Michael of Zobe and the 36 Monk-Martyrs

Holy Monk-Martyr Michael, Abbot of the Zobe monastery near Sebasteia, and the thirty-six fathers martyred with him.

Michael was abbot of the monastery of Zobe near Sebasteia in Armenia in the eighth century, during the reign of Constantine VI. When Saracen raiders overran the region, the abbot and thirty-six of his monks were seized and ordered to renounce Christ.

All refused and were put to the sword, sealing their monastic struggle with the crown of martyrdom.

Feast day

On the New Calendar, Michael of Zobe and the 36 Monk-Martyrs is commemorated on October 1. Churches on the Old (Julian) Calendar keep the feast on October 14 of the civil calendar.

Also commemorated on October 1

• 

  Protection of the Theotokos

  Great Feast, Σκέπη Θεοτόκου

  The Protection of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos (celebrated primarily in Russian and Serbian Orthodox Church).

  Name days: Maria, Mary, Maro

• Ananias the Apostle

  Apostle, Ανανίας

  Holy Apostle Ananias of the Seventy, first Bishop of Damascus, who baptized the Apostle Paul.

  Name days: Ananias, Ananiah

• Romanos the Melodist

  Venerable, Ρωμανός ο Μελωδός

  Venerable Romanos the Melodist, deacon of Constantinople and the greatest of Byzantine hymnographers.

  Name days: Romanos, Romanus, Roman, Romana

• John Koukouzelis

  Venerable, Ιωάννης Κουκουζέλης

  Venerable John Koukouzelis, the master chanter of the Great Lavra on Mount Athos.

• Domninos of Thessalonica

  Martyr, Δομνίνος

  Holy Martyr Domninos, who suffered at Thessalonica under Maximian.