Martyr
Holy Martyrs Hesperus, Zoe, Cyriacus, and Theodulus
May 2 Old CalendarMay 15 New Calendar
Life
In the time of Emperor Hadrian (117-138), a certain pagan named Catallus purchased as slaves Hesperus, his wife Zoe, and their sons Cyriacus and Theodulus. As these were convinced Christians, they would not taste anything from the idolatrous sacrifices; instead, whatever was given to them they threw to the dogs, while they themselves went hungry and endured suffering. When Catallus learned of this, he grew exceedingly angry and began to torture all his slaves grievously. First he tormented the children, but the children remained unwavering in their faith, and even more, they demanded heavier torments from their torturer. At last all four were cast into a fiery furnace, where, after a prayer of thanksgiving, they surrendered their spirits to the Lord. Their bodies remained whole and unscorched by the fire.
First he tormented the children, but the children remained unwavering in their faith, and even more, they demanded heavier torments from their torturer.
From the Hymn of Praise
Michael of Bulgaria, with the Cross he baptized his people,Into Christ's flock he brought the pagans.And by his own example he touched human hearts,That men might love the faith of salvation.
From the Prologue from Ochrid by St. Nikolai Velimirovich, May 2. Translated by Marcian Sakarya, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Also commemorated on May 2
The full reading for May 2 includes the hymn of praise, a reflection, a contemplation and a homily.
Open May 2 in the reader