Ten Martyrs of Crete

The Ten Holy Martyrs of Crete.

The Ten Holy Martyrs of Crete suffered together under the persecution of the emperor Decius in the third century. Drawn from various towns of the island, they were brought before the governor at Gortyna, and when they refused to sacrifice to the idols they endured mockery and torments for many days before being beheaded, going to their death rejoicing.

They are the boast of the Church of Crete, which honors them as its own firstfruits among the martyrs. They are commemorated on December 23.

Feast day

On the New Calendar, Ten Martyrs of Crete is commemorated on December 23. Churches on the Old (Julian) Calendar keep the feast on January 5 of the civil calendar.

Also commemorated on December 23

• Nahum of Ochrid

  Venerable, Ναούμ ο Θεοφόρος

  Venerable Nahum the God-bearer, Wonderworker of Ochrid, disciple of Saints Cyril and Methodius.

• Niphon of Constantia

  Hierarch, Νήφων Κωνσταντιανής

  Niphon, Bishop of Constantia in Cyprus.

  Name days: Nifon, Niphon

• Paul of Neocaesarea

  Hierarch, Παύλος Νεοκαισαρείας

  Paul the Confessor, Bishop of Neocaesarea.

• Dedication of Hagia Sophia

  Saint, Εγκαίνια της Αγίας Σοφίας

  Commemoration of the consecration of the Great Church of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople.

Icon: public domain image from Wikimedia Commons.