Acepsimas of Hnaita
Acepsimas of Hnaita was a bishop and martyr of the Sasanian Empire, executed under Shapur II for refusing to renounce Christianity. He is remembered for his steadfast faith in the face of brutal persecution, enduring imprisonment and torture before his death. His martyrdom is documented in Syriac literature, highlighting the Christian persecutions of the 4th century.
- Century
- 4th century
- Country Or Region
- Persia
Key Facts
- ›Acepsimas was the bishop of Hnaita, residing at Paka in western Persia.
- ›He was arrested by Shapur II for refusing to worship according to the Zoroastrian faith.
- ›A judge admired his denial of the sun's divinity, to which Acepsimas responded by questioning how men could prefer a creature to the Creator.
- ›He was scourged, bound by his feet, and thrown into prison.
- ›Acepsimas endured three years of imprisonment before being racked and whipped to death on October 10, 376.
- ›He was one of the martyrs of Persia under Shapur II.
Acepsimas
About Acepsimas of Hnaita
Acepsimas of Hnaita (Syriac: ܥܩܒ݂ܫܡܐ) was a bishop, martyr, and saint who died on October 10, 376. He is recognized as one of the martyrs of Persia who suffered under the reign of Shapur II.
Life and Historical Context
Acepsimas served as the bishop of Hnaita, with his residence in Paka, located in western Persia. During the persecution of Christians initiated by Shapur II, he and several companions were arrested. Among his companions were the priest Joseph of Bet-Katoba and the deacon Aitillaha of Bet-Nuhadra. Their arrest stemmed from their refusal to adhere to the Zoroastrian faith.
Acepsimas was taken in chains to Arbela, where he faced the governor. The governor expressed admiration for Acepsimas's ability to deny the divinity of the sun, which was widely adored in the East. Acepsimas responded by questioning how one could prefer a creature to the Creator. Following the governor's orders, Acepsimas was laid on the ground with his feet bound and was barbarously scourged until his entire body was covered in blood. He was then imprisoned.
Martyrdom and Veneration
Acepsimas endured three years of imprisonment. He was ultimately racked and whipped to death on October 10, 376. His companions also suffered martyrdom: Joseph was tortured and stoned to death at Tabaha in 377, and Aithalla was stoned to death at Destegerd on November 3, 377. These individuals are noted as the last martyrs of the Christian persecution under Shapur II.
Acepsimas and his companions are venerated as saints. Their feast days are observed differently across various Christian traditions. The Roman Catholic Church celebrates their feast on April 22. The Greek and Russian Orthodox Churches honor them with the full office of the day on November 3. The Syriac Orthodox Church keeps their feast on September 2. Additionally, Aithalla has a specific feast day in the Greek Orthodox Church on September 1.
Other individuals associated with this group include Bishop Abdjesus and a deacon named Abdjesu. The book documenting their martyrdom, known as their acts, has survived and is considered genuine.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Acepsimas of Hnaita?
Acepsimas of Hnaita was a bishop and martyr of the Sasanian Empire. He died on October 10, 376, as one of the martyrs of Persia under Shapur II.
Why was Acepsimas martyred?
Acepsimas was martyred for his Christian faith. He and his companions were arrested by Shapur II for refusing to worship according to the Zoroastrian faith.
What happened to Acepsimas before his death?
Acepsimas was scourged until his body was covered with blood and then thrown into prison. He endured three years of imprisonment before being racked and whipped to death.
When is Acepsimas of Hnaita venerated?
Different Christian traditions venerate Acepsimas and his companions on various dates. The Roman Catholic Church observes their feast on April 22, while the Greek and Russian Orthodox Churches celebrate on November 3, and the Syriac Orthodox Church on September 2.
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