Holy Apostles Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, and Parmenas

Life

These four were from the number of the Seven Deacons and from the Seventy Apostles. The other three deacons were Stephen, Philip, and Nicolaus. Stephen the Protomartyr is celebrated separately on December 27, and Philip on October 11. Nicolaus did not enter into the ranks of the saints because of his heresy. The first four do not have individual feast days, but all are commemorated on this one day, July 28. Prochorus was ordained by the Apostle Peter as Bishop of Nicomedia. He served for a time under St. John the Evangelist, and on the island of Patmos he recorded the revelations which he heard from the lips of St. John. After that he returned to Nicomedia, where he labored greatly in converting the people to the Faith. He ended his life as a martyr in Antioch, where he was slain by unbelievers. Holy Nicanor suffered in Jerusalem on the same day as St. Stephen the Archdeacon, and soon after him another two thousand Christians, whom the malicious Jews slew. Timon was a bishop in Arabia and suffered for Christ on the cross. Parmenas died before the eyes of the Apostles, and by them was mourned and buried.

From the Hymn of Praise

The world glorified young Paul highly,Therefore the young prince abandoned his princedomAnd the imperial splendor, riches, and power,And urban intrigues, and rotten luxury.