Holy Great Martyr Cyprian. The life and suffering of the holy martyr Cyprian and the holy martyr Justina. He came to the Christian bishop Anthimus, told him about his errors and asked him to teach him the truths of the Christian faith in order to prepare
![Holy Great Martyr Cyprian. The life and suffering of the holy martyr Cyprian and the holy martyr Justina. He came to the Christian bishop Anthimus, told him about his errors and asked him to teach him the truths of the Christian faith in order to prepare](https://i0.wp.com/p2.patriarchia.ru/508/835/1234/IMG_02.jpg)
Hieromartyr Cyprian, holy martyr Justina and holy martyr Theoktistos killed in Nicomedia in 304.
Saint Cyprian was a pagan, originally from Antioch. Even in early childhood, he was given by wicked parents to serve the pagan gods. From the age of seven to thirty, Cyprian studied in the largest centers of paganism - on Mount Olympus, in the cities of Argos and Tavropol, in the Egyptian city of Memphis and in Babylon. Having comprehended the wisdom of pagan philosophy and sorcery, he was ordained a priest on Olympus. Having acquired the great power of calling unclean spirits, he saw the prince of darkness himself, talked with him and received from him a regiment of demons into his service.
In the same city lived a Christian girl named Justina. Having turned to Christ from pagan delusion and brought her father and mother to the true faith, she dedicated herself to the Heavenly Bridegroom and spent time in fasting and prayer, maintaining her virginity. When the young man Aglaid invited Justina to become his wife, the holy martyr refused. Aglaid turned to Cyprian and asked him to use sorcery to persuade Justina to marry. But no matter how hard Cyprian tried, he could not do anything, because the holy martyr, through prayer and fasting, crushed all the machinations of the devil. With spells, Cyprian sent demons to the holy virgin, inciting carnal passion in her, but she drove them out with the power of the Sign of the Cross and fervent prayer to the Lord. Even one of the demonic princes and Cyprian himself, who by the power of magic took on various guises, could not tempt Saint Justina, protected by her firm faith in Christ. All the spells disappeared, and demons scattered at the mere sight and even the name of the holy virgin. The angry Cyprian sent pestilence and plagues to Justina’s family and the entire city, but even here he was defeated by her prayer. To his soul, corrupted by his power over people and the elements, the full depth of its fall and the insignificance of those he served was revealed. “If you fear even the shadow of the Cross and tremble at the Name of Christ,” Cyprian said to Satan, “then what will you do when Christ himself comes upon you?” The devil immediately attacked the priest who had rejected him and began to beat and strangle him. Saint Cyprian for the first time experienced the power of the Sign of the Cross and the Name of Christ, protecting himself with them from the attack of the enemy. With deep repentance, he came to the local bishop Anfim and gave all his books to be burned.
And the next day, having come to church, I did not want to leave it until I received Holy Baptism.
By the feat of his subsequent righteous life, Saint Cyprian affirmed the great power of ardent faith in Christ, which redeemed all his more than thirty years of service to Satan: seven days after Baptism he was ordained a reader, on the twentieth day - a subdeacon, on the thirtieth - a deacon, and after year ordained as a presbyter. Soon Saint Cyprian was elevated to the rank of bishop. The holy martyr converted so many pagans to Christ that in his diocese there was no one to offer sacrifices to idols, and their temples were abandoned. Saint Justina retired to a monastery and was elected abbess. During the persecution of Christians under the Emperor Diocletian, Bishop Cyprian and Abbess Justina were captured and brought to Nicomedia, where, after severe torture, they were beheaded with a sword. The warrior Theoktist, seeing the innocent suffering of the saints, declared himself a Christian and was executed along with them. Knowing about the miraculous conversion to Christ of the holy martyr Cyprian, who was a servant of the prince of darkness and who broke his bonds by faith, Christians often resort to the prayerful help of the saint in the fight against unclean spirits.
Iconographic original |
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Rus. XVII.Menaion - October (fragment). Icon. Rus. Beginning of the 17th century Church-Archaeological Cabinet of the Moscow Theological Academy. |
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Constantinople. 985. |
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Byzantium. XI. |
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Decani. OK. 1350.Mchch. Cyprian and Justina. Fresco. Church of Christ Pantocrator. Decani. Kosovo. Serbia. Around 1350. |
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Russia. XVIII.Mchch. Cyprian and Justina with their lives. Icon. Russia. End of the 18th century 32 x 26.4. Museum of Icons. Recklinghausen. Germany. |
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Moscow. 2004.Mchch. Cyprian and Justina. Proskurina G. (graduate of the Icon Painting School 2006). Icon. Sergiev Posad. 2004 |
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Cyprus. 1192.Sschmch. Cyprian. Fresco. Cyprus (Arakos). 1192 |
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Constantinople. 985.Mchch. Cyprian and Justina. Miniature Minology of Vasily II. Constantinople. 985 Vatican Library. Rome. |
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Byzantium. XI.St. Cyprian and Justina. Miniature Minology for October. Byzantium. Around the middle of the 11th century. State Historical Museum. Moscow. |
The legend about the holy martyrs Cyprian and Justin has existed since ancient times. In its original form, in Greek, the story of Cyprian and Justina was presented in three books: “The Acts of Cyprian and Justina,” “The Confession of Cyprian,” and “The Martyrdom of Cyprian and Justina.”
In the 3rd century, during the reign of Decius (Roman emperor from 249 to 271), a pagan sage, the famous sorcerer Cyprian, originally from Carthage, lived in Antioch.
Coming from wicked parents, even as a child he was dedicated by them to the service of the pagan god Apollo. For seven years he was given to sorcerers to learn sorcery and demonic wisdom. Upon reaching the age of 10, he was sent by his parents to prepare for priestly service on Mount Olympus. Until the age of 30, Cyprian studied in the largest centers of paganism - on Mount Olympus, in the cities of Argos and Tavropol, in the Egyptian city of Memphis and in Babylon. Having comprehended the wisdom of pagan philosophy and sorcery, he was ordained a priest on Olympus. Having acquired the great power of calling unclean spirits, he saw the prince of darkness himself, talked with him, gave him all of himself into his power, and received from him a regiment of demons into his service. Returning to Antioch, Cyprian began to be revered by the pagans as the chief priest, surprising people with his ability to control the elements, send pestilence and plagues. Cyprian could seduce listeners with an inspired speech, and could shake the imagination of inexperienced Antiochites with amazing tricks. His bright black eyes glowed with some strange inspiration, pierced the man’s soul, subordinating it to the will of the magician. Many turned to him in their needs, and he helped them with demonic power. He seduced many people to all sorts of iniquities, and destroyed many with poison and sorcery.
One day a young man named Aglaid, the son of rich and noble parents, turned to him. One day he saw the girl Justina and was struck by her beauty, and from then on he began to seek her affection and love, but she refused him: “My bridegroom is Christ; I serve Him and for His sake I maintain my purity.”
Justina was the daughter of a priest named Edesius, and her mother was called Cleodonia. They were all pagans. One day, sitting at the window in her house, the maiden Justina accidentally heard words of salvation from the lips of a passing deacon named Prailia. He spoke about the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ - that He was born of the Most Pure Virgin and, having performed many miracles, deigned to suffer for the sake of our salvation, rose from the dead with glory, ascended into heaven, sat down at the right hand of the Father and reigns forever. This sermon of the deacon fell on good soil, in the heart of Justina, and soon began to bear fruit, uprooting the thorns of unbelief in her. Justina wanted to learn the faith better and more completely from the deacon, but did not dare to seek him, restrained by girlish modesty. However, she secretly began to go to the Church of Christ and, often listening to the word of God, with the influence of the Holy Spirit on her heart, she believed in Christ. Soon she convinced her mother of this, and then led her elderly father to faith. Seeing the mind of his daughter and hearing her wise words, Edesius reasoned with himself: “Idols are made by human hands and have neither soul nor breath, and therefore how can they be gods.” Reflecting on this, one night he saw in a dream, by Divine permission, a wonderful vision: he saw a great host of luminous angels, and among them was the Savior of the world, Christ, who said to him: "Come to Me and I will give you the kingdom of heaven."
Rising in the morning, Edesius went with his wife and daughter to a Christian bishop named Ontatu, asking him to teach them the faith of Christ and perform holy baptism on them. At the same time, he related the words of his daughter and the angelic vision he himself had seen. Hearing this, the bishop rejoiced at their conversion and, having instructed them in the faith of Christ, baptized Edesius, his wife Cleodonia and daughter Justina. When Edesius became stronger in the faith of Christ, the bishop, seeing his piety, made him a presbyter. After this, having lived virtuously and in the fear of God for 1.5 years, Edesius ended his life in holy faith. Justina labored valiantly in keeping the commandments of the Lord and, having loved her Bridegroom Christ, served Him with diligent prayers, virginity and chastity, fasting and great abstinence.
When the young man Aglaid, the son of rich and noble parents, proposed Justina to become his wife, the holy martyr refused. Aglaid turned to Cyprian and asked him to use sorcery to persuade Justina to marry. But no matter how hard Cyprian tried, he could not do anything, because the holy martyr, through prayer and fasting, crushed all the machinations of the devil. Armed with secret knowledge and calling upon unclean spirits for help, Cyprian sent them 3 times to seduce Justina. They inspired her with evil thoughts, kindled carnal passion in her, tempted her with flattering and crafty speeches, but Justina defeated them with fasting, prayer and the sign of the cross, and, disgraced and frightened by the cross of the Lord, they fled in shame. Cyprian was then indignant and began to take revenge on Justina for his shame. He sent pestilence and plagues to the house of Justina and to the whole city, just as the devil once did to the righteous Job. She prayed earnestly, and the demonic obsession stopped.
Seeing that all his means were powerless against a weak creature - a young girl, armed only with prayer and the sign of the cross, Cyprian, having received his sight, renounced the works of the devil, took all his books of magic and went to the Christian bishop Anthimus. Falling at the feet of the bishop, he gave all his books to be burned and begged to be baptized. And the next day, having come to church, I did not want to leave it until I received Holy Baptism.
7 days after Baptism, Cyprian was ordained a reader, on the 20th day - a subdeacon, on the 30th - a deacon, and a year later he was ordained a presbyter. Cyprian completely changed his life, every day he increased his exploits and, constantly mourning his previous evil deeds, improved and ascended from virtue to virtue. He was soon made a bishop and in this rank he led such a holy life that he became equal to many great saints; At the same time, he zealously cared for the flock of Christ entrusted to him. He appointed the holy maiden Justina a deaconess, and then entrusted her with a nunnery, making her abbess over other Christian maidens. With his behavior and instruction, he converted many pagans and won them for the Church of Christ.
Seeing the strict life of Saint Cyprian, his concern for the faith of Christ and the salvation of human souls, the devil gnashed his teeth at him and prompted the pagans to slander him before the ruler of the eastern country in that he had disgraced the gods, turned many people away from them, and Christ, who was hostile to the gods glorifies them.
Under Emperor Diocletian, during the persecution of Christians, Bishop Cyprian and Abbess Justina were captured and subjected to severe torture. Cyprian's body was planed, and Justina's mouth and eyes were beaten; then they were thrown into a boiling cauldron, but it did not cause them any harm, and they, as if in a cool place, glorified God. They were then condemned to be beheaded by the sword.
Then they were brought to the place of execution, then Cyprian asked himself some time for prayer, so that Justina would be executed first: he was afraid that Justina would not be afraid at the sight of his death. She joyfully bowed her head under the sword and reposed before her Bridegroom, Christ.
Seeing the innocent death of these martyrs, a certain Theoktistus, who was present there, greatly regretted them and, having inflamed his heart towards God, fell to Saint Cyprian and, kissing him, declared himself a Christian. Together with Cyprian, he was immediately condemned to beheading. So they gave their souls into the hands of God; their bodies lay unburied for 6 days. Some of the strangers who were there secretly took them and took them to Rome, where they gave them to a virtuous and holy woman named Rufina, a relative of Claudius Caesar. She buried with honor the bodies of the holy martyrs of Christ: Cyprian, Justina and Theoctistus. Death of St. Cyprian, Truth and Theoctistus followed around 304. At their graves, many healings took place for those who came to them in faith. With their prayers, may the Lord heal our illnesses, both physical and mental!
Knowing about the miraculous conversion to Christ of the holy martyr Cyprian, who was a servant of the prince of darkness and who broke his bonds by faith, Christians often resort to the prayerful help of the saint in the fight against unclean spirits.
In Cyprus, in the village of Meniko near Nicosia there is a temple of the Hieromartyr Cyprian and the Martyr Justina, where their holy relics rest. The relics were brought to Cyprus from Syria in 1298.
Prayer to the Hieromartyr Cyprian
O holy servant of God, Hieromartyr Cyprian, quick helper and prayer book for all who come running to you! Accept this praise from us, the unworthy; ask the Lord God for strength in weaknesses, for consolation in sorrows, and for all that is useful in our life; Offer up your powerful prayer to the Lord, may he protect us from the falls of sin, may he teach us true repentance, may he deliver us from the captivity of the devil and all the actions of unclean spirits and tame those who offend us. Be a strong champion for us against all enemies, visible and invisible; grant us patience in temptation and at the hour of our death, show us intercession from the torturers at the aerial ordeals; May we, led by you, reach the Mountain of Jerusalem and be worthy in the Heavenly Kingdom with all the saints to glorify and sing the holy name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.
Troparion of the Hieromartyr Cyprian and the Martyr Justina, tone 4
And having been a communicant in character, and a vicar of the throne, having become an apostle, you gained your deed, inspired by God, in a vision: for this reason, correcting the word of truth, and for the sake of faith, you suffered even to the point of blood, Hieromartyr Cyprian, pray to Christ God // to save our souls.
Kontakion of the Hieromartyr Cyprian and the Martyr Justina, tone 1
Turning from magical art to the wisdom of God to the knowledge of the divine, you appeared to the world as the wisest physician, granting healing to those who honor you, Cyprian and Justina: with her we pray to the philanthropic Lady to save our souls.
Lives of the Hieromartyr Cyprian, Bishop, Martyr Justina and Martyr Theoctistus
In the 3rd century, during the kingdom of Rome named after De-Kia, a pagan sage, a sign, lived in Antiochia. n-ty sorcerer-vo-va-tel Ki-pri-an. He pacified the prince of darkness by sacrificing himself, gave him all of himself into power, and he gave him a regiment of demons as his service and promised to establish a prince based on his descent from the body. Many people turned to him in their needs, and he helped them with demonic power. One day a young man named Agla-id, the son of gods and noble families, approached him. One day he saw Justina’s girl and was struck by her beauty, and from then on he began to look for her beauty and love, she told him: “My bridegroom is Christ; I serve Him and for His sake I preserve my purity.”
Having lived by secretly knowing me and calling on unclean spirits for help, Ki-pri-an sent them out three times -blaz-thread Justi-well. They instilled bad thoughts in her, created carnal passion in her, sought to flatter you and lure you cha-mi, but Justi-na beat them with a prayer, a prayer and the sign of the cross, and, disgracefully, they were frightened -crossed with the Lord under him, they ran with their eyes on them. Voz-ne-go-do-val then Ki-pri-an and began to take revenge on Justina for his disgrace. He sent pestilence and plagues to the house of Justina and to the whole city, just as the devil once did to the righteous Job. She prayed diligently, and the demonic expectation stopped. After such a change, people began to glorify Christ, and Ki-pri-an, having regained his sight, renounced the affairs of the dia- la, he gave everything to the local bishop An-fi-mu, gave him all his books to burn and begged him to do it above him is Holy Baptism.
He completely changed his life, seven days after his baptism he became a reader, twenty days later he became an ipo-di-a-ko-na , after thirty - to dia-ko-na, and a year later to ru-ko-po-lo-li-li to the priest. He was soon made a bishop and in this rank he led such a holy life that he became equal to many great men. we are holy.
During the persecution of Christians under im-pe-ra-to-re Dio-kli-ti-an Ki-pri-a-na and Justi-nu okle-ve-ta-li , in the same way, that's why they ordered to hang the saint and whittle his body, and beat Justi-nu on the mouth and eye-deputy After this, they were thrown into the boiler, but the boiling boiler did not cause them any harm. In the end they were condemned to be beheaded with a sword.
Seeing the innocent death of the mu-che-ni-kov, the warrior Feo-k-tist declared himself a Christian and was executed along with him -mi.
The holy martyr Ki-pri-an, the holy martyr Justina and the holy martyr Feo-k-tist were killed in Ni-ko-mi-dii in 304.
Prayers
Troparion to the Hieromartyr Cyprian and the Martyr Justina
And a partaker in character,/ and a vicar of the throne, an apostle,/ you gained action, inspired by God,/ in a vision the sunrise:/ for this sake, correcting the word of truth,/ and for the sake of faith you suffered even to the point of blood,/ Hieromartyr Cyprian,/ pray to Christ God/ / save our souls.
Translation: And you became a participant in the morals of the Apostles, and became an heir to their throne, through your deeds you achieved ascension; therefore, proclaiming the right word of truth, you suffered to the point of bleeding for the faith, Hieromartyr Cyprian, intercede before Christ God for the salvation of our souls.
Kontakion to the Hieromartyr Cyprian and the Martyr Justina
Turning from magical art, O God-wise,/ to the knowledge of the Divine,/ you appeared to the world as the wisest physician,/ granting healings to those who honor you, the Cyprians and Justina:/ praying to the lover of mankind Vlada. tse // save our souls.
Translation: The God-Wise One turned from the craft of magic to the knowledge of the Divine, appeared to the world as the wisest physician, granting healing to those who worship you, Cyprian and Justina, with her pray to the Lord who loves mankind for the salvation of our souls.
Prayer to the Hieromartyr Cyprian
Holy servant of God, Hieromartyr Cyprian, quick helper and prayer for all those who come running to you! Accept this praise from us, the unworthy; ask the Lord God for strength in weaknesses, consolation in sorrows, and everything useful to everyone in our life; Offer your merciful prayer to the Lord, may he protect us from the falls of sin, may he teach us true repentance, may he deliver us from the captivity of the devil and all the activities of unclean spirits and tame those who offend us. Be a strong champion for us against all enemies, visible and invisible; give us patience in temptation and at the hour of our death show us intercession from the torturers at the aerial ordeals; May we, led by you, reach Mount Jerusalem and be honored in the Kingdom of Heaven with all the saints to glorify and sing the holy name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.
Prayer to the Hieromartyr Cyprian and the Martyr Justina
Oh, holy martyr Cyprian and martyr Justin! Hear our humble prayer. Even though you naturally died your temporary life as a martyr for Christ, you do not depart from us in spirit, always following the commandments of the Lord to teach us and to patiently bear your cross to help us. Behold, boldness towards Christ God and His Most Pure Mothers has been acquired by nature. Even now you will be prayer books and intercessors for us, unworthy (names). Be our intercessors of the fortress, so that through your intercession we may remain unharmed from demons, wise men and evil men, glorifying the Holy Trinity: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen.
Canons and Akathists
Song 1
Irmos: The sea of the dark abyss / with damp feet / the ancient Israel who walked, / with the cross-shaped hand of Moses / defeated the power of Amalek in the desert.
Now established with the Premier rites, O sacred and Divine head, / look down from Heaven upon you who sing piously / and preserve with your prayers.
In the darkness of ignorance, reverend, you are fiercely possessed / and you are kindled by the soul-destroying passions of the flesh through intemperance, / you suddenly found glorious transformation, all-blessed.
Glory: Thou didst first sit in the seats of the destroyers, Father, / and in the seats of the elders, thou didst once again glorify Christ, / having been changed by the Master’s revealed Divine grace.
And now: You remained a Virgin after the Nativity: / Having given birth to the Creator of all and the Lord, / appearing unusually and strangely to us as a body, / to the Mother of God, the Ever-Virgin Mother.
Song 3
Irmos: Your Church rejoices in You, Christ, calling: / You are my strength, Lord, / and refuge and confirmation.
Chorus: Hieromartyr Cyprian and Martyr Justino, pray to God for us.
Like Paul, / having transferred your spiritual love to Christ, Cyprian was all-wise, / of whom you were a disciple.
Christ betroths you, / instead of passionate vestments, giving you the robe of glory / and the robe of rebirth.
Glory: The fasting fast-monger was formerly patient, / later, the all-valid Cyprian, / you were a witness of the Truth.
And now: Lordly and truly, we honor You, the Mother of God, / for You gave birth to God, / You were flesh, All-immaculate.
Lord, have mercy, three times.
Sedalen, tone 8. Similar to: Wisdom:
Diligently punished for delusion, / like Paul, he was called from Heaven, / We instruct the cross to the light of knowledge, / for we kindle honest virgins with love, / for the sake of which you were united to the Creator of men. / Thus, having exposed the weakness of the enemy, / with it you were honored with the face of the martyrs, / Cyprians, fertilizer for the bishops, / pray to Christ the God of sins to forgive taxes / to those who honor your holy memory with love.
Glory, even now, to the Mother of God: In a multi-braided misfortune I fall / from enemies visible and invisible, / overwhelmed by a storm of my countless sins, / and, as to my warm intercession and protection, O Pure One, / I flow to the refuge of Your goodness. / Moreover, O Most Pure One, from Thee Incarnate without a seed / pray diligently for all Thy servants, / who continually pray to Thee, the Most Pure Mother of God, / beseeching Him to grant forgiveness of sins forever / to those who worthily sing Thy glory.
Song 4
Irmos: You are exalted, having seen the Church on the Cross, / the righteous Sun, / standing in your rank, / worthily crying out: / glory to your power, Lord.
Chorus: Hieromartyr Cyprian and Martyr Justino, pray to God for us.
Having awakened, O God-voice, from the first fury, / you denounced all the demonic flattery and soul-spirited charm and, rejoicing, you cried out: / glory to your power, Lord.
Justina is valiantly strengthened / and the Pure Virgin and the Joyful One earnestly praying / to escape the snares and snares of the enemy.
Glory: Strengthened by the faith of your Bridegroom / and clothed with the power of the Cross, / the demons are hidden, crying out: / glory to your power, Lord.
And now: Who by nature is free, / in the image of a slave impoverished by the riches of goodness, Mother of the Ever-Virgin, / from You, according to Hypostasis, all humanity receives.
Song 5
Irmos: You, Lord, are my light, / you came into the world. / Holy Light, turn from darkness of ignorance / those who sing of Thee to faith.
Chorus: Hieromartyr Cyprian and Martyr Justino, pray to God for us.
The champion of the Pure Mother of God, having become rich, Justino, / preserved her honest virginity without harm.
The animated Christ and the most beautiful image, / let us honor Justina, / intimate kindness and unstealthy devotion.
Glory: The Bride of Christ, ever present and undefiled, / having received suffering and fasting, / righteously wears the crown.
And now: The angelic and human mind cannot express / the ineffable and glorious miracle of Your Nativity, / All-Pure One.
Song 6
Irmos: I will devour Thee with a voice of praise, O Lord, / The Church cries out to Thee, / having been cleansed from demonic blood, / for the sake of mercy from Thy side / by the flowing Blood.
Chorus: Hieromartyr Cyprian and Martyr Justino, pray to God for us.
You have reached the depths of the wickedness of the underworld, / but to the extreme of virtue, Father, / you have ascended to the heights, / having been gloriously transformed by Divine Baptism.
You were a servant of demons first, / but you appeared to be Christ’s Epiphany disciple, / having loved the last desire with love.
Glory: You have brought many martyrs to the Master, / demonstrating the greatest purchase, / purchasing the Kingdom of Heaven, God-wise, with the least blood.
And now: Break my captivity of sins, Bride of God, the sinful law, / Granting freedom to life by the law, / Who gave birth to the Lord of the law.
Lord, have mercy, three times. Glory, and now:
Kontakion, tone 1. Similar to: The Face of an Angel:
Turning from magical art, O God-Wise One, / to the knowledge of the Divine, / you appeared to the world as the wisest physician, / granting healing to those who honor you, Cyprian and Justina: / with this you prayed to the Lover of Mankind / to save our souls.
Ikos: You have sent down your healings, holy gifts, to me, / and heal my ailing heart with sinful pus / with your prayers, / for now I will bring you the word of singing from my unclean lips / and I will sing to your illness, which you have shown, O holy martyr, / with good repentance and the blessed and those approaching God. / He was held by his hand, / you headed, like a ladder, to the Heavenly Ones, / constantly praying to save our souls.
Song 7
Irmos: Thy youths who saved in the fires of Abraham / and, having killed the Chaldeans, / who grasped the truth righteously, / the revered Lord, / God of our father, blessed art thou.
Chorus: Hieromartyr Cyprian and Martyr Justino, pray to God for us.
You entered the hierarchical leadership, / you showed the most sacred image as your hierarch and the rule, crying out: / blessed are you, O Lord, God of our fathers.
Your life-giving right hands are truly a change, Father, who has found, / made you wise, the Speaker of God, singing: / revered Lord, God of our father, blessed art thou.
Glory: An invincible weapon against us, blessed, art thou who have appeared, / denouncing him with flattery, singing: / revered Lord, God of our father, blessed art thou.
And now: The heavenly faces and the heavenly cathedrals / sing hymns from you, the Mother of God, born, calling: / revered Lord, God of our father, blessed art thou.
Song 8
Irmos: Rejoice, O Jerusalem, rejoice, O ye who love Zion: / For the Lord of hosts has come to reign forever. / Let the whole earth stand in awe at His Face / and let it cry: / Bless all the works of the Lord, the Lord.
Chorus: Hieromartyr Cyprian and Martyr Justino, pray to God for us.
You neglected the wisdom of the Hellenic wisdom, O glorious one, / but the Divine broadcast of the apostles, rattled by the Spirit, father, / and clearly spoken with tongues of fire, you cried out: / bless all the works of the Lord, the Lord.
You have risen up into the high and worldly light of the village, / offering to Christ the blood, as an immaculate sacrifice, father, / a living slaughter, pleasant and pleasing, singing: / bless, all the works of the Lord, the Lord.
Glory: We are overcome by the indwelling grace in you, / the demonstrators are driven away and the passions of the ailing are driven away, God-wise, / we are satisfied with the return of the Divine light, crying out: / bless, all the works of the Lord, the Lord.
And now: They rejoice with the Angelic powers, O Most Pure One, at Thy Nativity, O Mother of God, / and those who call Thee the Mother of God by faith: / For Thou hast given birth to us as a Master and Savior, to Him we sing: / Bless all the works of the Lord, the Lord.
Song 9
Irmos: Eve, through the disease of disobedience, / instilled an oath, / But You, Virgin Mother of God, / Through the vegetation of womb-bearing, You have blossomed with the blessing of the world, / Thus we all magnify You.
Chorus: Hieromartyr Cyprian and Martyr Justino, pray to God for us.
Above us, who piously sing thee, thou art admiring thee with Divine grace, / by thy prayers, O God-speaker, and crowning with the weapon of benevolence, / grant us peace and salvation, / as the most divine clergyman.
The flow of healing abundantly rewards your dust to those who love you; / for you, Cyprians, the God-bearing wives, as they accept the Divine treasure / and diligently reveal the hidden, / so that we may all enjoy it for you.
Glory: Direct our progress towards Christ, O rich one, through deeds, / and God-pleasing life, and the purest purification / imploring God’s quietness, as a most compassionate hierarch.
And now: Strengthen our spiritual weakness, O Mother of God, by Thy power, / resolve the burden, O Most Holy One, imposed on Thy servant, / the Sun that has risen unspeakably to the world of righteousness.
Luminous. Similar to: Wives, hear:
Among the Magi, there is no judgment and one is greater, / who has lost his temper and burned the books instructing in delusion, / and the testimony of the crown of strangely received, / Let us praise Cyprian, the mirror of the sufferers.
Glory, and now: Of old, the deity deceived me with hope, deceiving me, / with a dense offer he is wisely seduced by the Virgin Who Rised; / and the dense condemnation of the flesh was resolved, / slain to death.
Kontakion 1
Chosen from the service of the devil to serve the true God and numbered among the saints, Hieromartyr Cyprian, pray to Christ God to deliver us from the snares of the evil one and defeat the world, the flesh and the devil, let us cry to you:
Ikos 1
The angelic powers were amazed at how you turned from magical art, God-Wise Cyprian, to the knowledge of the Divine, and through repentance you gained an angelic, passionless life. We, marveling at your conversion, cry out to you like this:
Rejoice, having astonished the Angels with your conversion;
Rejoice, joyful face of the saints.
Rejoice, you who have shown your wisdom;
Rejoice, you have received a crown for Christ.
Rejoice, for through you demons are driven away;
Rejoice, for through you all illnesses are healed.
Rejoice, Hieromartyr Cyprian, quick helper and prayer book for our souls!
Kontakion 2
Seeing the Lord how from a young age Cyprian was given over by his wicked parents to be trained in demonic service, the desire was to turn him to Himself, and with the Angels and all the saints he sang: Alleluia!
Ikos 2
Having an imperfect mind for higher understanding, you worked diligently, Saint Cyprian, studying demonic false tricks, but, having learned the weakness of demons, that they fear Christ, you turned to the knowledge of the true God. Therefore we magnify you:
Rejoice, conqueror of the demonic wiles;
Rejoice, you who expose the charm of his ministry.
Rejoice, you who put to shame the evil serpent;
Rejoice, glorifying Christians.
Rejoice, wisest of the wise of this world;
Rejoice, most intelligent one.
Rejoice, Holy Martyr Cyprian, quick helper and prayer for our souls!
Kontakion 3
The power of the Most High enlighten your mind, blessed Cyprian, when, having failed in sorcery against Justina, the devil tells you: we fear and tremble at the power of the Cross, with which the virgin Justina drives us away. You answered: you are afraid of the Cross, but the Crucified One is stronger than the Cross. For this reason you came to the temple of the Lord to sing with all the faithful: Alleluia!
Ikos 3
Having his mind enlightened by the power from above, Cyprian came to the bishop to ask for baptism, but he, fearing the deceit of the sorcerer, drove him away. Cyprian flowed into the Temple of the Lord, and there, during the liturgy, the deacon cried out: the catechumen, come forth, saying: I will not leave the Temple, until I receive baptism. We, rejoicing at your admonition, sing to you like this:
Rejoice, enlightened by the power from above;
Rejoice, admonished by the Lord.
Rejoice, having learned the power of the Cross;
Rejoice, having driven away demons from yourself.
Rejoice, you who have corrected your life;
Rejoice, directing your steps to the Church.
Rejoice, Hieromartyr Cyprian, quick helper and prayer book for our souls!
Kontakion 4
A storm of thoughts overwhelmed Cyprian about how to accept baptism. Moreover, first of all, take your magic books, bring them to the middle of the city and burn them there, singing to God: Alleluia!
Ikos 4
Having heard the bishop, as if, in all wisdom, he had the good intention of being a Christian, he baptized you and installed a reader in the temple. For this reason we cry out to you:
Rejoice, conqueror of the spirits of evil;
Rejoice, burning books of sorcery
Rejoice, thou who desirest to be a Christian;
Rejoice, having received Holy Baptism.
Rejoice, you who cried out to God with repentance day and night;
Rejoice, thou who was appointed a bishop and a reader in the temple.
Rejoice, Hieromartyr Cyprian, quick helper and prayer book for our souls!
Kontakion 5
Having received the richly woven robe of Holy Baptism, the all-valid Cyprian warmly prayed to God for the forgiveness of sins previously committed, chanting to God from all Christians: Alleluia!
Ikos 5
Having seen the bishop of your exploits and labors, Hieromartyr Cyprian, fasting, long-night vigil, kneeling, repentance, tears, prayers, and after testing, made you a deacon. We, thanking God, praise you:
Rejoice, adorned with deeds and virtues;
Rejoice, you who pray for the forgiveness of sins.
Rejoice, you have shown an example of correction;
Rejoice, you who bring tearful prayers to the Lord.
Rejoice, having learned the path to salvation;
Rejoice, you who have shown fiery love for Christ.
Rejoice, Hieromartyr Cyprian, quick helper and prayer book for our souls!
Kontakion 6
Imitating the image of Christian piety to the Virgin Justina, the Hieromartyr Cyprian, you truly appeared as a perfect Christian, you rejected the wicked teaching, having been baptized, and with your lips and a pure heart you sang gratefully to God: Alleluia!
Ikos 6
The light of Divine perfection shone in your heart, O God-Wise Cyprian, and you attained the rank of priest, and then bishop. We pray to you, enlighten our hearts with your prayers, warmly praying to you:
Rejoice, ordained to the rank of bishop;
Rejoice, thou exalted to the height of an eagle.
Rejoice, city, stand above for years;
Rejoice, lamp, burn before God.
Rejoice, tireless prayer book to Christ;
Rejoice, teacher bestowed by God.
Rejoice, Hieromartyr Cyprian, quick helper and prayer book for our souls!
Kontakion 7
Although the Lord will save everyone, he has given us this prayer book, intercessor and healer from the spirits of evil in heaven. By your skill and words, O God-voice, you led many to repentance and correction of sinful lives, teaching everyone to sing to God: Alleluia!
Ikos 7
You have appeared to the world, the wisest new doctor, Hieromartyr Cyprian, as if your prayer cannot be resisted by sorcerer’s machinations, they are destroyed and the suggestions of evil people and crafty demons are driven away. We, seeing the power of God given to you, cry out to you like this:
Rejoice, destroyer of magical wiles;
Rejoice, driver of terrible demons.
Rejoice, for from worthlessness the spirits of malice disappear like smoke;
Rejoice, you will soon help those who suffer heavily.
Rejoice, deliver us from troubles and sorrows;
Rejoice, turn suffering into joy.
Rejoice, Hieromartyr Cyprian, quick helper and prayer book for our souls!
Kontakion 8
A strange miracle comes to you with faith, Hieromartyr Cyprian, for by the grace given to you from God, demons who torment a person are driven out, and sick people are healed, crying out to God: Alleluia!
Ikos 8
Having risen with all your heart to God, the most glorious, and loving Him with all your soul, you had diligence and desire to do His will and, like a good shepherd, you did not reject those burdened with troubles, but interceded in prayers before God, giving us healing and consolation. For gray sake, praising your love for the Lord, we cry out to you:
Rejoice, loving Christ with all your heart;
Rejoice, thou who has acquired all virtues.
Rejoice, help for the sick and weakened;
Rejoice, consolation in sorrows and sorrows.
Rejoice, you who drive away slander and temptations from the world, the flesh and the devil;
Rejoice, healer of all mental and physical illnesses.
Rejoice, Hieromartyr Cyprian, quick helper and prayer book for our souls!
Kontakion 9
The entire angelic army rejoiced, father, seeing you, a warrior of the Heavenly King, unshakable and boldly preaching Christ, when you were led to be beheaded by the sword together with Justina. But you, being sick about her, let him not renounce Christ; having seen you beheaded, say to her: let him be beheaded before you. And, bowing his head to the sword, he hurried to God: Alleluia!
Ikos 9
Because of the wealth of your sufferings for Christ, you will not be able to sing for Christ, because you did not naturally fear the cruel rebuke, but with bright faces appeared to the royal court of nature, exalting all the faithful to say to you:
Rejoice, confessor of the unshakable faith of Christ;
Rejoice, bold preacher of the Most Holy Trinity.
Rejoice, having laid down your souls for Christ;
Rejoice, you who have imputed the cruel torment to nothing.
Rejoice, for your sufferings are glorified by the faithful;
Rejoice, for your names are magnified in the temples of God.
Rejoice, Hieromartyr Cyprian, quick helper and prayer book for our souls!
Kontakion 10
Although you may save the souls of all those possessed by unclean spirits, do not cease to cry out to the Lord, Cyprian the God-speaker, for you have been given the grace to pray for us, and for mercy and cleansing, let us sing to God: Alleluia!
Ikos 10
Be a solid wall and a strong fence for us, Hieromartyr Cyprian, who come running to you with warm faith and love, protecting us from enemies visible and invisible, deliverance by you, let us glorify you like this:
Rejoice, having conquered the spirit of malice with humility;
Rejoice, you who burned the arrows of the enemy with the fire of prayer.
Rejoice, wall and fence from enemies visible and invisible;
Rejoice, glorious adornment of the Orthodox Church.
Rejoice, wonderful help to those left behind by doctors;
Rejoice, beloved consolation and amusement for those who mourn.
Rejoice, Hieromartyr Cyprian, quick helper and prayer book for our souls!
Kontakion 11
You brought unceasing singing to the Most Holy Trinity more than others, O Hieromartyr Cyprian, who, for the sake of mercy, was kind to fallen sinners, unworthy and worthy to be numbered among the holy flock. We, thanking God for His mercy towards us sinners, call to Him: Alleluia!
Ikos 11
You were a luminous light, O God-Wise One, in the Church of Christ, illuminating the souls of the faithful with immaterial light. We pray to you, enlighten our sin-darkened hearts, as we sing to you like this:
Rejoice, illuminated by the Tri-radiant Light;
Rejoice, numbered among the host of saints.
Rejoice, for you enlighten the souls of the faithful with immaterial light;
Rejoice, for you guide those who are lost to the right path.
Rejoice, thou who, like a sheep, was taken from the pit of destruction by the Savior;
Rejoice, shame for demons and joy for man.
Rejoice, Hieromartyr Cyprian, quick helper and prayer book for souls!
Kontakion 12
Grace was given to you from God to trample on the power of the enemy and every satanic presence, you defeated your enemies and sealed your faith in Christ with the feat of martyrdom. Now, standing before the Throne of the King of Glory, pray, O all-blessed Cyprian, that we may get rid of the captivity of the devil and exclaim to God: Alleluia!
Ikos 12
Singing your faithfulness to God and your wondrous, glorious miracles, we magnify and praise you, Hieromartyr Cyprian, for you have received such grace from God. We also pray to you: when at the hour of our death the demonic horde overtakes our souls, show us your intercession, and through your deliverance, we will cry out to you:
Rejoice, quick protection from the enemy forces that find you;
Rejoice, deliverance from all kinds of sorrows and sorrows.
Rejoice, loving Christ to the end;
Rejoice, having laid down your life for Him.
Rejoice, you were washed in the blood of Lambs;
Rejoice, thou who dwellest in the courts of the Lord.
Rejoice, Hieromartyr Cyprian, quick helper and prayer book for our souls!
Kontakion 13
O most wonderful and glorious servant of God, Hieromartyr Cyprian, quick helper to all who come running to you, accept from us, the unworthy, our singing of praise. To her, we pray to you, the saint, heal us from various ailments, protect us from visible and invisible enemies and eternal torment, pray to the Lord, and with you we sing: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
Kontakion 13 is spoken three times.And again the 1st Ikos and 1st Kontakion are honored.
Kontakion 1
Chosen miracle workers and speedy intercessors, Hieromartyr Cyprian and Martyr Justino, for those who have great boldness towards the Lord and stand before His Throne, by your intercession free us from all troubles and make us heirs of the Kingdom of Heaven who bring you songs of praise:
Ikos 1
The angelic powers were amazed at how you, Cyprian and Justino, having turned away from the soulless gods and believed in the Living God, through the knowledge of the Divine truth, acquired a naturally angelic, passionless life. We, marveling at this, cry out to you like this:
Rejoice, you surprised the angels with the firmness of your faith in Christ.
Rejoice, having made the saints glad by entering into the marriage of the Lamb.
Rejoice, for you have naturally suffered courageously for Christ.
Rejoice, because for His confession the crowns of incorruption came to nature.
Rejoice, you who stand in heaven now before the Throne of God.
Rejoice, you who pray to the Lord for the salvation of our souls.
Rejoice, Cyprian and Justino, quick helper and prayer book for our souls.
Kontakion 2
Seeing the vanity of idolatrous wickedness, you turned away from the knowledge of the Divine from magical art, Cyprian, snatching away your soul from eternal destruction. Now, standing before the Throne of God in heavenly glory, pray to the Master of Mankind to save our souls who sing to Him: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
Instructed from above by the mind of true knowledge of God, you turned away from sorcery and sorcery, Cyprian, and you quenched your passions with tearful repentance; Having realized that in the name of Christ and the Life-giving Cross the demons tremble and the machinations of the enemy are destroyed, you flocked to the temple of God to serve Him. Moreover, your zeal is praised, we cry out to you:
Rejoice, thou who courageously rejected the cunning of the demons.
Rejoice, their destructive machinations are like a spider torn to pieces.
Rejoice, fearlessly revealing the delights of his ministry.
Rejoice, you put the evil serpent to shame before everyone.
Rejoice, for through you demons are driven away.
Rejoice, for through you illnesses of body and soul are healed.
Rejoice, Cyprian and Justino, quick helper and prayer book for our souls.
Kontakion 3
Strengthened by the power of the Most High, you have received the seeds of saving faith in your heart, Justino: for you, listening to the preaching of Deacon Prailius about the Lord Jesus Christ, born of the Most Pure Virgin Mary, suffered, and was buried, and destroyed death by death, by listening, you increased the good fruit in your soul , uprooting the thorns of unbelief, and crying out to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
Having a mind enlightened by God, Saint Justina understood that only in the Church of Christ had she found the salvation of her soul, and in it, listening to the word of God, she was confirmed by the Holy Spirit in her faith in Christ. Rejoicing in such God's favor for you, we sing to you:
Rejoice, star, who shone forth in the darkness of pagan wickedness.
Rejoice, enlightened by the light of pious faith.
Rejoice, having filled your soul with the grace of the Holy Spirit.
Rejoice, you have betrothed your virginity to the Heavenly Bridegroom.
Rejoice, beautiful bride of the Sweetest Jesus.
Rejoice, you who have been called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Rejoice, Cyprian and Justino, quick helper and prayer book for our souls.
Kontakion 4
Avoiding the storms of sin, you came to Christ and offered everything to yourself, like a fragrant sacrifice, to our Savior, God-wise Cyprian, for you received a firm intention in your heart: to whiten your soul with holy baptism, to be a faithful follower of the Lord and to chant all the days of your life. To him: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
Hearing your renunciation of serving the enemy of the human race and seeing your good intention in Christ, you were clothed and become a perfect Christian, Bishop Anthimus Abiye baptized you, Cyprian, and made you a reader in the temple of God. We, rejoicing at your conversion to Christ, sing this:
Rejoice, for you loved the Lord with all your soul.
Rejoice, for you have desired to be a true Christian.
Rejoice, having received holy Baptism with reverence.
Rejoice, you who have made the Holy Spirit your dwelling place.
Rejoice, enlightened by the Lord from above.
Rejoice, instructed by the bishop in the faith of Christ.
Rejoice, Cyprian and Justino, quick helper and prayer book for our souls.
Kontakion 5
You have set off along the God-rich path and have reached a quiet refuge, holy martyr Justina: for you have enlightened your Divine parents Edesia and Cleodonia with the light of truth, together with them you have received holy Baptism from Bishop Ontat, so that you may be pleasing to Christ and be able to sing to Him without restraint: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
Seeing the great virtue of your father Edesius, the saint of God appointed him a presbyter, so that by his virtuous life he would lead others to Christ; To you, most blessed Justino, his worthy daughter, who loved Christ above all else and labored well in keeping His commandments, we honor you with these titles:
Rejoice, you who shone with spiritual beauty.
Rejoice, you who brought immaculate virginity as a gift to God.
Rejoice, God-wise evangelist of the Gospel.
Rejoice, zealous preacher of the Lord's commandments.
Rejoice, ascetic of God, raised by fasting and prayer.
Rejoice, immaculate dove, full of meekness and gentleness.
Rejoice, Cyprian and Justino, quick helper and prayer book for our souls.
Kontakion 6
Thou hast appeared as a preacher of the truth of Christ, O Hieromartyr Cyprian, also the Lover of Mankind, Who, though we all desire to be saved, has given to us a wondrous prayer book, a healer and a protector from the spirits of evil in heaven: by your deeds and words you lead many to repentance and correction of sinful lives, teaching everyone to sing God: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
You have shone forth like a luminous luminary, illuminating with the light of the knowledge of God all who exist in the darkness of unbelief, Saint Cyprian, even beyond your prayer, those who come from wicked demons and evil people cannot resist: they are both destroyed and driven away by the power of God. For this reason we cry out:
Rejoice, destroyer of the enemy's machinations.
Rejoice, driver of evil demons.
Rejoice, from enemies visible and invisible there is a wall and fence.
Rejoice, the wonderful help left by the doctors.
Rejoice, you will soon deliver from troubles and sorrows.
Rejoice, transforming suffering into joy.
Rejoice, Cyprian and Justino, quick helper and prayer book for our souls.
Kontakion 7
Wanting to envy the wise evangelical virgins, you were filled with the oil of good deeds, the glorious martyr Justin, and, having lit the lamp of your soul, you enlightened people with the teaching of Christ, so that having come to know the Lord Jesus, they sang to Him: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
The Almighty Lord has shown His mercy to you again: With His divine grace He has lifted you up, O glorious Justino, to the heights of spiritual perfection, as you can heal those who are weak from mental and physical ailments, and can free those who suffer from unclean spirits from the snares of their evil ones. For this reason we cry out to you:
Rejoice, thou who art on high, more than those below, who lovedst.
Rejoice, you who have given yourself over to God.
Rejoice, burning with seraphic love for Him.
Rejoice, teaching us to love Him with all our souls.
Rejoice, confirmation of Orthodox people in the faith.
Rejoice, ornament of the virgin host.
Rejoice, Cyprian and Justino, quick helper and prayer book for our souls.
Kontakion 8
It would be strange for the wicked hegemon to see you, Hieromartyr Cyprian, ever handing you over to an unjust judgment: for you, as an unshakable warrior of the Heavenly King, with the boldness of Christ you confessed, chanting in your suffering: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
You gave everything to God, Hieromartyr Cyprian: for you were not afraid of the cruel rebuke and the suffering itself, but with a bright face, shining with the grace of God, you appeared before the wicked court, challenging all the faithful to sing to you:
Rejoice, unshakable confessor of the faith of Christ.
Rejoice, bold preacher of the Most Pure Trinity.
Rejoice, conquering the spirits of evil by the power of God.
Rejoice, you who burned the arrows of the enemy with the fire of prayer.
Rejoice, for you have imputed the cruel torment to nothing.
Rejoice, for in your suffering you glorified God.
Rejoice, Cyprian and Justino, quick helper and prayer book for our souls.
Kontakion 9
Do not reject every good request of ours that comes to you with faith, holy martyr Justina, for by the grace given to you from God to cast out unclean spirits that torment a person, demons are driven away and health is given to the sick who cry out to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
The branches of multi-proclamation according to their heritage will not be able to sing all your labors, Saint Justino, because you loved God with all your heart and with all your soul, you directed all your diligence and desire to fulfill His holy will. Even now, you do not abandon us, burdened with troubles and sorrows, but intercede for us before the Lord, granting us healing and consolation. For this reason, praising you, we cry out to you:
Rejoice, you who soon fulfill our good requests.
Rejoice, you who graciously visit those who suffer in their illnesses.
Rejoice, there is warm refuge in our prayers.
Rejoice, good consolation to the offended.
Rejoice, good teacher of those faithful to salvation.
Rejoice, helper in these struggles.
Rejoice, Cyprian and Justino, quick helper and prayer book for our souls.
Kontakion 10
The Lover of Mankind, the Lord, who arranges the salvation of all, at the end of your confessional feat, crowned you, Saint Cyprian, with the crown of martyrdom: confessing before the tormentors the True God, worshiped in the Trinity of Saints, you fearlessly bowed your head under the sword, chanting: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
You are a wall and a shield, God-Ward Cyprian, to all who diligently come running to you and warmly pray before your icon: for you have been given to us by the All-Good Lord to help and heal mental and physical illnesses. For this reason we appeal to you:
Rejoice, for you offer your prayers to the Lord for us.
Rejoice, for you are interceding for us before the Throne of God.
Rejoice, for you enlighten the righteous with the light of the knowledge of God.
Rejoice, for you guide those who are lost on the path of salvation.
Rejoice, quickly give healing gifts to those who ask you.
Rejoice, reward those who love and honor you with deep love.
Rejoice, Cyprian and Justino, quick helper and prayer book for our souls.
Kontakion 11
Thou didst lift up all-congratulatory singing to the Lord, O passion-bearer Saint Justino, when thou bravely endured grievous torments for Him; Having ended your confessional course, you joyfully bowed your head to be beheaded by the sword, singing to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
Shining with a luminous light on the church candlestick, Saint Justino, driving away from us enemies visible and invisible, with the light of grace. We, who come running to you with warm faith and love, praise your martyrdom, crying out to you:
Rejoice, you who boldly preached the True God.
Rejoice, in the Lord who strengthens you in all things possible.
Rejoice, for you bore the marks of the Lord Jesus on your body.
Rejoice, for through your patience you overcame your tormentors.
Rejoice, you who crowned your martyrdom with a sword-like death.
Rejoice, you who glorified your Lord through your suffering and miracles.
Rejoice, Cyprian and Justino, quick helper and prayer book for our souls.
Kontakion 12
Grace was given to you from God, Saints Cyprian and Justino, to trample upon the forces of the enemy and every demonic presence: for having endured great suffering, through your martyrdom you achieved eternal bliss in nature; Now, standing before the Throne of the King of Glory, pray for us, that we may be delivered from the captivity of the devil, so that we may be able to sing to God without stumbling: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
Singing your zeal for God and your wondrous and glorious miracles, we magnify and praise you, Hieromartyr Cyprian and Martyr Justin, who have received such grace from God; We pray to you: when our souls are surrounded by demonic hordes at the hour of death, then show us your intercession, so that we will always be delivered by you, we cry to you:
Rejoice, quick protection from the enemy’s snares.
Rejoice, deliverance from sorrows and sorrows.
Rejoice, having loved Christ to the end.
Rejoice, you who laid down your souls for Him.
Rejoice, you have been washed in the Blood of Lambs.
Rejoice, you who dwell in the courts of the Lord.
Rejoice, to the host of saints in company.
Rejoice, the Triscendent Light of illumination.
Rejoice, Cyprian and Justino, quick helper and prayer book for our souls.
Kontakion 13
Oh, the admiration and glorification of the saints of God, Hieromartyr Cyprian and Martyr Justina, quick helper to all who come running to you with faith, accept from us, the unworthy, this song of praise, and heal us all from mental and physical ailments, protect us from visible and invisible enemies and Pray the Lord to deliver us from eternal torment, and let us cry together with you: Alleluia.
(This kontakion is read three times, then ikos 1 and kontakion 1)
Prayer
Oh, holy martyr Cyprian and martyr Justino, heed our humble prayer! Even though you naturally died as a martyr for Christ during your temporary life, you do not depart from us in spirit, ever following the commandment of the Lord, walk us teaching and patiently bear your cross with us. Moreover, as you have gained boldness towards Christ God and His Most Pure Mother, be prayer books of strength and intercessors for us unworthy, so that through your intercession we may remain unharmed from demons, wise men and evil men, glorifying the Holy Trinity, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and ever. Amen.
From the legend it is known that Cyprian studied philosophy and sorcery in pagan Greece and Egypt and surprised everyone with his knowledge of the secret sciences, traveling to different countries and performing all kinds of “miracles” before the people.
Finally, Cyprian arrived in his hometown of Antioch, where he also amazed everyone, acting with an unknown force. At that time, the daughter of a pagan priest, Justina, lived here. She was already enlightened by the Christian faith, the first idea of which she received by chance, having heard words about Christ from the lips of a deacon of the local church, who passed by her parents’ house while she was sitting at the window. The young pagan woman tried to learn more about Christ, the first news about Whom sank so deeply into her soul. Justina fell in love with going to the Christian church, listening to the word of God, and finally accepted holy baptism. Soon she convinced both her mother and even her father of the truth of the Christian faith. The pagan priest, having received baptism, was ordained to the rank of presbyter, and his house became a pious Christian dwelling.
Meanwhile, Justina, who had remarkable beauty, attracted the attention of a rich pagan youth named Aglaid. He asked her to become his wife, but Justina, having devoted all her love to Christ, refused to marry a pagan and carefully avoided even meeting him. He, however, persistently pursued her. Seeing the failure of all his efforts, Aglaid turned to the famous sorcerer Cyprian, thinking that everything was accessible to his mysterious knowledge, and asked the sorcerer to act with his art on the heart of Justina.
Cyprian, hoping to receive a rich reward, actually used all the means that he could glean from the science of sorcery, and, calling on demons for help, tried to persuade Justina to marry the young man who fell in love with her. Protected by the power of her complete devotion to the one Christ, Justina did not succumb to any tricks or temptations, remaining adamant.
Meanwhile, a pestilence appeared in the city. A rumor was spread that the powerful sorcerer Cyprian, who failed in his sorcery, was taking revenge for Justina’s resistance to the whole city by inflicting a fatal illness. The frightened people approached Justina as the culprit of a public disaster, and convinced her to satisfy the sorcerer - to marry Aglaid. Justina calmed the people and, with firm hope in God’s help, promised speedy liberation from the destructive disease. And indeed, as soon as she prayed to God with her pure and strong prayer, the illness stopped.
This victory and triumph of the Christian woman was at the same time a complete disgrace to Cyprian, who considered himself a powerful sorcerer and boasted of his knowledge of the secrets of nature. But this also served to save a person gifted with a strong mind, which, mainly through error, was wasted on unworthy use. Cyprian realized that there was something higher than his knowledge and mysterious art, than that dark force on whose assistance he was counting, trying to defeat the unenlightened crowd. He realized that all this is nothing compared to the knowledge of the God whom Justina confesses.
Seeing that all his means were powerless against a weak creature - a young girl armed only with prayer and the sign of the cross, Cyprian comprehended the meaning of these two truly omnipotent weapons. He came to the Christian bishop Anthimus (302; commemorated September 3 (16), spoke about his errors and asked to teach him the truths of the Christian faith in order to prepare for the one true path revealed by the Son of God, and then accepted holy baptism. A year later he was made a priest, and then a bishop, while Justina was ordained a deaconesses and made head of the community of Christian virgins.
Inspired by a fiery love for God, Cyprian and Justina contributed greatly to the spread and strengthening of Christian teaching. This brought upon them the wrath of the opponents and persecutors of Christianity. Having received a denunciation that Cyprian and Justina were turning the people away from the gods, the regional governor Eutolmius seized them and ordered them to be tortured for their faith in Christ, which they unshakably confessed. Then he sent them to the emperor, who was at that time in Nicomedia, by whose orders they were beheaded with the sword around 304.
The Hieromartyr Cyprian and the Martyr Justina were already venerated by the ancient Church. Saint Gregory of Nazianzus (389; commemorated January 25 and 30 (February 7 and 12) speaks about them in one of his words. Empress Eudokia, wife of Theodosius the Younger, wrote a poem in their honor around 425.
“Turning from magical art, O wise God, to the knowledge of the Divine,” the Church sings in the kontakion to the holy martyrs, “you appeared to the world as the wisest physician, granting healing to those who honor you, Cyprian and Justina, with her we prayed to the Lover of Mankind to save our souls.”
Which the pagans called the home of the gods; there were countless idols in which demons lived. On this mountain, Cyprian learned all the devil's tricks: he comprehended various demonic transformations, learned to change the properties of the air, induce winds, produce thunder and rain, disturb the sea waves, harm gardens, vineyards and fields, send diseases and ulcers to people, and generally learned destructive wisdom and evil-filled devilish activity. He saw there countless hordes of demons with the prince of darkness at their head, whom some stood before, others served, others exclaimed, praising their prince, and others were sent into the world to seduce people. There he also saw in imaginary images pagan gods and goddesses, as well as various ghosts and apparitions, which he learned to summon during a strict forty-day fast; After sunset he ate, and not bread or any other food, but oak acorns.
When he was fifteen years old, he began to listen to the lessons of the seven great priests, from whom he learned many demonic secrets. Then he went to the city of Argos, where, after serving the goddess Hera for some time, he learned many seductions from her priest. He also lived in Tavropol, serving Artemis, and from there he went to Lacedaemon, where he learned to use various sorceries and obsessions to call the dead from their graves and force them to speak. At the age of twenty, Cyprian came to Egypt, and in the city of Memphis he studied even greater sorcery and sorcery. In the thirtieth year he went to the Chaldeans () and, having learned stargazing there, completed his teaching, after which he returned to Antioch, being committed in every crime. So he became a sorcerer, sorcerer and murderer, a great friend and faithful slave of the infernal prince, with whom he talked face to face, receiving great honor from him, as he himself openly testified.
“Believe me,” he said, “that I saw the prince of darkness himself, for I appeased him with sacrifices; I greeted him and spoke to him and his elders; he fell in love with me, praised my intelligence and said in front of everyone: “here is a new Zamri, always ready for obedience and worthy of communicating with us! And he promised to make me a prince upon my departure from the body, and during my earthly life to help me in everything; At the same time, he gave me a regiment of demons to serve. When I left him, he turned to me with the words: “Take courage, zealous Cyprian, get up and accompany me: let all the demonic elders marvel at you.” As a result of this, all his princes were attentive to me, seeing the honor shown to me. His appearance was like a flower; his head was crowned with a crown made (not in reality, but ghostly) of gold and shiny stones, as a result of which the whole space was illuminated, and his clothes were amazing. When he turned in one direction or the other, the whole place shook; many evil spirits of various degrees obediently stood at his throne. I, too, gave myself entirely to his service, obeying his every command.
This is how Cyprian himself spoke about himself after his conversion.
From this it is clear what kind of person Cyprian was: as a friend of demons, he committed all their deeds, harming people and deceiving them. Living in Antioch, he seduced many people to all sorts of iniquities, destroyed many with poison and sorcery, and sacrificed young men and maidens to demons. He taught many his disastrous sorcery: some to fly through the air, others to swim in boats on the clouds, and others to walk on water. He was revered and glorified by all pagans as the chief priest and wisest servant of their vile gods. Many turned to him in their needs, and he helped them with the demonic power with which he was filled: he helped some in fornication, others in anger, enmity, revenge, envy. Already all of him was in the depths of hell and in the mouth of the devil, he was the son of Gehenna, a participant in the demonic inheritance and their eternal death. The Lord, who did not want the death of the sinner, by His indescribable goodness and mercy not overcome by human sins, deigned to seek out this lost man, to extract him from the abyss, mired in the depths of hell, and save him, in order to show all people His mercy, for there is no sin that can defeat Him. philanthropy. He saved Cyprian from death in the following way.
At that time, there lived in the same place, in Antioch, a certain girl named Justina. She came from pagan parents: her father was an idol priest named Edesius, and her mother was called Cleodonia. One day, sitting at the window in her house, this girl, then already of age, accidentally heard words of salvation from the lips of a passing deacon named Prailia. He spoke about the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ - that He was born of the Most Pure Virgin and, having performed many miracles, deigned to suffer for the sake of our salvation, rose from the dead with glory, ascended into heaven, sat down at the right hand of the Father and reigns forever. This sermon of the deacon fell on good soil, in the heart of Justina, and soon began to bear fruit, uprooting the thorns of unbelief in her. Justina wanted to learn faith better and more completely from the deacon, but did not dare to seek him, restrained by girlish modesty. However, she secretly went to the Church of Christ and, often listening to the word of God, with the influence of the Holy Spirit on her heart, she believed in Christ. Soon she convinced her mother of this, and then led her elderly father to faith. Seeing the mind of his daughter and hearing her wise words, Edesius reasoned with himself: “Idols are made by human hands and have neither soul nor breath, and therefore how can they be gods.” Reflecting on this, one night he saw in a dream, by Divine permission, a wonderful vision: he saw a great host of luminous angels, and among them was the Savior of the world, Christ, who said to him:
- Come to Me, and I will give you the kingdom of heaven.
Rising in the morning, Edesius went with his wife and daughter to a Christian bishop named Ontatu, asking him to teach them the faith of Christ and perform holy baptism on them. At the same time, he related the words of his daughter and the angelic vision he himself had seen. Hearing this, the bishop rejoiced at their conversion and, having instructed them in the faith of Christ, baptized Edesius, his wife Cleodonia and daughter Justina, and then, having communed them with the Holy Mysteries, sent them away in peace. When Edesius became stronger in the faith of Christ, the bishop, seeing his piety, made him a presbyter. After this, having lived virtuously and in the fear of God for a year and six months, Edesius ended his life in holy faith. Justina labored valiantly in keeping the commandments of the Lord and, having loved her Bridegroom Christ, served Him with diligent prayers, virginity and chastity, fasting and great abstinence. But the enemy, the hater of the human race, seeing her life like this, envied her virtues and began to harm her, causing various disasters and sorrows.
At that time, there lived in Antioch a certain young man named Aglaid, the son of rich and noble parents. He lived luxuriously, completely surrendering to the vanity of this world. One day he saw Justina when she was going to church and was struck by her beauty. the devil inspired evil intentions in his heart. Inflamed with lust, Aglaid began to try by all means to gain the favor and love of Justina and, through seduction, to lead the pure lamb of Christ to the defilement he had planned. He watched all the paths along which the girl had to go, and, meeting her, spoke flattering speeches to her, praising her beauty and glorifying her; showing his love for her. he tried to lure her into fornication with a cunningly woven network of seduction. the girl turned away and avoided him, abhorring him and not even wanting to listen to his flattering and crafty speeches. Not cooling in his lust for her beauty, the young man sent to her with a request that she agree to become his wife.
She answered him:
– My groom is Christ; I serve Him and for His sake I maintain my purity. He protects both my soul and body from all defilement.
Hearing such an answer from the chaste maiden, Aglaid, incited by the devil, became even more inflamed with passion. Unable to seduce her, he plotted to kidnap her by force. Gathering reckless young men like himself to help, he waylaid the girl on the path along which she usually went to church to pray; there he met her and, grabbing her, punched him in the face and spat on him. Hearing her cries, the neighbors ran out of their houses and snatched the immaculate lamb, Saint Justina, from the hands of the wicked youth, as if from a wolf’s mouth. The rioters fled, and Aglaid returned to his home in shame. Not knowing what to do next, he, with an increase in unclean lust in him, decided on a new evil deed: he went to the great sorcerer and sorcerer - Cyprian, the priest of idols and, telling him his grief, asked him for help, promising to give him a lot gold and silver. After listening to Aglaidas, Cyprian consoled him, promising to fulfill his desire.
“I,” he said, “will make sure that the girl herself will seek your love and feel a passion for you even stronger than you do for her.”
Having thus consoled the young man, Cyprian sent him away reassured. Then taking books on his secret art, he called upon one of the unclean spirits, in whom he was sure that he could soon inflame Justina’s heart with passion for this young man. He reluctantly promised to fulfill this and said proudly:
“This is not a difficult task for me, for I have shaken cities many times, destroyed walls, destroyed houses, caused bloodshed and parricides, created enmity and great anger between brothers and spouses, and brought many who took a vow of virginity to sin; I instilled in the monks who settled in the mountains and were accustomed to strict fasting, who never even thought about the flesh, lust and taught them to serve carnal passions; I again turned people who repented and turned away from sin to evil deeds; I plunged many chaste people into fornication. Will I really not be able to persuade this girl to love Aglaid? What am I saying? I will soon show my strength. Take this potion (he handed over a vessel filled with something) and give it to that young man: let him sprinkle Justina’s house with it, and you will see that what I said will come true.
Having said this, the demon disappeared. Cyprian called Aglaidas and sent him to secretly sprinkle Justina's house from the devil's vessel. When this was done, the prodigal demon entered there with kindled arrows of carnal lust in order to wound the girl’s heart with fornication and inflame her flesh with unclean lust.
Justina had the custom of offering prayers to the Lord every night. And so, when, according to custom, she got up at three o’clock in the morning and prayed to God, she suddenly felt excitement in her body, a storm of bodily lust and the flame of hell fire. She remained in such excitement and internal struggle for quite a long time: the young man Aglaid came to her memory, and bad thoughts were born to her. The girl was surprised and ashamed of herself, feeling that her blood was boiling like in a cauldron; She was now thinking about what she had always abhorred as filth. But, in her prudence, Justina realized that this struggle arose in her from the devil; She immediately turned to the weapon of the sign of the cross, ran to God with warm prayer and from the depths of her heart cried out to Christ, her Bridegroom:
- Lord my God, Jesus Christ! - behold, my enemies rose up against me, prepared a net to catch me and exhausted my soul. But I remembered Your name in the night and rejoiced, and now when they oppress me, I run to You and hope that my enemy will not triumph over me. For You know, O Lord my God, that I, Your servant, have preserved the purity of my body for You. mine and my soul I have entrusted to You. Save Your sheep, good Shepherd, and do not give them over to be devoured by the beast that seeks to devour me; grant me victory over the evil lust of my flesh.
Having prayed long and earnestly, the holy virgin put the enemy to shame. Defeated by her prayer, he fled from her in shame, and calm again came in Justina’s body and heart; the flame of lust went out, the struggle ceased, the boiling blood calmed down. Justina glorified God and sang a song of victory. The demon returned to Cyprian with the sad news that he had achieved nothing.
Cyprian asked him why he could not defeat the maiden.
The demon, albeit reluctantly, revealed the truth:
“The reason I couldn’t overcome her was because I saw a certain sign on her, which I was afraid of.”
Then Cyprian summoned a more evil demon and sent him to seduce Justina. He went and did much more than the first, attacking the girl with greater fury. But she armed herself with warm prayer and took upon herself an even stronger feat: she put on a hair shirt and mortified her flesh with abstinence and fasting, eating only bread and water. Having thus tamed the passions of her flesh, Justina defeated the devil and drove him away in shame. He, like the first, having accomplished nothing, returned to Cyprian. Then Cyprian called one of the demonic princes, told him about the weakness of the sent demons, who could not defeat one girl, and asked him for help. He strictly reproached the former demons for their lack of skill in this matter and for their inability to ignite passion in the girl’s heart. Having reassured Cyprian and promised to seduce the girl in other ways, the demonic prince took on the appearance of a woman and entered Justina. And he began to talk piously with her, as if wanting to follow the example of her virtuous life and chastity. While talking like this, he asked the girl what could be the reward for such a strict life and for maintaining cleanliness.
Justina replied that the reward for those who live chastely is great and indescribable, and it is very surprising that people do not care the least about such a great treasure as angelic purity. Then the devil, revealing his shamelessness, began to seduce her with cunning speeches:
- How could the world exist? How would people be born? After all, if Eve had remained pure, how would the multiplication of the human race have occurred? A truly good deed is a marriage that God Himself established; The Holy Scriptures praise him, saying: “ Marriage for all [may it be] honorable and the bed undefiled” (Heb. 13:4). And weren’t many of God’s saints married, which the Lord gave to people as a consolation, so that they would rejoice in their children and praise God?
Listening to these words, Justina recognized the cunning seducer - the devil, and more skillfully than Eve, she defeated him. Without continuing the conversation, she immediately resorted to the protection of the Cross of the Lord and placed its honorable sign on her face, and turned her heart to Christ, her Bridegroom. And the devil immediately disappeared with even greater shame than the first two demons.
In great confusion, the proud prince of demons returned to Cyprian. Cyprian, having learned that he had not managed to do anything, said to the devil:
“Could it really be that you, a strong prince and more skilled than others in this matter, could not defeat the maiden?” Which of you can do anything with this invincible girl’s heart? Tell me with what weapons she fights you, and how she makes your strong strength weak.
Defeated by the power of God, the devil reluctantly confessed:
“We cannot look at the sign of the cross, but we run from it, because it burns us like fire and drives us far away.
Cyprian was indignant at the devil for putting him to shame and, blaspheming the demon, said:
- Such is your strength that even a weak maiden defeats you!
Then the devil, wanting to console Cyprian, made another attempt: he took on the image of Justina and went to Aglaid in the hope that, having accepted him for the real Justina, the young man would satisfy his desire, and thus neither his demonic weakness would be revealed, nor Cyprian will not be put to shame. And so, when the demon came to Aglaid in the form of Justin, he jumped up in unspeakable joy, ran up to the imaginary virgin, hugged her and began to kiss her, saying:
“It’s good that you came to me, beautiful Justina!”
But as soon as the young man uttered the word “Justina,” the demon immediately disappeared, not being able to bear even the name of Justina. The young man was very frightened and, running to Cyprian, told him about what had happened. Then Cyprian, through his sorcery, gave him the image of a bird and, making him capable of flying through the air, sent him to Justina’s house, advising him to fly into her room through the window. Carried by a demon through the air, Aglaid flew in the form of a bird to Justina’s house and wanted to sit on the roof. At this time Justina happened to look out the window of her room. Seeing her, the demon left Aglaid and fled. At the same time, the ghostly appearance of Aglaid, in which he seemed like a bird, also disappeared, and the young man almost hurt himself while flying down. He grabbed the edge of the roof with his hands and, holding on to it, hung, and if he had not been lowered from there to the ground by the prayer of Saint Justina, he would have fallen, wicked, and broken. So, having achieved nothing, the young man returned to Cyprian and told him about his grief. Seeing himself humiliated, Cyprian was greatly saddened and decided to go to Justina, hoping for the power of his magic. He turned into both a woman and a bird, but before he had time to reach the door of Justina’s house, the ghostly likeness of a beautiful woman, and equally of a bird, disappeared, and he returned with sorrow.
After this, Cyprian began to take revenge for his shame and with his sorcery brought various disasters on the house of Justina and on the houses of all her relatives, neighbors and acquaintances, just as the devil once did on the righteous Job (Job 1:15-19; 2:7). He killed their cattle, struck their slaves with plagues, and thus plunged them into excessive sorrow. He struck Justina herself with the disease, so that she lay in bed, and her mother cried for her. Justina consoled her mother with the words of the prophet David: “ I will not die, but will live and proclaim the works of the Lord” (Ps. 117:17).
Cyprian brought disaster not only on Justina and her relatives, but also on the entire city, by God’s permission, as a result of his indomitable rage and great shame. Ulcers appeared on animals and various diseases among people; and, through demonic action, a rumor spread that the great priest Cyprian would execute the city for Justina’s resistance to him. Then the most honorable citizens came to Justina and angrily urged her not to grieve Cyprian any more and to marry Aglaidas, in order to avoid even greater disasters because of her for the whole city. She calmed everyone down, saying that soon all the disasters caused by Cyprian with the help of demons would stop. And so it happened. When Saint Justina prayed fervently to God, immediately all demonic obsession ceased; all were healed of ulcers and recovered from diseases. When such a change took place, people glorified Christ, and they mocked Cyprian and his magical cunning, so that out of shame he could no longer appear among people and avoided meeting even his acquaintances. Convinced that nothing could defeat the power of the sign of the cross and the Name of Christ, Cyprian came to his senses and said to the devil:
- Oh, destroyer and seducer of all, source of all uncleanness and defilement! Now I have recognized your weakness. For if you fear even the shadow of the cross and tremble at the Name of Christ, then what will you do when Christ Himself comes upon you? If you cannot defeat those who cross themselves, then whom will you tear out of the hands of Christ? Now I have realized what a nonentity you are; You can’t even take revenge! Having listened to you, I, the unfortunate one, was seduced and believed your cunning. Get away from me, you damned one, get away, for I should beg the Christians to have mercy on me. I should turn to pious people. so that they would save me from death and take care of my salvation. Get away, get away from me, lawless one, enemy of truth, opponent and hater of all good.
Hearing this, the devil rushed at Cyprian to kill him, and, attacking, began to beat and crush him. Finding no protection anywhere and not knowing how to help himself and get rid of the cruel demonic hands, Cyprian, already barely alive, remembered the sign of the holy cross, by the power of which Justina resisted all demonic power, and exclaimed:
- God of Justina, help me!
Then, raising his hand, he crossed himself, and the devil immediately jumped away from him, like an arrow shot from a bow. Having gathered his courage, Cyprian became bolder and, calling on the name of Christ, made the sign of the cross and stubbornly resisted the demon. cursing him and reproaching him. The devil, standing far from him and not daring to approach, for fear of the sign of the cross and the Name of Christ, threatened Cyprian in every possible way, saying:
“Christ will not deliver you from my hands!”
Then, after long and furious attacks on Cyprian, the demon roared like a lion and left.
Then Cyprian took all his books of magic and went to the Christian bishop Anthimus. Falling at the feet of the bishop, he begged to show him mercy and perform holy baptism on him. Knowing that Cyprian was a great and terrible sorcerer for everyone, the bishop thought that he had come to him with some kind of cunning, and therefore refused him, saying:
- You do a lot of evil among the pagans; Leave the Christians alone, so that you don’t die soon.
Then Cyprian confessed everything to the bishop with tears and gave him his books to be burned. Seeing his humility, the bishop taught him and instructed him in the holy faith, and then ordered him to prepare for baptism; He burned his books in front of all believing citizens.
Having left the bishop with a contrite heart, Cyprian cried about his sins, sprinkled ashes on his head and sincerely repented, crying out to the true God for the cleansing of his iniquities. Coming to church the next day, he listened to the word of God with joyful emotion, standing among the believers. When the deacon ordered the catechumens to go out, shouting: “Go out of the catechumens,” some were already leaving, Cyprian did not want to go out, saying to the deacon:
– I am a servant of Christ; don't drive me out of here.
The deacon said to him:
- Since holy baptism has not yet been performed on you, you must leave the temple.
To this Cyprian replied:
- Christ lives, my God, who delivered me from the devil, who kept the maiden Justina pure and had mercy on me; You will not drive me out of the church until I become a perfect Christian.
The deacon told the bishop about this, and the bishop, seeing Cyprian’s zeal and devotion to the faith of Christ, called him to himself and immediately baptized him in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Having learned about this, Saint Justina thanked God, distributed a lot of alms to the poor and made an offering to the church. On the eighth day the bishop made Cyprian a reader, on the twentieth a subdeacon, on the thirtieth a deacon, and a year later he ordained him a priest... Cyprian completely changed his life, every day he increased his exploits and, constantly mourning his previous evil deeds, improved himself and ascended from virtue to virtue. He was soon made a bishop and in this rank he led such a holy life that he became equal to many great saints; At the same time, he zealously cared for the flock of Christ entrusted to him. He appointed the holy maiden Justina a deaconess, and then entrusted her with a nunnery, making her abbess over other Christian maidens. With his behavior and instruction, he converted many pagans and won them for the Church of Christ. Thus, idolatry began to cease in that country, and the glory of Christ increased.
Seeing the strict life of Saint Cyprian, his concern for the faith of Christ and the salvation of human souls, the devil gnashed his teeth at him and prompted the pagans to slander him before the ruler of the eastern country in that he had disgraced the gods, turned many people away from them, and Christ, who was hostile to the gods glorifies them. And so many wicked people came to the ruler Eutholmius, who owned those countries, and slandered Cyprian and Justina, accusing them of being hostile to the gods, and the king, and all authorities - that they were confusing the people, deceiving them and leading them after himself, disposed to worship the crucified Christ. At the same time, they asked the governor to put Cyprian and Justina to death for this. Having heard the request, Eutolmius ordered to seize Cyprian and Justina and put them in prison. Then, going to Damascus, he took them with him for trial. When the prisoners of Christ, Cyprian and Justina, were brought to his trial, he asked Cyprian:
- Why did you change your former glorious activity, when you were a famous servant of the gods and brought many people to them?
Saint Cyprian told the ruler how he recognized the weakness and deception of demons and understood the power of Christ, of which the demons fear and tremble, disappearing from the sign of the honorable cross, and also explained the reason for his conversion to Christ, for Whom he showed readiness to die. The torturer did not take Cyprian’s words into his heart, but, not being able to answer them, he ordered the saint to be hanged and his body flogged, and Saint Justina to be beaten on the lips and eyes. Throughout the long torment, they unceasingly confessed Christ and endured everything with thanksgiving. Then the tormentor imprisoned them and tried with gentle admonition to return them to idolatry. When he was unable to convince them, he ordered them to be thrown into the cauldron; but the boiling cauldron did not cause them any harm, and they, as if in a cool place, glorified God. Seeing this, one idol priest named Athanasius said:
- In the name of the god Asclepius, I will also throw myself into this fire and shame those wizards.
But as soon as the fire touched him, he died immediately. Seeing this, the tormentor was frightened and, not wanting to judge them any longer, sent the martyrs to the ruler Claudius in Nicomedia, describing everything that happened to them. This ruler condemned them to be beheaded by the sword. Then they were brought to the place of execution, then Cyprian asked himself some time for prayer, so that Justina would be executed first: he was afraid that Justina would not be afraid at the sight of his death. She joyfully bowed her head under the sword and reposed before her Bridegroom, Christ. Seeing the innocent death of these martyrs, a certain Theoktistus, who was present there, greatly regretted them and, having inflamed his heart towards God, fell to Saint Cyprian and, kissing him, declared himself a Christian. Together with Cyprian, he was immediately condemned to beheading. So they gave their souls into the hands of God; their bodies lay unburied for six days. Some of the wanderers who were there secretly took them and took them to Rome, where they gave them to a virtuous and holy woman named Rufina, a relative of Claudius Caesar. She buried with honor the bodies of the holy martyrs of Christ: Cyprian, Justina and Theoctistus. At their graves, many healings took place for those who came to them in faith. With their prayers, may the Lord heal our illnesses, both physical and mental!