Reading:
Saint Menas, who had Egypt as his fatherland, contested in
Cotyaeion of Phrygia in 296 during the reign of Diocletian and
Maximian. A soldier distinguished for his valour in war, he renounced
his rank and withdrew to devote himself to ascetical struggles and
prayer in the mountains. Filled with zeal and more than human courage,
he presented himself in the midst of a pagan festival in Cotyaeion and
declared himself to be a Christian. After terrible torments which he
endured with astonishing courage, he was beheaded. His martyrium in
Egypt became a place of universal pilgrimage; evidence of ancient
journeys to his shrine have been found as far away as Ireland. The glory
and refuge of the Christians of Egypt, he has been revealed to be a
worker of great miracles and a swift defender for all who call on him
with faith; besides all else, he is also invoked for help in finding
lost objects.
Apolytikion in the Plagal of the First Tone
With great valour of soul, thou didst strive in martyrdom, and
having fought the good fight, O divine Great Martyr Menas, thou from
Heaven hast received the gift of miracles; for God hath shown thee to
the world as a worker of great signs, and He made thee our protector and
a swift help in afflictions and ever-vigilant defence from harm.
Kontakion in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone
As godly-minded athletes and Martyrs who strove for piety, the
Church doth honour and glorify this day the godly contests and travails
of Menas the prizewinner, noble Victor, brave Vincent, and valiant
Stephanie, and lovingly doth cry out and glorify Christ, the Friend of
man.