On this day we commemorate the martyrdom of Saints
John and James, Bishops of Persia, at the hands of Sapor, the
son of Hermez, King of Persia. When the King commanded them to
worship and to offer sacrifices to the sun and fire, they refused.
Instead, they continued teaching the people and confirming them
in the faith of the Lord Jesus. The King tortured them severely,
and as they would not turn from the faith and would not cease
from teaching the people and strengthening them, he ordered that
they be cast into a fire.
They gave up their souls into the hands of
the Lord and received the crown of glory with the host of saints.
On this day also
we commemorate the martyrdom of Saints Epimachus and Azarianus,
who were from the City of Rome. The Governor, who was appointed
by Emperor Maximianus, was informed that they were Christians.
As he brought them and questioned their faith they confessed that
they were Christians. They also reproved him for having forsaken
the worship of God who created the heaven, the earth, and all
that is therein and for worshipping man-made idols which could
neither see nor hear because wherein dwelt Satan who misled many
men. The Governor was astonished at their audacity and commanded
their necks to be cut off, and they received the crowns of martyrdom.