Provos, Andronicus, & Tarachos, Martyrs of Tarsus

October 12

Reading:

The holy Martyrs contested for Christ during the reign of Diocletian, in the year 296 or 304. Tarachus was advanced in years, of Roman birth, and had been a soldier; Probus was from Side in Pamphylia, and Andronicus from Ephesus. They were taken together in Cilicia and subjected to manifold exceedingly cruel tenures. Tarachus was beaten on his cheeks and neck with stones, his hands were burned, he was hanged on a post and smoke was put underneath him to choke him; vinegar was forced down his nostrils; after enduring further tortures, he was carved to pieces. Probus was thrashed with whips, his feet were burned with red hot irons, his back and sides were pierced with heated spits; finally he also was cut up with knives, and received the crown of martyrdom. Andronicus suffered similar tortures, and also finished his course being cut to pieces, commending his soul into the hands of God.

Kontakion in the Second Tone

The hoplites of Christ, those Martyrs noble and divine, have shown unto us the glory of the Trinity. For brave Probus, Tarachus and Andronicus have convicted all of the tyrants' ungodliness, for they have contested nobly for the Faith.

Reading courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery

Kontakion courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery