Bishop
When the number of Christians in Persia greatly increased, the pagans, filled with envy, conspired with the Jews to start a persecution against them. King Shapur, deceived by their slander, imposed a heavy tax upon the Christians and began to openly persecute the church.
Saint Simeon, the bishop of Seleucia-Ctesiphon, was arrested and brought before the king. He refused to bow either to the king or to the sun, which led to his being cast into prison.
The eunuch Usphazan, the king’s tutor, seeing the holy figure of the saint, expressed his own faith to Christ. He confessed and was condemned to death. Before his execution, he begged the king to proclaim that he was dying for Christ. After that he was beheaded.
Meanwhile, Saint Simeon remained in prison, strengthening his fellow Christians. When they were led to execution, they embraced martyrdom with joy, refusing to renounce Christ. Among them, there were priests, deacons, and many of the simple lay people. At last, Saint Simeon himself was beheaded, together with the presbyters Avdelai and Anania. Anania, who had at first felt great fear, was encouraged by a nobleman, Fusik, who openly confessed Christ and was also executed.
On that day, countless martyrs received the crown of the kingdom of God. Among them, there was also Saint Azat, a beloved servant of the king. The king, regretting his loss, ordered the executions to cease, though he continued to persecute the teachers of christianity.
Thus, Saint Simeon the Bishop, together with his companions, was glorified by the church for his unwavering faith and steadfastness in suffering for the love of God.
