Hieromartyrs Nicander, Bishop of Myra, and Hermas the Presbyter

Life

Both were ordained by the Apostle Titus. They were distinguished by great zeal in the Faith and great diligence in winning unbelievers to Christ the Lord. For this they were accused before a certain judge Libanius, who subjected them to cruel interrogations. They were beaten with stones and dragged over stones; they were imprisoned and starved, and endured many other torments which no mortal man could have endured without special help from God. And the Lord appeared to them in various ways, and sent them His angel when they were cast into a fiery furnace, and the angel cooled the fire for them. Finally they were buried alive in graves by the merciless torturers and covered with earth. But in vain do men kill when the Lord gives life, and in vain do they dishonor whom the Lord glorifies.