Commemorated on August 17
Our blessesd Saint Myron was a priest who served in a region of Ancient Greece known as Achaia. He lived during the reign of the cruel emperor Decius during the third century. Myron was a kind hearted and loving man who also was unafraid and willing to risk his life for the sake of his spiritual flock.
During the great feast day of the Nativity of our Lord, Myron was celebrating the Divine Liturgy when the pagan governor, Antipater, stormed into the Church with an army of soldiers. He commanded the soldiers to seize all Christians and submit them to horrific torments. During this time, Said Myron spoke out boldly defending his innocent spiritual children and reprimanded the governor.
For his boldness, Saint Myron was beaten with iron poles and he was then thrown into a heated oven. Due to the Lord’s mercy and grace, Myron remained unharmed. Those who stood near to the fire were all burned showing the grace of God which protected Myron. Without seeing the blessing of Christ, the governor, still enraged, ordered for Myron to bow down before the idols and offer a sacrifice. Without hesitation, Saint Myron denied his request.
Unable to contain his anger, the governor commanded that the leather thongs which he wore were to be sliced from his skin. As the tormentor did this, Myron courageous took the thong and threw it at the one who was harming him.
Antipater could not stand this any longer, and he ordered his men to beat him mercilessly and then to throw him to the wild animals.
Due to the grace of God living within Saint Myron, the wild animals would not go near to him. Myron was still alive at this time, but Antipater could no longer take this overwhelming defence from the God fearing Saint. The governor in great fury killed himself.
Shortly after, Myron was taken to another city called Cyzicus where he was beheaded and joined with the Lord and all the Saints, victoriously triumphing the vanities of this life.
Troparion — Tone 4
Your holy martyr, Myron, O Lord, / through his suffering has received an incorruptible crown from You, our God. / For having Your strength, he laid low his adversaries, / and shattered the powerless boldness of demons. / Through his intercessions, save our souls!
Kontakion — Tone 2
From childhood you longed for Christ, all-glorious one, / keeping His divine commandments and running to Him with all your being, all-honored Myron. / Now you zealously pray with the angels, / asking remission of sins / for those who celebrate your memory.