The Church commemorates Martyrs Carpus, Papylus, Agathodorus, and Agathonica.
These martyrs lived during the reign of Emperor Decius in AD 250. Carpus had become Bishop of Thyateira in Asia Minor, one of the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse, as mentioned in the New Testament Book of Revelation. Papylus, who had studied medicine, became a deacon and associate of Carpus. Agathodorus was a servant in the diocese of Thyateira. When the three were arrested, they openly confessed their faith in Christ.
In his important and very topical apology, Carpus stressed: “We Christians work with our own hands. At a time when unbelievers in Christ and the Gospel are cursing us and deriding us, we wish them all the best. While they are persecuting us, we show tolerance. While they slander us, we respond with useful and pleasing words.”
Irritated by Carpus’ answer, the governor tortured him, along with Papylus’ sister, Agathoniki, and beheaded them.
The Church also celebrates the memory of New martyr Chryse.
The martyrs during the terrible persecutions watered the tree of the Church with their blood, which grows over the centuries, and provided its soothing shade so that the name of the true God may be glorified by the faithful.
Source: Church of Cyprus