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Holy Martyr Mamas 9/15/2013
Born in Paphlagonia (Asia Minor), of Theodotus and Rufina, renowned Christians. His parents were cast into prison for refusing to deny Christ. First his father died in prison, and then his mother followed him, after she had given birth to Mamas. Thus the youth found himself in prison with the dead bodies of his parents. Yet, the Lord Provider sent His angel to a pious widow Ammiana, to whom the angel appeared in her dream and told her to go to the prison and take the child with her. Ammiana managed to receive permission from the mayor to burry the dead, and took the child in her home. He started speaking at five years of age and the first word he uttered was "mama". That is why he was given the name Mamas. At school Mamas demonstrated exceptional cleverness, and since he was brought up in a Christian spirit, he did not hide his faith but confessed it before his peers, mocking the idols. During the reign of the Emperor Aurelian merciless persecutions of the Christians were launched. The pagans did not spare even the Christian children. Mamas was fifteen years old when he was brought before the Emperor. The Emperor suggested him to deny Christ at least in words, at what Mamas answered him: "Neither in my heart, nor with my lips, will I ever deny my Lord Jesus Christ." The Emperor ordered and he was beaten, his body was burnt with flaming candles and at last he was cast into the sea. But an angel of the Lord saved him and took him to a high mountain near Caesarea. He lived there in solitude and ceaseless prayer. His holiness made the wild animals harmless. Eventually his persecutors found him there and put him to tortures again. After he had conquered the power of fire and of wild animals, he was pierced through with the fork of a pagan priest. Thus he surrendered his soul to God, remaining faithful to Him through all tribulations. His holy relics healed many sick people.
