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The monastic martyrs Astion and Epictetus lived in Bithynia on the southwest coast of the Black Sea during the reign of the Roman emperor Diocletian (284-305).
Feast Day: July 8th
Kontakion 1
Let us all praise Epictetus, the wise priest, and Astion, the most zealous disciple, for they, being of the same honor as Ermolae and Pantelimon, together preached the Gospel of Christ, and truly, after Andrew the first called, they proved themselves to be apostles of Dobrogea: healing the sick, casting out demons, they shone with miracles and the power of the word, for which they endured torments from their tormentors, and being well crowned by Christ our God, they pray forever for our souls. For this we also praise them: Rejoice, Saints Epictetus and Astion, holy unmercenaries and martyrs of Christ!
Ikos 1
From your youth you lived chastily, most blessed Epictetus, nourishing yourself with the teachings of Christ, and when you reached the prime of life, like Samuel of old, taking up the grace of the priesthood, out of love for people you performed many miracles; for this, we honor you with praise:
Rejoice, you who lived a righteous life;
Rejoice, for you had perfect love;
Rejoice, for you prayed unceasingly to the Lord;
Rejoice, for you always thought of the things above;
Rejoice, for you opened the eyes of the blind;
Rejoice, for you strengthened the weak;
Rejoice, for you drive away unclean spirits from us;
Rejoice, great helper of those in need;
Rejoice, for you cleansed the lepers;
Rejoice, for you have called them to faith;
Rejoice, for you protect the land of Dobrogea;
Rejoice, for you are our hope in times of danger;
Rejoice, Holy Epictetus, doctor without money and martyr of Christ!
Kontakion 2
Listening to the words of Father Epictetus, you opened your heart, purified your soul, and received the mysteries of faith. Then, being baptized, you followed Christ, proving yourself to be a beloved servant of God. Therefore, knowing your great faith, we come to you and humbly pray: Deliver us, Holy Martyr Astion, from eternal death, that together we may sing to God: Alleluia!
Ikos 2
Desiring, O Holy Astion, to live an angelic life, you left your parents’ house and settled in the city of Halmyris, where you proved yourself a great miracle worker. For as you were walking toward the Danube, you met a man possessed by an unclean spirit, whom you immediately delivered with your prayers and the sign of the holy cross. And we, marveling at such things, sing thus:
Rejoice, for you were an earthly angel;
Rejoice, you who are a heavenly man;
Rejoice, for through humility you have attained the high things;
Rejoice, for you have defeated the enemy with the sign of the cross;
Rejoice, you who have performed miracles with faith;
Rejoice, you who have frightened the pagans;
Rejoice, you who cast out demons;
Rejoice, you great overcomer of evils;
Rejoice, you healer of diseases;
Rejoice, you deliverer from torment;
Rejoice, you swift helper;
Rejoice, you defender of Dobrogea;
Rejoice, Holy Astion, holy unmercenary and martyr of Christ!
Kontakion 3
A great ruler ran to you, Father Epictetus, knelt before you, and begged you to heal his paralyzed daughter. And you, holy one, prayed to God and anointed her body with holy oil, and she was immediately healed. For this reason, the parents together with you glorified God, singing: Alleluia!
Ikos 3
Another time, a blind woman asked you for healing, Father Epictetus, weeping and saying, “I know who you are, and I believe that you can do many things before God; therefore, I pray that you will not despise my weeping and will not take my prayer in vain.” And you, holy one, marveling at her faith, healed her, and she, seeing the light, glorified God, for whom we also sing these things:
Rejoice, helper of those who lie in infirmity;
Rejoice, comforter of those who are sorrowful and sad;
Rejoice, giver of light to the blind;
Rejoice, bringer of comfort to the faithful;
Rejoice, for you have healed many;
Rejoice, the ruler cried out to you;
Rejoice, deliverer from temptation;
Rejoice, divine father;
Rejoice, spiritual image;
Rejoice, spiritual doctor;
Rejoice, much-praised protector;
Rejoice, preacher of the faith;
Rejoice, Holy Epictetus, holy unmercenary and martyr of Christ!
Kontakion 4
You overcame the storm of vain thoughts with humble reflection, for though being young, you acquired the wisdom of the elders, martyr Astion, and you overcame the temptations of this life. Therefore, we pray to you, help us to escape unharmed from the turmoil of thoughts and the weight of troubles that come upon us, so that together we may sing to God: Alleluia!
Ikos 4
Having love for people, Holy Astion, you withdrew and prayed secretly to the Lord for the man who had fallen from a height and was lying almost dead. And God, hearing your prayer, immediately made him healthy, for which, marveling, we sing to you these things:
Rejoice, for you prayed in secret for the fallen man;
Rejoice, for you saved him from death;
Rejoice, foundation of heavenly life;
Rejoice, roof of the spiritual house;
Rejoice, you who have passed easily through the toll houses;
Rejoice, giver of health;
Rejoice, you who have raised up the sick;
Rejoice, you who have healed many;
Rejoice, most blessed intercessor;
Rejoice, most useful one;
Rejoice, most pure image;
Rejoice, most enlightened man;
Rejoice, Holy Astion, holy unmercenary and martyr of Christ!
Kontakion 5
You did not want to use your beauty and sharp mind to serve earthly things, O most blessed Astion, considering your chosen lineage and your righteous father’s wealth to be parched ground, you ran like a swift deer toward the ever-flowing springs of Christ’s teaching, which you drank from the lips of the priest Epictetus and immediately you were inflamed with divine love and without hesitation you were baptized in the name of Christ, to whom you now sing: Alleluia!
Ikos 5
Being wise, Father Epictetus, you showed your faith to the fifteen-year-old boy who was deaf, mute, and emaciated, and when you healed him, he said to you: “It is fitting for us to believe in Jesus Christ, O most blessed one, for He always brings good things to people, even to this day.” For this reason, we ask you, Father, to accept from us, the unworthy, the following:
Rejoice, for you have shown yourself to be an inexhaustible source of miracles;
Rejoice, for the mute man was healed and, rejoicing, gave glory to Christ;
Rejoice, for seeing the miracle, many in the city were baptized;
Rejoice, for through you Christ was glorified;
Rejoice, for you are much loved by the people of Dobruja;
Rejoice, for the Romanians have reverence towards you;
Rejoice, for they come from all over the country to worship you;
Rejoice, you who are quick to help us;
Rejoice, for you rejoice with the heavenly powers;
Rejoice, you who protect children;
Rejoice, deliverer of the humble;
Rejoice, refuge of the persecuted;
Rejoice, Holy Epictetus, holy unmercenary and martyr of Christ!
 Kontakion 6
Always watching over your disciple Astion, Father Epictetus, and seeing the sadness of death that overwhelmed him, you drove it away from him, thus showing him the power of blessing by Christ’s priest, which he also gives to us, to overcome doubt and despair, so that together with all the saints we may sing to God: Alleluia!
Ikos 6
The inhabitants of Halmyris welcomed you as apostles and disciples of Christ, for you truly showed apostolic signs and powers: you healed the paralyzed girl with just a word, restored sight to the blind man, and freed the possessed. For this reason, a great multitude returned to Christ, glorifying Him who gives such powers to men, and rejoicing in you in this way:
Rejoice, for you have brought our people to the true faith;
Rejoice, for you have triumphed through prayer and asceticism;
Rejoice, wall of unconquered love;
Rejoice, unquenchable fire of God’s love;
Rejoice, full benefit to Christians;
Rejoice, for you have given us an example of how to live;
Rejoice, for you have received the gift of healing from Christ;
Rejoice, for you have delivered us from our enemies;
Rejoice, for you have protected us from temptation;
Rejoice, for you have not loved the sweetness of this passing life;
Rejoice, for you have crushed the arm of the evil one;
Rejoice, for you have overcome the enemy’s hatred with patience;
Rejoice, Saints Epictetus and Astion, holy unmercenaries and martyrs of Christ!
 Kontakion 7
With whom shall we count you, most blessed ones, for bearing the angelic image of monasticism, preaching the Gospel like apostles, showing yourselves to be doctors without silver and miracle workers, and finally receiving the crown of martyrdom, so that many gifts and virtues shone forth in you. For this, we marvel and praise you, chanting: Alleluia!
Ikos 7
The pagan Latronianus, commander of the province, entered the city of Halmyris and began persecuting Christians. And you, saints, were denounced as those who turned many away from idolatrous sacrifices. For this reason, you were brought in chains to prison, but you turned your prison cell into a prayer room and joyfully glorified God in psalms and prayers, for which we also praise you thus:
Rejoice, for you have defeated the pagan commander, the one with the soul of a beast;
Rejoice, for through great torments you confessed Christ;
Rejoice, for you preached the name of Christ on earth;
Rejoice, you who overthrew the idolatrous faith;
Rejoice, for you have beautified yourselves with hope;
Rejoice, for you have conquered with patience and love;
Rejoice, for you have considered the prison a church;
Rejoice, for chains did not frighten you;
Rejoice, for you endured countless lashes;
Rejoice, for you were crowned by faith;
Rejoice, for in the face of Latronianus, you shone like the sun;
Rejoice, for out of love for Christ, you have suffered greatly;
Rejoice, Saints Epictetus and Astion, holy unmercenaries and martyrs of Christ!
 Kontakion 8
At dawn, the place of judgment was prepared, and the commander wanted to utterly destroy you. Then, receiving power from on high and the light of grace shining like the sun on your faces, holy martyrs, the judge could not look at you, and the crowd of people who were present, marveling, sang together with you to God: Alleluia!
 Ikos 8
The tyrant was utterly terrified by your wonderful courage, saints, and he was disturbed by your answers, for you boldly confronted him, saying, “We are Christians, may the will of our Lord be done with us!” For this we praise you, saying:
Rejoice because for God’s sake you have counted all your sufferings as delights;
Rejoice, for enduring torments, you have not wavered from the true faith;
Rejoice, unquenchable fire of divine love;
Rejoice, for through your patience you have amazed the angelic hosts;
Rejoice, for your courage has left the pagans speechless;
Rejoice, for you were not afraid when they burned your bodies;
Rejoice, for through this you have earned the crown of martyrdom;
Rejoice, for you have manfully overcome the hatred of the enemy of souls;
Rejoice, conquerors of the dominion of hell;
Rejoice, heirs of the beauty of heaven;
Rejoice, for the fire of your hearts was the light of Dobrogea;
Rejoice, precious pearls of the Church of Christ;
Rejoice, Saints Epictetus and Astion, holy unmercenaries and martyrs of Christ!
 Kontakion 9
Being flogged on the wooden plank, holy martyrs, the tyrants tore you apart with iron hooks, burned your bodies with burning torches, and threw you into cauldrons of boiling tar. But your faith in the Lord brought you out of all these torments unharmed, and, confessing Christ unceasingly, you were imprisoned again. Seeing these things beyond our understanding, we marvel and sing to God: Alleluia!
Ikos 9
The eloquent orators remain speechless, unable to express how you, holy martyrs, living in human flesh, overcame supernatural torments, becoming imitators of Christ. And we, glorifying the Lord, Who strengthened you, praise your bravery and say with gratitude:
Rejoice, great beauty of the Romanian people;
Rejoice, sweet-smelling flowers from the bouquet of Dobrujan martyrs;
Rejoice, for you fought for the glory and honor of the heavenly King;
Rejoice, you who endured terrible torments;
Rejoice, faithful servants of the Lord, who fulfilled all His will;
Rejoice, you who confessed the Truth before your rulers;
Rejoice, you who turned rods of ash into crowns of martyrdom;
Rejoice, for you have become beloved sons of the Lord;
Rejoice, fervent preachers of the divine faith;
Rejoice, for you have faced fierce anger;
Rejoice, heirs of eternal blessings;
Rejoice, swift intercessors for our salvation;
Rejoice, Saints Epictetus and Astion, holy unmercenaries and martyrs of Christ!
 Kontakion 10
Hearing one of the inquisitors named Vigilantius, how, when put to torture, you saints did not cease for 30 days to confess Christ, and hearing also your words that whoever believes in Christ will have eternal life, he could not stop himself and confessed Christ with a loud voice, and coming to you in prison, he asked for baptism and together with you chanted to God: Alleluia!
Ikos 10
As a true spiritual father, you guided the steps of your disciple Astion toward the heavenly Father, Father Epictetus, for at the moment of your departure from this world, you first cared for your beloved disciple. Make us worthy of this fatherly love, so that we may chant you these words:
Rejoice, you who have received unfading crowns;
Rejoice, you who have glorified God in your bodies and souls;
Rejoice, you who have glorified Christ with all your deeds;
Rejoice, you who have raised your hands to do good deeds;
Rejoice, you who have guided the judge’s steps on the true path;
Rejoice, you who have not set your hearts on wealth or worldly pleasures;
Rejoice, for you have contemplated heavenly things and eternal joy;
Rejoice, confessors of the true faith;
Rejoice, worthy successors of the Apostles;
Rejoice, for even in prison you have made disciples;
Rejoice, for you have been joyfully received into the company of martyrs;
Rejoice, for you rest in paradise with the saints;
Rejoice, Saints Epictetus and Astion, holy unmercenaries and martyrs of Christ!
Kontakion 11
While the holy martyrs endured terrible torments in the name of Christ, a traveler from the land of Astion, seeing him before the judgment seat and recognizing him, quickly sent word to his parents. And when they came to Halmyris, after the martyrdom of the saints, they heard about the wonderful deeds of their son and, receiving baptism, they glorified God, chanting: Alleluia!
Ikos 11
With great love you cared for your father, Alexander, and your mother, Marcelina, Saint Astion. Just as Jesus once entrusted His Mother to the apostle John, so you, saint, appearing in a dream to Vigilantius, entrusted your parents to him. They, together with the honorable priest Bonosus, then went to the great bishop Evangelicus, begging him to baptize them, and he, rejoicing in the Lord, performed the Holy Sacrament; and from us you hear things like these:
Rejoice, for you have saved your parents from paganism;
Rejoice, for they too have put on the garment of baptism;
Rejoice, for you have delivered them from sorrow;
Rejoice, for through faith they have found you again;
Rejoice, righteous pillar of monks;
Rejoice, honor and adornment of the faithful;
Rejoice, comforter of troubled souls;
Rejoice, uplifter of those who have fallen into sin;
Rejoice, our fervent helper;
Rejoice, healing doctor;
Rejoice, for you were perfect in the monastic life;
Rejoice, for you were worthy of the martyr’s crown;
Rejoice, Holy Astion, holy unmercenary and martyr of Christ!
Kontakion 12
After your heads were cut off, your bodies, holy martyrs, became as white as snow, and those who were overcome by physical or spiritual weakness, touching them with faith and love, were quickly relieved of all their suffering and pain. For this reason, Christians reverently took your holy relics, placed them in a crypt, and built a magnificent church in Halmyris in your honor, singing to God: Alleluia!
Ikos 12
When the barbarians came upon the city of Halmyris, the church where the holy relics were kept was destroyed, but through God’s providence they escaped unharmed, and now, after seventeen centuries, they have risen from the earth like a spiritual sun to enlighten and comfort us. And we, knowing the multitude of healings that were performed through your holy relics in times past, embracing and kissing them with love, with great joy we can only say this:
Rejoice, for your holy relics have been preserved unharmed;
Rejoice, for they were found on the Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God;
Rejoice, for in Dobrogea, you were followers of the holy apostle Andrew;
Rejoice, for after you, the martyrs Zotic, Atal, Camasie, and Philip were confessors;
Rejoice, inhabitants of heaven together with Saints Germanus and John Cassian,
Rejoice, counselors of priests and guides of monks;
Rejoice, good helmsmen, who protect us from the flood of sins;
Rejoice, faithful guides, who direct us to our heavenly homeland;
Rejoice, for through you the Trinity was preached;
Rejoice, for through you the One was glorified;
Rejoice, honor of the Christian people;
Rejoice, for all the faithful of Dobrogea honor you;
Rejoice, Saints Epictetus and Astion, holy unmercenaries and martyrs of Christ!
Kontakion 13
Long-suffering for Christ, holy martyrs Epictetus and Astion, receive now this prayer from us, who kneel before your holy icon, and as you enlightened the eyes of the blind and healed the lame, heal us also from all bodily and spiritual infirmities. Protect us from all evil that brings physical and spiritual death, and deliver us quickly from all trouble, we who honor your memory and confess the miracles that you perform with the power of the Holy Trinity to those who chant to God with faith: Alleluia! (
This kontakion is said three times.
Then the first Ikos is said again and after that the first Kontakion is also said again
And after that this prayer:
Holy martyrs Epictetus and Astion, look now upon us, who humbly fall before your holy icons and honor your holy relics, and as those who have been deemed worthy of great honor before Almighty God, pray to Him to deliver us from all troubles and dangers and to grant forgiveness of sins to our souls. And as you are the adornment and protectors of the land of Dobrogea, together with the holy martyrs Zotic, Atal, Camasie, and Philip, take care of the multitude of believers who honor you.
Receive now our offering of love, praise, and thanksgiving to the merciful God, and through the gift of the Almighty, heal our spiritual and physical illnesses, as you healed the child of that great ruler. And just as you healed many people during your lifetime, so heal our souls oppressed by passions and pains. And just as through your pure life, faith, and holy asceticism, you overcame the power of the enemy devils and won the mercy of our God, glorified in the Trinity, so strengthen us in faith and help us to be victorious in the struggle against sin, that we may gain virtues in the heavenly places. So that together with you we may sing to Christ God in the kingdom without end, for to Him belongs all glory, honor, and worship, together with His Father without beginning and His Most Holy and Good and Life-Giving Spirit, now and forever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
