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Saint Patrick lived during the first century and was the bishop of the city of Prusa in Bithynia (Asia Minor). He openly and boldly preached Christ the Saviour and denounced the error of the pagans. Therefore, he and the priests, Acacius, Menander and Polyainus were arrested and brought to Julius, the prefect of the city for interrogation.
Julius was going to the hot springs for treatment, and he ordered that the Christian bishop and the priests be brought along after him, bound in iron chains. After he washed in the hot springs, Julius offered sacrifice to his gods. He had Saint Patrick and the other prisoners brought before him, ordering them to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods, threatening punishment if they refused.
Saint Patrick replied, “I am a Christian and I worship the one true God, Jesus Christ, Who has created the heavens and the earth, and these warm springs for the benefit of all mankind.”
Julius had the saint thrown into the hot spring, and with firm faith, the martyr prayed, “Lord, Jesus Christ, help Your servant,” and he remained unharmed.
In impotent rage, Julius ordered Saint Patrick and his three presbyters beheaded. They received their crowns of unfading glory from Christ around the year 100.
Troparion — Tone 4
Your holy martyr Patrick and his companions, O Lord, / through their sufferings have received incorruptible crowns from You, our God. / For having Your strength, they laid low their adversaries, / and shattered the powerless boldness of demons. / Through their intercessions, save our souls!
Kontakion — Tone 4
(Podoben: “Today You have shown forth...”)
You were arrayed in the beauty of the priesthood, O Patrick, / and adorned with the blood of martyrdom. / As you stand before Christ with those who suffered with you, / remember us, / for you are an honored passion-bearer.
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