Commemorated on October 12
Saint Andronicus, Probus and Tarachus suffered greatly for their love and reverence of the One True God. They lived under the rule of Diocletion, where many were afflicted with merciless persecution. When questioned before the court, all three of the Saints spokes boldly as they did not fear death knowing of the life to come.
Tarachus was previously a Roman solider and grew up well on in an established family from Ephesus. He suffered several times for the faith, and was beaten with stones on his face and neck. His hands were scorched and burned with fire. He was also hung on a pole where they put smoke under his nose and mouth in order to impair his breathing and cause him great distress. They even poured vinegar down his nose and it is said even further tortures were done to him before the final. He was then cut to pieces as if he were a piece of meat.
Little is known for Probus and Andronicus, but it is clear they suffered also, as Probus was whipped, his body was pierced with heated iron rods and his feet were burned. He too also suffered the horror of being carved with a knife.
It is known that Andronicus was cut into pieces as well. Their fragments were then offered to animals at a theatre to be shown to all, and the wild beasts did not touch their flesh.
It is said that Holy men collected their bodies and then buried them properly and according to tradition.
Troparion & Kontakion
Troparion β Tone 5
The heavenly powers were amazed at the triumph of the holy martyrs Probus, Tarachus, and Andronicus. / For having fought the good fight with their mortal bodies, / they conquered bodiless enemies by the power of the Cross. / Now they intercede with the Lord / that He may save our souls.
Kontakion β Tone 2
The brave warriors of Christ, the martyrs Probus, Tarachus, and Andronicus, / revealed to us the glory of the Trinity. / They refuted the godlessness of their torturers / by bravely contending for the Faith.