Who has a name day today, August 11, 2024. Congratulations!

On August 11, the Church celebrates a double feast – of the holy deacon Euples and of the holy martyr Susanna (Sosana).

At the time of the terrible persecution under Diocletian, St. Deacon Euples lived in Sicily. He served God without fear. At that time, it was strictly forbidden for Christians to keep holy books in their homes, which the pagan authorities diligently searched for and burned when they managed to find them.

He was captured when he was reading the Holy Gospel in a poor hut. In the gloomy dungeon, St. Euple was cruelly tortured by hunger and thirst. Before his death, he taught the people in a loud voice and was comforted by a voice from heaven: “Blessed are you, Euples, My good and faithful servant! Enter into the joy of your Lord!“ Then he joyfully bowed his head under the executioner's sword.

Saint Susanna (Sosanna) was the daughter of presbyter Gavanius. He himself was the brother of the then Roman Pope Gaius (pope from 283 to April 22, 296).
Since he was well acquainted with the pagan philosophers and had excellently studied the Holy Scriptures, Gavinius, on the advice of his brother, wrote many books as a refutation of the pagan delusions.

Susanna was distinguished by mind and physical beauty, which was surpassed by her spiritual beauty.
Emperor Diocletian asked to make her the wife of his son Maximian. In reality, he was not the son of Diocletian, but was adopted by him, because he came from very close relatives of the emperor.

She refused to marry him, which angered the emperor. She was subjected to terrible torture. Her head was cut off with a sword. Saint Pope Gaius consecrated the house where the blood of the martyr was shed for a temple.

Today is Susana and Liliana's name day.