Elias the Egyptian

Holy Martyr Elias the Egyptian suffered together with the holy martyrs Probus and Aris, also Egyptians, in the year 308. The three came from Egypt and were Christians, and out of zeal for the glory of God they went to those imprisoned for Christ, comforting them in their torments and healing their wounds.

Once they set out for the land of Cilicia. At the entrance to the city of Ascalon, right at the city gates, they were stopped by fierce unbelieving guards, who took them for spies and brought them before the prince Firmilian. At the trial they confessed themselves Christians and were put to cruel tortures.

Saint Aris was the first to be subjected to many torments and given to the fire. After him Saint Probus was tortured and beheaded with the sword. Last, after many torments, Saint Elias too was beheaded with the sword.

The Church commemorates the three martyrs on 1 January, in the new style.