Martyr
Martyr Habib (Abibus) the Deacon of Edessa
† 309–310-е
Also known as: Авив диакон
Martyr Habib, Deacon of Edessa — who voluntarily surrendered to the persecutors to spare the innocent from suffering, was subjected to brutal torture, and burned alive under Emperor Licinius; buried alongside Martyrs Gurias and Samonas.
Habib was a deacon of the Church of Edessa who secretly traveled through the villages of the Edessan region, reading Holy Scripture to believers and strengthening Christians during the persecution under Emperor Licinius.
When the governor Lysanias, searching for Habib, began arresting his relatives and fellow villagers, the saint voluntarily surrendered himself to the persecutors rather than allow innocent people to suffer in his place. Brought to trial, he fearlessly confessed his faith in Christ and refused to sacrifice to the idols.
After being cruelly tortured — scourged and torn with iron claws — he told his tormentors that the torments only strengthened him, "as water nourishes a tree to bear fruit." Rather than beheading, as with Gurias and Samonas, the governor sentenced him to be burned alive over a slow fire. His body was buried in the same tomb as Gurias and Samonas, a shrine later famous for miracles, particularly in defense of marriage vows and family fidelity.
His feast is kept on November 15/28.