May 11

Reading

The holy Hieromartyr Mocius, who was of Roman parents, lived during the reign of Diocletian, and was a priest in Amphipolis of Thrace. One day as the idolaters were assembled, and the Proconsul Laodicius was offering sacrifice to Dionysus, Mocius entered the temple and overturned the altar. After many torments, through which he was preserved whole by grace divine, he was sent to Byzantium, where he was beheaded about the year 288. Saint Constantine the Great built a magnificent church in honour of Saint Mocius in Constantinople, where his holy relics were enshrined. He is one of the Holy Unmercenaries.

Apolytikion of Hieromartyr Mocius

Fourth Tone

In serving Christ our King as a priest of His myst'ries, thou wentest forth self-called unto contest, O Mocius, to offer thyself to Him through the pains of a willing death. Wherefore, crowned by Christ both as a priest and a martyr, thou dost heal the ills of all who fervently honour thy holy memorial.

Kontakion of Hieromartyr Mocius

Second Tone

Armed with the breastplate of faith, thou didst turn back the arrays of the ungodly, and didst receive a crown of glory from the Lord, O blessed Mocius. Wherefore, seeing thou rejoicest with the Angels, preserve from all perils them that praise thee, as thou intercedest unceasingly for us all.