Commemorated on October 13
During the third century, the Martyrs Carpus, Papylus, Agathodorus and Agathonike were tortured mercilessly for the sake of Christ. Prior to being seized, Carpus was Biship of Asia Minor and Papylus, his deacon, was known for helping those who were sick and being able to perform miracles through the grace of God. Pagan govenor found out that Papylus and Carpus did not worship and partake in the festivals honoring the idols.
Initially, the two were seized and given order to worship the idols. When they did not give in, and spoke boldly for the love of Christ, claiming they would not worship empty and false Gods, the tortures then came upon them. As humiliation and to intimate other’s from professing their Christian faith, they were paraded around the city with iron chains to weigh them down. Then they were roughly tied to horses and led to another city where the torment would continue.
Agathonike was the sister of Papylus and Agathodorus was their servant. They too were passionate for Christ and proud Christians, so they decided to follow Carpus and Papylus. Three of the saints were beheaded, Agathodorus, Carpus and Papylus while Agathonike was chocked to death.
Saint Papylus is still known to help the sick, for those who pray with an earnest heart and the true faith Christ so desires from us.
Glory be unto God!
Troparion & Kontakion
Troparion β Tone 4
Your holy martyr Carpus and his companions, O Lord, / through their sufferings have received incorruptible crowns from You, our God. / For having Your strength, they laid low their adversaries, / and shattered the powerless boldness of demons. / Through their intercessions, save our souls
Kontakion β Tone 4
(Podoben: βAs You were voluntarily raised…β)
The Master has granted your relics to those on earth / as a precious treasure and a fountain flowing with streams of healings; / they cleanse diseases of every kind / and give grace to souls in a never-ending stream; / and so with one accord we celebrate your feast with love, Carpus and Papylus.
