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.

Apolytikion of Martyrs Probus, Andronicus, & Tarachus

Plagal of the First Tone

All the powers of Heaven were awestruck and amazed * at the achievements and deeds of the holy Martyrs of Christ; * for contending well in mortal bodies clothed with flesh, * they overcame the fleshless foe * by the power of the Cross and invisibly subdued him. * And now they pray to the Lord, that He might bestow His mercy on our souls.

Kontakion of Martyrs Probus, Andronicus, & Tarachus

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.