Saint Kir, a holy servant of God, was born in Alexandria and was a renowned physician, healing ailments for free and guiding people on the path of salvation. During the persecutions of Diocletian, he fled to Arabia, where he took monastic vows and continued to heal through prayer. Saint John, having left his military rank, came to Jerusalem and later found Saint Kir, becoming his disciple.
At that time, a God-loving woman, Athanasia, was captured along with her three daughters: Theoktista, Theodotia, and Eudoxia. Saint Kir and John came to Canopus to strengthen them in faith. They were captured and subjected to cruel tortures, but they remained steadfast. The torturer Syrian, failing to succeed, began to torment Athanasia and her daughters, who also showed courage.
All of them were executed by the sword on January 31. Saints Kir and John were also executed after long tortures. Their bodies were buried with honor in the church of Saint Apostle Mark. Later, during the reign of Theodosius the Younger, the relics of the saints were transferred to Manufin for the expulsion of demons.
