Podcasts religion Saint of the Day Holy Martyrs Hypatius and Andrew, Confessors of the Holy Icons (8th c.)

Holy Martyrs Hypatius and Andrew, Confessors of the Holy Icons (8th c.)

Published: Sept. 20, 2019, 5:01 a.m.

They were friends from childhood, fellow-strugglers for holiness. Their godly way of life attracted the attention of the Bishop of Ephesus, who made Hypatius a bishop and Andrew a deacon and itinerant preacher. During the reign of Leo the Isaurian (714-41) they were both imprisoned for confessing the Orthodox faith and defending the veneration of the holy icons. They were subjected to various tortures, including having icons set afire on their heads in mockery of their faithfulness. They were executed near Constantinople and their bodies thrown to the dogs.