The Holy Martyrs Acindynus, Pegasius, Aphthonius, Elpidephorus, and Anempodistus.
The Holy Martyrs Acindynus, Pegasius, Aphthonius, Elpidephorus, and Anempodistus contested in Persia about the year 330, in the reign of Sapor (Shapur) II, King of Persia (325–379). Acindynus, Pegasius, and Anempodistus, Persian Christians, confessed Christ before the King, and were put to many torments. Aphthonius and Elpidephorus, drawn to the Faith of Christ through the Martyrs, were beheaded with another 7,000. Saints Acindynus, Pegasius, and Anempodistus were at last burned to death. Two churches were dedicated in their honor in Constantinople. See also April 17.
As is often the case in church hymns, there is a play on the meanings of the Saints’ names here. Acindynus means “unimperilled”; Pegasius is derived from pegazo – “to gush forth”; Aphthonius is derived from aphthonos – “abundant”; Elpidephorus means “hope-bearing”; Anempodistus means “unhindered.” These are all Greek translations of their Persian names.
The above account is taken from the Great Horologion,
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