Martyr Babylas of Nicomedia and 84 children with him

The martyrs suffered in Nicomedia for professing Christianity during the reign of Emperor Maximian. Saint Vavila, who taught children Christian piety, was subjected to torture for his faith. He constantly called upon God, expressing gratitude for the strength given to him. After being beaten and imprisoned, he and his disciples, not yielding to persuasion, firmly declared their faith. The emperor, enraged by their response, ordered them to be executed. During the procession to execution, Vavila sang praises to God, and all 84 disciples accepted their martyrdom with spiritual joy.