The PriestMartyr Abraham, Bishop of Arbilia

Commemorated on February 4

      The PriestMartyr Abraham, Bishop of Arbilia, suffered during a time of persecution against Christians in Persia under the emperor Sapor II. When they demanded the saint to renounce Christ and worship the sun, he answered: "How foolish to forsake the Creator and instead worship creatures! Is not the sun but a creation of my God?" After this, they fiercely beat and tortured him. During the time of torture Saint Abraham prayed, echoing the words of the Saviour: "Lord, impute not to them the sin, since they know not what they do!" The priestmartyr was beheaded by the sword in the village of Felman.

© 1996-2001 by translator Fr. S. Janos.