Holy New Martyrs Raphael, Nicholas and Irene of Lesbos, martyred at Thermi and revealed five centuries later.
Raphael, an archimandrite, and his deacon Nicholas were living at the monastery of Karyes near Thermi on Lesbos when the Turks attacked in 1463, ten years after the fall of Constantinople. With them was the twelve-year-old Irene, daughter of the village elder, and others who had taken refuge there.
All were cruelly put to death on Bright Tuesday. Their story was forgotten until 1959, when the saints appeared in dreams to many villagers and their relics were uncovered; they are now among the most beloved saints of Greece and are also honoured on Bright Tuesday each year.
Feast day
On the New Calendar, Raphael, Nicholas and Irene of Lesbos is commemorated on April 9. Churches on the Old (Julian) Calendar keep the feast on April 22 of the civil calendar.
Who celebrates a name day
People with these names keep their name day on this feast:
Rafail, Raphael, Rafael, Rafaella, Rafaela, Raffaella
Also commemorated on April 9
Eupsychios of Caesarea
Martyr, Ευψύχιος
Holy Martyr Eupsychios of Caesarea in Cappadocia, who suffered under Julian the Apostate.
Name days: Efpsychios, Eupsychius
Bademus of Persia
Martyr, Βάδιμος
Holy Monk-Martyr Bademus, archimandrite in Persia, with seven of his disciples.
Abdiesus and the Martyrs of Persia
Saint, Αβδιησούς και οι συν αυτώ
Holy Martyrs Abdiesus and those with him, who suffered in Persia under Shapur.
Acacius of Amida
Hierarch, Ακάκιος Αμίδης
Saint Acacius, Bishop of Amida, who sold the church's vessels to ransom Persian captives.
The calendar, on your phone each morning
Today’s saints, whether it is a fast day, and the people in your contacts who have a name day. Free, with no ads.
