The Five Canonical Virgins

Holy Virgin Martyrs Thekla, Mariamne, Martha, Mary and Ennatha of Persia.

The holy virgins Thekla, Mariamne, Martha, Mary and Ennatha were consecrated virgins of Persia, called canonical because they were enrolled in the Church's order of virgins. Tradition relates that they were denounced by an apostate priest and beheaded for Christ in the fourth century.

They are commemorated on September 26.

Feast day

On the New Calendar, The Five Canonical Virgins is commemorated on September 26. Churches on the Old (Julian) Calendar keep the feast on October 9 of the civil calendar.

Also commemorated on September 26

• 

  Repose of the Evangelist John the Theologian

  Apostle, Κοίμηση Ιωάννου

  Repose of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian.

  Name days: Ioannis, Giannis, John

• Neilos of Calabria

  Venerable, Νείλος ο Καλαβρός

  Venerable Neilos the Younger of Rossano, founder of Grottaferrata.

• Gideon the Righteous

  Saint, Γεδεών

  Righteous Gideon, judge of Israel, who overcame Midian with three hundred men.

  Name days: Gideon, Gedeon

• John the Cave-dweller of Cyprus

  Venerable, Ιωάννης ο Σπηλαιώτης

  Venerable John the Cave-dweller of Sia in Cyprus.

• Ephraim of Perekom

  Venerable, Εφραίμ του Περεκόμ

  Venerable Ephraim, abbot of Perekom and wonderworker of Novgorod.