Ananias of Persia

Holy Martyr Ananias of Persia, called the Persian, was born at Arbela, in Persia (now Erbil, in Iraq), and was a layman. He became known for virtues and for strength of faith. After torments, Saint Ananias did not deny his faith and was put to death. He is commemorated on 14 December.

According to tradition, before death he cried out: "Make prayers to God, for I see a ladder leading from heaven to earth and angels who say to me: Come with us and we will bring you into the city full of light and joy." The sources available to us do not give the time of his martyrdom.