Minsifei of Perge

Holy Martyr Minsifei of Perge (Pamphylia) was one of the nine martyrs Leontius, Attius, Alexander, Cindeus, Minsiphaeus, Cyriacus, Mineon, Catunus and Eucleus, who lived in the Pamphylian city of Perge in the time of the emperor Diocletian (284-305). All had received Baptism in infancy. Mineon was a carpenter, the others, Minsifei among them, were farmers. In the time of persecution the saints resolved with one mind to take up the struggle of martyrdom for Christ. They destroyed the shrine of the pagan goddess Artemis and for this were tortured and thrown to the beasts in the circus, but the beasts, tamed by their prayers, did not touch them. The spectators cried, "Great is the God of the Christians." A dreadful storm broke out, with hail and fire falling together, and from heaven a voice called them into the Kingdom of Heaven. Full of joy, the saints bowed their heads under the sword and received the crowns of martyrdom. Minsifei is commemorated on 14 August, in the new style.