March 20^th, Holy Martyr Myron of Crete

Myron, the glorious martyr of Christ, was from Kandia of Megalokasto in Crete. His father’s name was Demetrios. Both his parents were devout and noble. From his boyhood that ever-memorable one had an innocent disposition, loved virtue, and was morally upright. In addition, he was an admirer of virginity and wisdom. Simply put, from a young age he possessed the prudence of an old man. He was well built and comely. The righteous Myron learned the tailoring trade and he conducted himself in a modest and orderly manner in his workshop.

Certain Turkish neighbors nearby Myron’s shop always sought his company. However the youth maintained his seriousness and tranquility, and would avoid conversations and association with them. Unfortunately they could not bear to see so handsome a lad endowed with a sound, intelligent mind and humility. They were consumed with envy against him and pondered how they might bring him to renounce the Faith of Christ and be a Moslem. Therefore what did the accursed ones contrive one day? They approached a Turkish child and persuaded him to say that the young Myron had forced him to commit a shameful act of sin. Myron was seized by them with insane fury and led to the judge. His clamoring accusers defiantly shouted their fictitious charges, contending he molested a Turkish boy. The judge questioned Myron as to the validity of the allegations against him. The martyr responded that the complaint was unjust and false, since he had never engaged in such a deed; furthermore, it was an impropriety he knew nothing about. His accusers leaped to their feet, clamoring that truly he did this act and either he must become a Moslem in order to have the case dismissed, or be put to death.

At this point in the proceedings the judge indicated two alternatives for the Martyr–

either become a Moslem or die. Christ’s Martyr boldly asserted that he would never declare the faith untrue and deny the Name of Christ, that for His Love he was prepared to receive as many punishments as they administered, inasmuch as he was born a Christian, and a Christian he wished to die. At this open confession, the judge ordered his men to scourge him with rods for a substantial amount of time. Subsequently he was put in prison until his second examination. The Martyr bravely underwent every trail without fear, and in no way did he alter his facial expression.

Myron was escorted once more to court and again they testified against him. The judge promised to confer on him honors and gifts if he would hearken and convert. If he refused to obey he would be condemned to a death of anguish and pain. The audience of bystanders interjected words such as these: “Young man, take pity on your beauty and come to our faith, so as to enjoy a happy and illustrious life.”

However, the athlete of Christ paid no attention to their vain words, but being unbending in his position he raised his voice, clearly and unequivocally declaring that he would not change his faith but truly wished to die a Christian. The judge, finally convinced of his inflexibility, pronounced the death verdict.

The Martyr was escorted to to the place of execution which was outside of Megalokastro. To as many Christians as Myron chanced to meet on the road, he would say, “Brothers, forgive me, and God forgives you.”

The saint’s father followed behind, weeping and lamenting his son’s death. When they arrived at the designated site the Martyr asked permission and drew near to his father and fell down before him, kissing his feet and hands. Myron took his father’s blessing and consoled him, telling him not to be saddened by his death, for he was unjustly and falsely accused. He then returned to the executioners and told them to carry out the order that they had received. They tied a rope around his neck and thus the remarkable Myron received the undying crown of martyrdom in the year 1793.

While the Martyr was left overnight on the gallows, the Turkish guards saw with their own eyes that a divine and heavenly light came down upon the martyric relics, and they proclaimed it to many. When the Christians heard this they glorified God, Who glorifies His saints. By Whose grace and love for mankind, and through the intercessions of the New Martyr Myron, may we also be made worthy to attain the Kingdom of the Heavens. Amen.

From: New Martyrs of the Turkish Yoke. Translator, Papadopulos.