Feast Day: October 30th
The Life of Saint Asterius, Saint Claudius, Saint Neon and Saint Neonilla:
A Prayer
A Verse to Asterios, Claudius and Neon: Claudius, Asterios as well as Neon, contesting by the sword, were seen as new stars.
A Verse to Neonilla: Neonilla was stretched out on the wood, doing away with the ancient wood’s deceit.
These youth, standing before the governor, said:
“We now disdain all our belongings, O governor, and on behalf of our Faith we will endure all evil that will follow us. Our stepmother, who was not well chosen to replace our mother, knew that she did not betray us to you to protect the religion of your gods. No. Rather she is seeking to unjustly take the inheritance of our father and mother, since it consists of much.”
Saint Claudius:
“As I told you once, for the Faith of Christ, I disdain even this death. Therefore do as you want, O judge.”
“Today I stand before you brave and fearless, more than yesterday. For while I was being tortured I became stronger and braver.”
Saint Asterios:
“Do whatever you want, O governor, do it and do not be neglectful. For I do not wish to deny Christ My God.”
“He who believes in the True God, and has all his hopes in Him, does not regard death, but disdains it, even if he has to endure a myriad of tortures.”
Saint Neon:
“If you want to learn my name, O governor, know that I am called Neon. Have no hope to learn more beyond this. For I am the brother of Claudius and Asterios, who were punished before me. It is not possible to separate from them. But for my Confession of Christ, behold now I stand before you. Therefore delay not to do what you wish.”
Saint Neonilla:
The governor then ordered for the sister of the Saints to be brought out, Saint Neonilla. Because he found her to be more firm than a rock in her Faith in Christ…