OCTOBER 10
Saints Eulampia and Eulampius were brother and sister. They lived at the beginning of the fourth century in the city of Nicomedia. Eulampius became upset after reading the decree of the emperor Maximiam (284-305) sentencing all Christians to execution. Eulampius was horrified that the emperor was taking up arms against his own subjects rather than fighting the enemies of his country.
The youth was brought to trial and commanded to renounce the Christian Faith. When he refused, they subjected him to many tortures. His sister Eulampia also appeared before the judges and declared that she was a Christian. Eulampius told her, “Sister, do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul” (Mt.10:28).
The martyrs were tortured and thrown into a red-hot furnace, but the Lord protected them from the fire. Finally, they beheaded Eulampius, but Eulampia died from her torments before she could be beheaded.
The youth was brought to trial and commanded to renounce the Christian Faith. When he refused, they subjected him to many tortures. His sister Eulampia also appeared before the judges and declared that she was a Christian. Eulampius told her, “Sister, do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul” (Mt.10:28).
The martyrs were tortured and thrown into a red-hot furnace, but the Lord protected them from the fire. Finally, they beheaded Eulampius, but Eulampia died from her torments before she could be beheaded.
Troparion — Tone 4
Your holy martyrs Eulampius and Eulampia, O Lord, / through their sufferings have received incorruptible crowns from You, our God. / For having Your strength, they laid low their adversaries, / and shattered the powerless boldness of demons. / Through their intercessions, save our souls!
Kontakion — Tone 3
Let us honor the noble martyrs, / brother and sister in the flesh, wise Eulampius and Eulampia; / for they put to shame the devices of tyrants / through the power of the Crucified one. / Therefore, they have been declared the glory and boast of martyrs.
