Abaskhiron of Qalin: The Soldier and Martyr

Welcome to St. Shenouda Podcast! Join us for a compelling episode on the life of Saint Abaskhiron the Soldier, a revered Coptic martyr and saint. Also known as Eskhayron or Abaskhaeroun, his name "Abaskhyron" combines "Abba" (father, an honorific title despite his young age at martyrdom) and "skhyron" (the strong). Born in Qallin, Lower Egypt, in the 3rd century, Abaskhiron was a soldier under Arianus, the governor of Ansena.His story of unwavering faith began when Emperor Diocletian issued an edict to worship idols. Abaskhiron bravely refused, exposing the emperor's infidelity and cursing his idols. He dramatically cast off his soldier's uniform in front of the governor, leading to his imprisonment in Asyut. While in prison, five other soldiers—Alfius, Armanius, Arkias, Peter, and Cranius—agreed with him to shed their blood for Christ. They faced torture, with some crucified and others beheaded.Abaskhiron himself endured horrific and varied tortures, but the Lord continually comforted, strengthened, and healed his wounds. The governor brought a sorcerer named Alexander, who prepared a deadly snake poison to kill him. Abaskhiron made the sign of the cross over the poison and drank it in the name of Jesus, suffering no harm. Witnessing this divine protection, Alexander was astonished, believed in the God of Abaskhiron, and was subsequently beheaded by the governor, thus receiving the crown of martyrdom. The enraged governor subjected Abaskhiron to further extensive tortures, throwing him into a furnace and blinding his eyes. However, the Lord sent Archangel Michael, who miraculously drew his wings over Abaskhiron's eyes and healed him. Finally, Abaskhiron received the crown of martyrdom by beheading.Beyond his martyrdom, Abaskhiron is celebrated for a great miracle: in his hometown of Qallin, believers were celebrating group weddings in St. Abaskhiron's Church when evildoers surrounded it, planning to kill everyone inside. The congregation prayed for his intercession, and Abaskhiron miraculously transported the entire church, its people, a tree, and a well to another village called Biho, in Southern Egypt, where the church exists today.Discover the inspiring bravery and miracles of St. Abaskhiron, whose feast day is celebrated annually on 14 June (7 Paoni). His holy relics are kept in the Monastery of Saint Pishoy and the Monastery of Saint Samuel the Confessor. Tune in for a powerful tale of unwavering faith, divine endurance, and miraculous intervention!