Today, March 15, the Orthodox Church commemorates the Apostle Aristobulus, Bishop of Britain; Martyr Agapius and his companions; and the New Martyr Manuel of Crete.
Aristobulus, a native of Cyprus, was one of the Seventy Apostles. He accompanied the Apostle Paul on his missionary journeys and was distinguished for his zeal, self-denial, teaching, eloquence, and administrative abilities. Due to these virtues, he was appointed as the bishop of Britannia, where the inhabitants at the time were deeply entrenched in superstitions and sorcery.
At first, Aristobulus faced significant challenges and resistance in his mission. However, his remarkable patience, humility, and trust in God’s providence enabled him to persevere in teaching and catechizing the people. Before long, he began to witness the fruits of his spiritual labor.
He reposed in the Lord, worthy of his brother, the Apostle Barnabas.
Martyr Agapios came from the martyred city of Gaza in Palestine. It is worth mentioning the names of the other Christians who were martyred alongside him for their love of Christ: Timolaus from the Black Sea, the two Dionysiuses from Tripoli in Phoenicia, Romulus, a subdeacon from Lydda (Diospolis), and Plesius, along with the two Alexanders from Egypt. They were all accused of being Christians and brought before the prefect of Caesarea, Urban, where they boldly confessed their faith in Jesus Christ.
They were martyred, remaining forever an example and a symbol of courage and hope in the holy calendar of the Orthodox Church for all Christian warriors throughout the centuries.
Source: Church of Cyprus