120 Martyrs of Persia

The 120 Martyrs of Persia suffered in the time of King Shapur of Persia (325-379). The unbelieving king conquered lands of the Byzantines, destroyed many fortresses and towns and took many Christians prisoner; some were slain, others died on the road from hardships.

The hundred and twenty were led to Persia bound in chains and shut in prison. Because they confessed their faith in Christ and refused to sacrifice to the idols, Shapur threw them into a fire and so ended their life. The martyrdom took place between the years 344 and 347. They may be the same as those who suffered with Bishop Shadost. They are commemorated on 6 April, by the church calendar of the Church of Greece.