Today the Church remembers the Martyred Holy Fathers who were killed at the Monastery of Saint Savvas and the seven Holy Women, Claudia, Alexandria, Euphrasia, Matrona, Juliana, Euphemia, and Theodora, who were martyred in Aminsus of Cappadocia, during the persecution by Emperor Maximian.
The Holy Fathers of the Monastery of Saint Savvas, situated in a desert location near Jerusalem, lived a life of virtue following the teachings and traditions of the Lavra, established by Saint Savvas the Sanctified. Described as earthly angels by monk Antiochus of Palestine, they dedicated their lives to asceticism, never straying from the place where they began their spiritual journey, even as they grew older.
Despite facing challenges, around 40 Abbas (fathers) chose to remain in the monastery when it was invaded by Arab thieves in 610 AD, who hoped to find treasures within its walls. With unwavering faith and gratitude towards God, the Holy Fathers met their end at the hands of the invaders, receiving the crown of martyrdom in addition to their asceticism.
Source: Church of Cyprus