When Justin ruled in the Greek land, in the land of Omirit, the lawless king Duna'an, a Jew by birth, cruelly persecuted Christians. He sought to eradicate the Christian faith; however, in the city of Najran, thanks to pious ambassadors, Christianity flourished. Duna'an, learning of the disobedience of the inhabitants of Najran, besieged the city and demanded renunciation of Christ. The citizens, including Saint Arefa, steadfastly defended their faith, rejecting the king's threats.
The king, unable to take the city, resorted to cunning and deceitfully entered Najran, after which he began to persecute Christians. He ordered the execution of priests and believers, including 427 holy martyrs, burning them for their fidelity to Christ. Saint Arefa, being an elder, courageously defended the faith, for which he was captured and sentenced to death.
Before his execution, he inspired the citizens to steadfastness, urging them not to fear death for the sake of Christ. All of them, including women and children, joyfully went to martyrdom, wishing to receive the crown of glory. Mother Synclitikia and her daughters also accepted martyrdom, not renouncing Christ, and joyfully went to the pyre.
After the execution of the saints, King Duna'an, not reconciled, continued to persecute Christians, but soon he was struck by God's punishment. He sent ambassadors to other kings, wishing to exterminate Christians, but the pious King Elezvoi, learning of the persecutions, gathered an army to protect the believers. Thus, the holy martyrs, who endured sufferings for Christ, became an example of fidelity and steadfastness for all Christians.
