Inna of Novodunum

Holy Martyr Inna of Novodunum is commemorated together with the holy martyrs Pinna and Rimma. The three were Slavs from northern Scythia and disciples of the Holy Apostle Andrew the First-⁠called. They taught of the Name of Christ and baptized many barbarians, bringing them to the right faith.

For this they were seized by a local prince, who wished to entice them with various temptations and flattering promises. They did not yield to the honours offered, and for their steadfastness in faith in Christ they were beaten without mercy. It was a harsh winter, and the rivers were frozen so hard that not only men but horses with carts could cross them on the ice. The prince ordered large logs set into the ice, the saints bound to them and lowered gradually into the cold water. When the ice reached their necks, exhausted by the terrible frost, the martyrs gave their blessed souls to the Lord.

An old Slavic menology tells that some Christians buried their bodies then, but Bishop Gedets took them out of the grave and, lifting them onto his shoulders, laid them in his church. Seven years after their death the martyrs appeared to the same bishop and ordered him to move their relics to a place called Aliks, to a dry haven. Aliks is today Alushta, on the shore of the Black Sea, northeast of Yalta, and "dry haven" means a seaport.

The martyrs are commemorated on 2 February and on 3 July, in the new style.