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The Fifteen Holy Hieromartyrs of Tiberiopolis 12/11/2013
Memory of the Holy Martyrs of Tiberiopolis: Timothy and Theodore, bishops; Peter, John, Sergius, Theodore and Nicephorus, priests; Basil and Thomas, deacons; Hierotheus, Daniel, Chariton, Socrates, Comassius and Eusebius, monks; and Etimassius, who died by the sword
As the Emperor Julian the Apostate (361-3) wanted to compel all Christ’s faithful to turn back to idolatrous worship, these holy Martyrs, who were clergy from Nicaea and other places, sought refuge in Thessalonica. Finding no peace there, they made their way to Tiberiopolis (Strumica) and led and Apostolic life in that city for a short while, until the tyrant’s soldiers caught up with them and brought them back to Thessalonica, where they were called upon to deny Christ. This they refused to do, and so were beheaded.
The Fifteen Holy Hieromartyrs of Tiberiopolis to this day are venerated as patrons and protectors of Strumica.
