Holy Martyrs Hermylus and Stratonicus

Life

Emperor Licinius raised a great persecution against Christians. Saint Hermylus, a Christian and a deacon at a certain church, was seized and brought to trial. When they told him that they were leading him to torture, he rejoiced greatly. In vain the emperor threatened him; Hermylus freely confessed his faith in Christ and replied to the emperor to all his threats: "The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me" (Psalm 117:6). After severe torments they threw Hermylus into the dungeon. And the jailer was Stratonicus, a secret Christian, who with all his heart sympathized with Hermylus's sufferings. When they also brought Stratonicus before the emperor as a Christian, the emperor decreed that both should be drowned in the Danube. Then they bound Hermylus and Stratonicus in one net and drowned them in the Danube. After three days the water cast their bodies onto the shore and Christians found them and buried them eighteen stadia from Belgrade. These glorious martyrs suffered for Christ and were glorified in the year 315.

From the Hymn of Praise

Prayer in the heart like the heart beating,Prayer in the heart with breathing together,Interior prayer, that light within,On Athos was revealed by Maximus.