A long time ago, in the city of Sabersir, there lived a faithful family. They were kind to travelers, helped strangers, and loved God with all their hearts. The parents raised their children, Benjamin and Eudoxia, to be strong in their faith and pure in their lives.

As Benjamin grew older, his heart longed for one thing—to give his life for Christ. He wanted to be a martyr, someone who bravely suffers for the name of Jesus.

Benjamin’s Brave Stand

One day, Benjamin went before the governor of Setuf and said boldly:

“I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ!”

The governor became very angry. He ordered that Benjamin be beaten and thrown into prison. When his parents and his sister, Eudoxia, heard this, they rushed to the prison. They wept when they saw him suffering.

But Benjamin, though in pain, comforted them with gentle words:

“Do not be sad. The life of this world is short, but the life God gives us is forever.”

Eudoxia listened carefully, and her heart burned with courage. She said to her brother:

“As the Lord lives, I will never leave you. Whatever death you face, I will face it too.”

With that, she also confessed her faith in Jesus before the governor.

In the Darkness

The governor was furious. He ordered the soldiers to throw Benjamin and Eudoxia into a dark cell with no food or water. For twenty long days, they stayed there, praying to God without fear.

Finally, the soldiers tied heavy stones around their necks and threw them into a river. But God sent His angel, who untied the stones and kept them safe. The river carried them to a village called Batra, where a kind young woman found them and pulled them out.

Standing Strong

Instead of hiding, Benjamin and Eudoxia went straight back to the governor. They stood tall and declared:

“We will never worship your idols, for we belong to Christ alone!”

The governor tortured them again and again, hoping they would give up. But the saints never changed their minds. At last, tired of their strength, the governor commanded that their heads be cut off with swords.

And so, Benjamin and Eudoxia received their crowns of martyrdom in heaven.

Later, a holy church was built in their hometown of Sabersir. Their bodies were laid there, and many miracles and healings came from God through them.

Salutation to the brave brother and sister, Benjamin and Eudoxia!

Other Holy Ones Remembered Today

This day is also special for remembering other saints:

• Samuel the Prophet – When he was just a boy, God called him while he was sleeping in the temple. He grew to be a great prophet and anointed David as king.
  Salutation to Samuel, the prophet of the Lord!
• Victor the Alexandrian and his mother Sara – who stayed strong in their faith.
• The feast of Suri’el, the fourth Archangel – the mighty angel who remembered the twelve sons of Jacob.

Glory be to God, who is always glorified in His saints. Amen.