Hieromartyr
Hieromartyr Astius of Dyrrachium
† нач. II в.
Also known as: Астий, епископ Диррахийский, Астий Диррахийский, епископ
Bishop of Dyrrachium (modern Durrës, Albania), crucified under Emperor Trajan in the early 2nd century for refusing to sacrifice to idols.
Hieromartyr Astius was bishop of Dyrrachium in Illyricum (modern Durrës, Albania) under Emperor Trajan (98–117). Forewarned in a dream of his coming martyrdom, he told his clergy to hide. Arrested and brought before the governor Agricola, he refused to sacrifice to the idols and was beaten with lead rods and ox sinews. Then his body was smeared with honey and he was crucified in the heat; tormented by hornets and flies, he gave up his spirit to the Lord. A church was later built over his grave.
The Greek Church commemorates him on 5 and 6 July. In the Slavonic Prologue his Life was later placed under 4 June, which is his feast day in the Russian Church (17 June, new style).