israel. He studied the Holy Scripture, and having received a special gift of eloquence, he became a teacher of the Christian Faith.
During the time of persecution against Christians under the co-emperors Diocletian (284-305 AD) and Maximian (305-311 AD), he was brought to trial by the Roman governor Urban. Timothy fearlessly declared himself a Christian and spoke about the love of the Lord Jesus Christ for mankind and of His coming into the world for their salvation. The martyr was subjected to cruel torture, and when they saw that he still remained steadfast in his love for Christ, they burned him alive.
And in this same town and year, Agapius and Thekla were also condemned for the Faith. After their trial, during which they refused to offer incense to idols, they were thrown into the arena to be eaten by wild beasts. Thecla, suffering in this manner, died horribly. When a bear wounded Agapius, but did not kill him, he was hurled into the sea to drown.
Almighty God, who gave to your servants Timothy, Agapius, and Thekla boldness to confess the Name of our Savior Jesus Christ before the rulers of this world, and courage to die for this faith: Grant that we may always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in us, and to suffer gladly for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
