Michael Zoviysky

Venerable Martyr Michael Zoviysky of Sebaste, an abbot, was the head of the monastery called Zovia, near Sebaste of Armenia. He lived the ascetic life there in the eighth century, with thirty-⁠six monks, in the reign of the emperor Constantine and his mother, the empress Irene. The Hagarene (Saracen) emir Alim, who invaded the country, took the monastery and urged the monks to accept Mohammedanism. But the venerable fathers, strengthened from above, did not yield to the persuasions of the unbelievers. Standing in the midst of the monks, the venerable abbot Michael raised his voice, exhorting them to die for Christ. First the monks were beheaded, and then the abbot Michael. He is commemorated on 14 October, in the new style.