The Martyr Timolaus (August 19) was sentenced to burning, and the Martyrs Agapius and Thekla (August 19) were sentenced to be torn apart by wild beasts. A group of young Christians: Publius, Timolaus, Alexander, another Alexander, Dionysius, and Romulus, the subdeacon of the Diospolis church decided to confess their faith and suffer for Christ.
As a sign of their voluntary deed they tied their own hands behind their backs and appeared before the governor Urbanus. Seeing their youth, the governor tried to persuade them to reconsider their decision, but in vain. He then threw them in prison, where there were already two Christians, Agapius and his servant Dionysius. All these saints were subjected to terrible tortures and beheaded.
Troparion — Tone 4
Your soul aflame with love for Christ, / You gathered a company of illustrious athletes, O glorious Agapius. / With them you excelled in righteous contest, / And together you were beheaded by the sword. / Henceforth always pray for the forgiveness of our sins!
Kontakion — Tone 4
Out of love for Christ / The eight-fold choir of martyrs spurned all earthly things. / As they were beheaded / They cried out together: / O compassionate One, give joy to your servants!
