Saint Andrianus and His Brave Choice

Long ago, there was a soldier named Andrianus. He was a captain in the emperor’s army. One day, he watched as Emperor Maximianus tortured Christians because they refused to bow to idols.

Andrianus was amazed. These Christians did not scream or run away. Instead, they stood strong, filled with peace and courage.

He asked them, “Why do you suffer like this? What reward do you hope for?”

The saints answered, “Our mouths cannot even describe the joy waiting for us with Christ.” They told him about Jesus, using the words of the prophets.

Something changed in Andrianus’ heart. He ran to the officers and said boldly,
“Write down my name with the names of these brave fighters for Christ. I am a Christian too!”

The emperor was shocked. “Are you mad, Andrianus? Do you want to die for nothing?”

But Andrianus replied, “I am not mad. I have left my old foolishness, and now I have found the truth.”

The emperor ordered him to be thrown into prison with the other saints.

Antolia’s Love and Courage

When Andrianus’ wife, Antolia, heard what happened, she hurried to the prison. Instead of crying, she rejoiced! She kissed the chains of the saints and said,
“Encourage my husband to be strong. Gold, silver, and beauty are worthless. Follow Christ, and you will receive His heavenly kingdom.”

Later, when Andrianus came to say farewell before his torture, Antolia at first thought he had escaped and denied Christ. She locked her door and scolded him:
“Yesterday I called you a martyr, and today you run away?”

Andrianus was amazed by her faith. He said, “Open, my sister. I have only come to bid you farewell.”

She opened the door, and together they went to the prison. Antolia lovingly cared for the saints’ wounds, washing their cuts and wiping away blood.

The Final Trial

The governor tried to trick Andrianus into worshiping false gods. But Andrianus refused. So the soldiers beat him cruelly. Antolia begged the saints, “Pray for my husband!”

The soldiers struck him again and again, until he was only 28 years old. But even then, Antolia encouraged him:
“Rejoice! Your name is written in heaven.”

The governor then commanded a terrible thing: that the saints’ bones be smashed with a blacksmith’s hammer. Antolia herself bravely placed her husband’s hands and feet first under the hammer, giving him to Christ. With each blow, Andrianus grew weaker until at last his soul flew to heaven.

The same happened to the 24 saints with him. Their bodies were thrown into fire, but the flames did not harm them. Believers later gathered their remains in secret.

Antolia took the pieces of her husband’s hands and kept them near her pillow. When the governor later tried to marry her, she fled by boat, still carrying the holy relics. She went to where the saints’ bodies rested, prayed to be united with them, and soon fell asleep in peace. She was buried with the martyrs she so dearly loved.

Abba Bisaryon the Great

On this day, we also remember Abba Bisaryon (Bessarion), a holy monk.

He was born to faithful parents and, as a young man, chose the life of a monk. He first lived with Abba Anthony, then with Abba Macarius, and later wandered the desert, owning nothing at all. He had no bed, no house, not even a full garment—only rags tied around him.

He often sat outside monks’ caves, weeping. When people asked why he cried, he would say, “My riches are lost, and my family has fallen.” Some thought he meant earthly treasures, but the wise knew he was speaking of how Satan steals away human virtues.

Abba Bisaryon lived like the angels—pure, humble, and prayerful. For 47 years he fought the spiritual fight. Sometimes he prayed without sleeping for forty days. Other times, he fasted for forty days at a time.

Many miracles happened through him:

• Once, when his friends were dying of thirst by the Red Sea, he prayed, and bitter water became sweet.
• At the River Takazze, he had no ferry, so he prayed—and walked across the water as if it were dry land.
• Another time, when a man with an evil spirit was placed secretly in the church where Bisaryon prayed, the saint simply said, “Rise up,” and the man was instantly healed.

Abba Bisaryon pleased God with his holy life and passed away in peace, leaving behind many miracles and blessings.

Other Saints Remembered

• Saint Elianus the martyr and his sister Eudoxia.
• The brotherhood of Andrianus, all who suffered with him.

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