26 Martyrs of Zographou Monastery of Mt.Athos
Hosiomartyrs
In 1261, Emperor Michael Palaiologos, seeking to unite the Eastern and Western Churches, faced strong opposition from the people and monasteries of Mount Athos. The monks, condemning the union, urged him to abandon this dangerous enterprise. However, Michael did not heed their words and continued to persecute those who rejected the union, leading to executions and atrocities.
In 1276, the Latins, aiming to subjugate Athos, began to persecute the monks. In the Iveron Monastery, the monks refused to renounce Orthodoxy and were killed, while in the Zograf Monastery, Abbot Thomas and his brethren, learning of the approaching enemies, prepared to defend their faith. They were not afraid of threats and, refusing to renounce Orthodoxy, accepted a martyr's death by fire in 1276.
The holy martyrs, numbering 26, including Abbot Thomas, suffered for their faith, and their names remain in memory: Barsanuphius, Cyril, Michael, Simon, Hilarion, Jacob, Job, Cyprian, Sabbas, Martinian, Cosmas, Sergius, Mina, Joseph, Joannicius, Paul, Anthony, Euphemius, Domitian, and Parthenius. Their martyrdom became a testament to true faith and steadfastness in the face of heresy.
The memory of the holy venerable martyrs is celebrated in the week following All Saints, as well as separately in their monasteries. In 1873, a miraculous sign was raised over the place of their suffering when a fiery pillar appeared above the church during the celebration of their memory, which became a testament to their holiness and intercession before God.
