Attius of Perge

Holy Martyr Attius of Perge lived in the city of Perge in Pamphylia, in the time of Emperor Diocletian (284-305), together with Leontius, Alexander, Cindeus, Minsitheus, Cyriacus, Mineon, Catun and Eucleus. All nine were baptised in infancy. Mineon was a carpenter, the others were tillers of the soil. They are commemorated on 14 August.

In the time of the fierce persecution of Christians, the saints with one mind longed to accept the struggle of martyrdom for Christ. They tore down the shrine of the pagan goddess Artemis. For this they were given over to harsh torments and thrown to the beasts in the circus. But the beasts, tamed by the prayers of the martyrs, did not touch them. The spectators were terrified and cried out loudly that great is the God of the Christians. A terrible storm broke out, and hail and fire fell on the earth at once. From heaven a voice was heard calling the martyrs to the Kingdom of heaven. Hearing the voice, the saints were filled with great joy and, bowing their heads under the sword, received the crowns of martyrdom.