These saints were martyred during the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Michael III (842-867) and the Abbasid Caliph Al-Wathiq Billah (842-847). These martyrs were taken prisoner in 837 AD by the Arab Muslims. They were captured after the fall of the city of Amorium in Upper Phrygia as a result of the betrayal of one of the leaders who converted to Islam.
These forty-two prisoners were taken to Syria in chains, where they were placed in a dark prison, where they remained for seven years. The Caliph's intention was to convert them from their faith in Christ to what he believed in. For this reason, he exerted great pressure on them. He tried in every way to weaken their morale. He exposed them to hunger and thirst, and left them as food for insects. The darkness did not allow any of them to see his companion. In spite of everything, in spite of the extreme weakness that had afflicted their bodies, they were so steadfast and strong in spirit that the Caliph's attempts to make them renounce their faith, accept Islam, and appear publicly with the Caliph to perform the prayer did not succeed.
These saints remained steadfast in their faith in Christ to the end and, as it is said, performed prayers at the time and recited the Psalms of the Prophet David, thanking God for having made them worthy to suffer for His sake. On March 5, 845, they were sentenced to death.
The next morning an officer came with many soldiers, and after they had tied the prisoners behind their backs, they took them to the banks of the Euphrates. There they tried to make them deny Christ. Their last attempt was unsuccessful. When they had exhausted every trick, they cut off their heads one by one. These men advanced quietly and with confidence in God, and the grace of the Lord was upon them.
The church celebrates their feast on March 6.
Troparia in the fourth tune
Your martyrs, O Lord, through their struggle, have received from You, O our God, imperishable crowns, for they have attained Your power, and have crushed the usurpers, and have crushed the powerless might of the demons. Through their supplications, O Christ God, save our souls.
Qandaq with the fourth tune
O you who for Christ’s sake have struggled on earth and appeared crowned with good worship, you have been made worthy to dwell in heaven with joy, because since you have defeated all the enemy’s deceit by the hardships and blood of your struggles, you will always reward from on high those who praise you with the forgiveness of their sins.
