Martyrs Akepsimas and Aithalas

The holy martyrs Akepsey and Aifal came from Persia, where they suffered. Akepsey, being a pagan priest in the city of Arbela, turned to the Christian bishop, hoping for healing from his illness. The bishop, having healed him, instructed him in the faith, after which Akepsey became a preacher and teacher of piety, and was ordained as a presbyter. This was reported to the governor, who ordered his ear to be cut off and imprisoned.

Aifal, a deacon of the Arbela church, was captured for confessing Christ, severely beaten, and sent to Akepsey in prison. Both saints were brought before the ruler, where they confessed their faith in Christ and were sentenced to be beheaded.