Ten Martyrs of Crete

Ten Martyrs of Crete

Reading from the Synaxarion:

These Saints, who were all from Crete, contested for piety's sake
during the reign of Decius, in the year 250. Theodulus, Saturninus,
Euporus, Gelasius, and Eunician were from Gortynia, the capital; Zoticus
was from Knossos; Agathopus, from the port city of Panormus;
Basilides, from Cydonia; Evarestus and Pompey, from Heraklion. Haled before
the Governor as Christians, they were subjected to torments for
thirty days, being scourged, racked, dragged upon the ground through
dung heaps, stoned, spit upon. They were questioned again, but their
costancy roused the Governor to greater fury. After subjecting them to
torments more bitter still, he had them beheaded.

Apolytikion in the Third Tone
Let us now honour Crete, that land most marvellous, which sprouted
forth the ten flowers revered by all, those goodly pearls of Christ our
God, those verdant boughs of the Martyrs; for although they were but
ten, the most blessed men put to shame the ten thousand armoured host
of the wicked demonic ranks. And hence, they have received crowns of
glory as stout-hearted Martyrs of Christ Saviour.

Kontakion in the Fourth Tone
Shining like a morning star, the Martyrs' contest, worthy of all
reverence, hath shown beforehand unto us Him that was born in a lowly cave,
and Whom the Virgin conceived without seed of man.