June marks the feast of martyrdom of one of our church’s great saints, St. Abaskhiroun. You probably noticed that we have his relics in our church. We can go, kiss it and ask for his intercessions.
St. Abaskhiroun means “strong one” (aba means father, and the Church added that part out of respect). He was from a city in Egypt called Qalin. One day, Emperor Diocletian that all citizens worship idols. St. Abaskhiroun refused and even removed his soldier gear and threw it at the governor’s feet. That made him angry and he punched his mouth. When St. Abaskhiroun did not give in, the governor threw him in an awful prison in Asyut and tortured him. He even got a sorcerer named Alexander to try to poison him but Abaskhiroun made the sign of the cross over the cup and drank it. No harm came upon him and many believed and were martyred because of this miracle, including Alexander the sorcerer. The governor was furious and continued to torture Abaskhiroun mercilessly by blinding his eyes and even throwing him in a furnace. However, God did not leave the saint alone and even sent Archangel Michael to comfort him. Archangel Michael drew his wings over Abaskiroun’s eyes and healed him. Finally, the governor ordered that his head be cut off, and Abaskhiroun gained the crown of martyrdom. May God also grant us the courage to witness for Him as this great martyr did. Glory be to God forever and ever. Amen.
