The Holy Martyrs Solokhon, Pamphamyros and Pamphalon

Commemorated on May 17

      The Holy Martyrs Solokhon, Pamphamyros and Pamphalon: The holy Martyr Solokhon, a native Egyptian, suffered for Christ during the reign of the emperor Maximian (284-305). The holy Martyrs Pamphamyros and Pamphalon also at the same time accepted death for Christ together with him. All of them served in the imperial armies in the regiment of the tribune Campanus. During the time of persecution against Christians by the emperors Maximian and Diocletian, Campanus with his soldiers was sent to the city of Chalcedon. All the soldiers of his regiment were required to offer sacrifice in an idolous pagan temple there. The three soldiers – Saints Solokhon, Pamphamyros and Pamphalon, refused to offer sacrifice to idols, explaining, that they worship only the True God, the Lord Jesus Christ. On the orders of Campanus they subjected them to terrible tortures, during the time of which the holy Martyrs Pamphamyros and Pamphalon died. Saint Solokhon survived the torture and remained alive, glorifying Christ. The torturer in great anger gave orders to open the mouth of Saint Solokhon and pour in it by force the idol-worship blood. But Saint Solokhon so strongly clenched his teeth, that they were not able to open them even with iron, – the sword bent, and the saint broke his bonds and stood before the torturer, continuing to glorify Christ. There was a voice from the heavens to Saint Solokhon, encouraging him to endure to the end. At the command of the torturer they subjected the saint to a merciless beating, after which they dragged the bruised man over sharp stones, demanding a renunciation of Christ, but the holy martyr remained steadfast. Then it was commanded to hang him up by one hand, and to his leg tie an heavy weight. In such a position Saint Solokhon hung for about three hours. When finally however they cut the ropes, then to the surprise of everyone Saint Solokhon stood up straight on his feet, like an healthy man. Crazed with anger, Campanus seized a writing-reed and with force thrust it deeply into the ear of the holy martyr. The sufferer fell down, and Campanus and the soldiers departed, having cast him aside. Christians carried the martyr to the house of a certain pious widow and placed him on a cot. The saint partook of food and conversed with the Christians, exhorting them to stand firmly for the faith, and then having prayed and lifted up his eyes to heaven, he gave up his soul to the Lord Jesus Christ.

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