Martyr
Hieromartyr Benjamin the Deacon
October 13 Old CalendarOctober 26 New Calendar
Life
This warrior of Christ was a Persian, and by his zealous preaching of the Gospel he converted many pagan Persians and Greeks to the faith of Christ. He suffered in the time of the Persian king Isdegerdes, son of Gororan, around 412. When he was cast into prison, a certain courtier of the king interceded for him before the king. The king released him, but on condition that he keep silent and no longer speak to people about Christ. To this Benjamin answered: "That I can in no way abandon. For he who hides the talent given to him will be subjected to great torment." And he continued to spread the faith of Christ. The king ordered that thorns be driven under his nails, and they tortured him until he surrendered his spirit to God.
From the Prologue from Ochrid by St. Nikolai Velimirovich, October 13. Translated by Marcian Sakarya, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Also commemorated on October 13
The full reading for October 13 includes the hymn of praise, a reflection, a contemplation and a homily.
Open October 13 in the reader