Today marks the commemoration of Saint Martyr Miron, Presbyter
A remembrance of the priest from Achaia who suffered under Emperor Decius and was executed at Kyzikos in the year 250.
Today the Christian calendar commemorates Saint Martyr Miron, a presbyter remembered for his endurance under persecution during the reign of Emperor Decius. Born into a wealthy and respected family in Achaia, Miron was by nature mild and humble, and was known for his love of God and his charity toward people.
Capture, torture and a startling turn
On the day of the Nativity of Christ, pagan officials rushed the church where Miron served, dragged him from his duties and subjected him to severe torture. During an attempt to burn him, an angel of the Lord appeared and strengthened him, according to the tradition.
Torturers then flayed his skin in strips from head to foot. In a dramatic moment the martyr seized one of these strips and struck the judge-torturer in the face. The judge, named Antipatar, reacted as if maddened; he drew a sword and took his own life.
After that episode Miron was transferred to the city of Kyzikos, where he was finally executed by the sword in the year 250.
The story of Miron has been preserved in church tradition as an example of steadfast faith: a clergyman who faced brutal cruelty and whose suffering is commemorated each year on his feast day.
Photo: Internet Archive Book Images / Wikimedia Commons (No restrictions)
