The Church honors Martyr Eupsychius of Caesarea, Martyrs Avdios and 270 prisoners in Persia, and Newly Revealed Martyrs Raphael (Archimandrite), Nicholas (Deacon), Irene (child) of Lesbos, and their companions. Their feast has been rescheduled to April 26, 2022.
Saint Eupsychius lived during the reign of Emperor Julian the Apostate, a time when Christians were persecuted and paganism was promoted.
Being a strong believer, Saint Eupsychius could not tolerate the distortion of Orthodox teachings and the worship of idols. When Julian erected a temple to the goddess Fortuna in Caesarea, Cappadocia, Eupsychius and other courageous young men destroyed the idol of the goddess.
He was arrested and brought before the city’s governor, where he boldly defended his Christian faith and criticized Julian for persecuting Christians who had stood firm in their beliefs.
Saint Eupsychius knew he would face punishment for his actions. While his fellow Christians were tortured and exiled, he was sentenced to death by beheading for his leadership in the incident.
Through his courage and unwavering faith, Saint Eupsychius received the crown of martyrdom and eternal rewards in the Kingdom of God.
Source: Church of Cyprus