St. Mina and St. Abanoub Coptic Orthodox Church

The Eleventh Day of the Blessed Month of Amshir
Amshir 11

---

Martyrdom of St. Fabian (Fabrianus), Pope of Rome

      On this day, St. Fabian, Pope of Rome, was martyred. This father was a righteous scholar. He was ordained Pope for the city of Rome, so he taught his people and guided them in the way of Christian perfection. Decius, the head of the army, killed Emperor Philip, and replaced him as emperor. Decius incited a severe persecution against the Christians, and many were martyred. This infidel built a huge temple in the middle of the city of Ephesus, and erected in it idols, where he offered sacrifices to them. He then ordered to behead everyone who refused to sacrifice to these gods. When Decius knew that St. Fabian was against the worship of idols and that he was teaching the faithful to be steadfast in their faith, he brought him to Ephesus. Decius commanded St. Fabian to sacrifice to the idols. St. Fabian did not yield to him and ridiculed his idols. The Emperor punished him with many tortures for a long time and at the end, he beheaded him with the sword. St. Fabian thus received the crown of martyrdom. This pope stayed on the throne for 12 years, the major part of which was tranquil and peaceful.

May His prayers be with us and Glory be to our God forever. Amen.