The Holy Martyrs Menas, Hermogenes, and Eugraphus were courageous in their faith in Christ and suffered martyrdom under the emperor Maximian (305-313).
Saint Menas, known for his eloquence, was sent to Alexandria by the emperor to quell riots but instead preached the Christian faith and converted many pagans. This angered Maximian, who sent Hermogenes to put the saints on trial and purge the city of Christians. However, Hermogenes, after witnessing the endurance and miracles of Saint Menas, also embraced Christianity. Despite their steadfastness under torture and the miracles that occurred, the emperor remained unmoved and ultimately ordered the beheading of Saints Menas and Hermogenes.
The relics of the martyrs were later found and transferred to Constantinople in the ninth century. Emperor Justinian built a church in honor of Saint Menas. Saint Joseph the Hymnographer composed a Canon in tribute to these holy martyrs.
Saint Menas, a military officer from Athens, and his scribe Eugraphus, both from Christian families, were martyred in 235. They were renowned for their faith and endurance in the face of persecution.
Both Menas and Hermogenes, born in Athens and living in Byzantium, were respected figures. Menas, though outwardly a pagan, was a secret Christian known for his learning and eloquence. Hermogenes, initially a pagan, converted to Christianity after witnessing the miracles of Saint Menas. Together, they faced persecution for their faith and ultimately received the crown of martyrdom.