The Martyrs of Najran

Najran was a predominantly Christian city in the ancient Himyarite Kingdom of Yemen. The kingdom was known for it's religious diversity with the majority being of the Jewish faith and after some initial problems, Christianity had flourished in the area.

Some members of the Himyarite nobility saw Christianity as a threat, not for religious reasons, but saw it as an extension of Byzantine and Ethiopian influence, yet it was tolerated. In A.D. 517 Yūsuf Dhū Nuwas (Dunaan) usurped the throne and combined political and religious reasons as justification for a pogrom against the Christians of the Kingdom.

In A.D. 523 he attacked the Aksumite (Christian Ehtiopian) garrison at Zafar and burned the churches there. Dunaan then proceeded to Najran and laid siege to that city and it's Christian inhabitants. Dunaan's heralds announced that he would spare those who renounced Christ and accept the Jewish faith. The inhabitants under the leadership of their prefect Arethas, held fast and trusted in their defences.

Not daring to assault the Christian city by force, Dunaan resorted to a ruse. Dunaan swore an oath that he would not force the Christians into Judaism, but would merely collect a tribute from Negran. The inhabitants of the city would not heed the advice of Arethas, and putting their trust in Dunaan, they opened the city gates.

The first night of occupation was quiet and peaceful. The next day Dunaan gave orders to light an immense fire and throw all the clergy of the city into it in order to frighten the rest of the Christians. 427 men were burned. He also threw the prefect Arethas and the other chief men into prison. Then the oppressor sent his messengers through the city to convert the Christians to Judaism. Dunaan himself conversed with those inhabitants brought from the prisons, saying, "I do not demand that you should renounce the God of heaven and earth, nor do I want you to worship idols, I want merely that you do not believe in Jesus Christ, since the Crucified One was a man, and not God."  Many refused the offer and the number of martyrs is estimated at between 4,300 - 20,000.

The massacre became the casus belli needed by the Ethiopian King Kaleb of Axum (with the help of the Byzantine Empire) to invade Yemen, a campaign which ended with the death of Dunaan in A.D. 525 and the establishment of a Christian vassal state.


The Martyrs of Najran - 24 October


The Collect.

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who didst strengthen thy blessed Martyrs of Najran with the virtue of constancy in faith and truth: Grant us in like manner for love of thee to despise the prosperity of this world, and to fear none of its adversities; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


The Epistle - 2 Esdras 2:42-48.

I ESDRAS saw upon the mount Sion a great people, whom I could not number, and they all praised the Lord with songs. And in the midst of them there was a young man of a high stature, taller than all the rest, and upon every one of their heads he set crowns, and was more exalted; which I marvelled at greatly. So I asked the angel, and said, Sir, what are these? He answered and said unto me, These be they that have put off the mortal clothing, and put on the immortal, and have confessed the name of God: now are they crowned, and receive palms. Then said I unto the angel. What young person is it that crowneth them, and giveth them palms in their hands? So he answered and said unto me, It is the Son of God, whom they have confessed in the world. Then began I greatly to commend them that stood so stiffly for the name of the Lord. Then the angel said unto me, Go thy way, and tell my people what manner of things, and how great wonders of the Lord thy God, thou hast seen.


The Gospel - St. Matthew 10:16-22.

BEHOLD, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; and ye shall he brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a witness to them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, be not anxious how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.


Reference and Resources:

http://oca.org/FSLivesAllSaints.asp?SID=4&M=10&D=24
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhu_Nuwas
http://www.traditioninaction.org/SOD/j251sd_Elesbaan_10_27.html

+

The Martyrs of Najran

Najran was a predominantly Christian city in the ancient Himyarite Kingdom of Yemen. The kingdom was known for it's religious diversity with the majority being of the Jewish faith and after some initial problems, Christianity had flourished in the area.

Some members of the Himyarite nobility saw Christianity as a threat, not for religious reasons, but saw it as an extension of Byzantine and Ethiopian influence, yet it was tolerated. In A.D. 517 Yūsuf Dhū Nuwas (Dunaan) usurped the throne and combined political and religious reasons as justification for a pogrom against the Christians of the Kingdom.

In A.D. 523 he attacked the Aksumite (Christian Ehtiopian) garrison at Zafar and burned the churches there. Dunaan then proceeded to Najran and laid siege to that city and it's Christian inhabitants. Dunaan's heralds announced that he would spare those who renounced Christ and accept the Jewish faith. The inhabitants under the leadership of their prefect Arethas, held fast and trusted in their defences.

Not daring to assault the Christian city by force, Dunaan resorted to a ruse. Dunaan swore an oath that he would not force the Christians into Judaism, but would merely collect a tribute from Negran. The inhabitants of the city would not heed the advice of Arethas, and putting their trust in Dunaan, they opened the city gates.

The first night of occupation was quiet and peaceful. The next day Dunaan gave orders to light an immense fire and throw all the clergy of the city into it in order to frighten the rest of the Christians. 427 men were burned. He also threw the prefect Arethas and the other chief men into prison. Then the oppressor sent his messengers through the city to convert the Christians to Judaism. Dunaan himself conversed with those inhabitants brought from the prisons, saying, "I do not demand that you should renounce the God of heaven and earth, nor do I want you to worship idols, I want merely that you do not believe in Jesus Christ, since the Crucified One was a man, and not God."  Many refused the offer and the number of martyrs is estimated at between 4,300 - 20,000.

The massacre became the casus belli needed by the Ethiopian King Kaleb of Axum (with the help of the Byzantine Empire) to invade Yemen, a campaign which ended with the death of Dunaan in A.D. 525 and the establishment of a Christian vassal state.


The Martyrs of Najran - 24 October


The Collect.

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who didst strengthen thy blessed Martyrs of Najran with the virtue of constancy in faith and truth: Grant us in like manner for love of thee to despise the prosperity of this world, and to fear none of its adversities; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


The Epistle - 2 Esdras 2:42-48.

I ESDRAS saw upon the mount Sion a great people, whom I could not number, and they all praised the Lord with songs. And in the midst of them there was a young man of a high stature, taller than all the rest, and upon every one of their heads he set crowns, and was more exalted; which I marvelled at greatly. So I asked the angel, and said, Sir, what are these? He answered and said unto me, These be they that have put off the mortal clothing, and put on the immortal, and have confessed the name of God: now are they crowned, and receive palms. Then said I unto the angel. What young person is it that crowneth them, and giveth them palms in their hands? So he answered and said unto me, It is the Son of God, whom they have confessed in the world. Then began I greatly to commend them that stood so stiffly for the name of the Lord. Then the angel said unto me, Go thy way, and tell my people what manner of things, and how great wonders of the Lord thy God, thou hast seen.


The Gospel - St. Matthew 10:16-22.

BEHOLD, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; and ye shall he brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a witness to them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, be not anxious how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.


Reference and Resources:

http://oca.org/FSLivesAllSaints.asp?SID=4&M=10&D=24
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhu_Nuwas
http://www.traditioninaction.org/SOD/j251sd_Elesbaan_10_27.html

+

The Martyrs of Najran

Najran was a predominantly Christian city in the ancient Himyarite Kingdom of Yemen. The kingdom was known for it's religious diversity with the majority being of the Jewish faith and after some initial problems, Christianity had flourished in the area.

Some members of the Himyarite nobility saw Christianity as a threat, not for religious reasons, but saw it as an extension of Byzantine and Ethiopian influence, yet it was tolerated. In A.D. 517 Yūsuf Dhū Nuwas (Dunaan) usurped the throne and combined political and religious reasons as justification for a pogrom against the Christians of the Kingdom.

In A.D. 523 he attacked the Aksumite (Christian Ehtiopian) garrison at Zafar and burned the churches there. Dunaan then proceeded to Najran and laid siege to that city and it's Christian inhabitants. Dunaan's heralds announced that he would spare those who renounced Christ and accept the Jewish faith. The inhabitants under the leadership of their prefect Arethas, held fast and trusted in their defences.

Not daring to assault the Christian city by force, Dunaan resorted to a ruse. Dunaan swore an oath that he would not force the Christians into Judaism, but would merely collect a tribute from Negran. The inhabitants of the city would not heed the advice of Arethas, and putting their trust in Dunaan, they opened the city gates.

The first night of occupation was quiet and peaceful. The next day Dunaan gave orders to light an immense fire and throw all the clergy of the city into it in order to frighten the rest of the Christians. 427 men were burned. He also threw the prefect Arethas and the other chief men into prison. Then the oppressor sent his messengers through the city to convert the Christians to Judaism. Dunaan himself conversed with those inhabitants brought from the prisons, saying, "I do not demand that you should renounce the God of heaven and earth, nor do I want you to worship idols, I want merely that you do not believe in Jesus Christ, since the Crucified One was a man, and not God."  Many refused the offer and the number of martyrs is estimated at between 4,300 - 20,000.

The massacre became the casus belli needed by the Ethiopian King Kaleb of Axum (with the help of the Byzantine Empire) to invade Yemen, a campaign which ended with the death of Dunaan in A.D. 525 and the establishment of a Christian vassal state.


Propers for the Martyrs of Najran - 24 October


The Collect.

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who didst strengthen thy blessed Martyrs of Najran with the virtue of constancy in faith and truth: Grant us in like manner for love of thee to despise the prosperity of this world, and to fear none of its adversities; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


The Epistle - 2 Esdras 2:42-48.

I ESDRAS saw upon the mount Sion a great people, whom I could not number, and they all praised the Lord with songs. And in the midst of them there was a young man of a high stature, taller than all the rest, and upon every one of their heads he set crowns, and was more exalted; which I marvelled at greatly. So I asked the angel, and said, Sir, what are these? He answered and said unto me, These be they that have put off the mortal clothing, and put on the immortal, and have confessed the name of God: now are they crowned, and receive palms. Then said I unto the angel. What young person is it that crowneth them, and giveth them palms in their hands? So he answered and said unto me, It is the Son of God, whom they have confessed in the world. Then began I greatly to commend them that stood so stiffly for the name of the Lord. Then the angel said unto me, Go thy way, and tell my people what manner of things, and how great wonders of the Lord thy God, thou hast seen.


The Gospel - St. Matthew 10:16-22.

BEHOLD, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; and ye shall he brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a witness to them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, be not anxious how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.


Reference and Resources:

http://oca.org/FSLivesAllSaints.asp?SID=4&M=10&D=24
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhu_Nuwas
http://www.traditioninaction.org/SOD/j251sd_Elesbaan_10_27.html

+

The Martyrs of Najran

Najran was a predominantly Christian city in the ancient Himyarite Kingdom of Yemen. The kingdom was known for it's religious diversity with the majority being of the Jewish faith and after some initial problems, Christianity had flourished in the area.

Some members of the Himyarite nobility saw Christianity as a threat, not for religious reasons, but saw it as an extension of Byzantine and Ethiopian influence, yet it was tolerated. In A.D. 517 Yūsuf Dhū Nuwas (Dunaan) usurped the throne and combined political and religious reasons as justification for a pogrom against the Christians of the Kingdom.

In A.D. 523 he attacked the Aksumite (Christian Ehtiopian) garrison at Zafar and burned the churches there. Dunaan then proceeded to Najran and laid siege to that city and it's Christian inhabitants. Dunaan's heralds announced that he would spare those who renounced Christ and accept the Jewish faith. The inhabitants under the leadership of their prefect Arethas, held fast and trusted in their defences.

Not daring to assault the Christian city by force, Dunaan resorted to a ruse. Dunaan swore an oath that he would not force the Christians into Judaism, but would merely collect a tribute from Negran. The inhabitants of the city would not heed the advice of Arethas, and putting their trust in Dunaan, they opened the city gates.

The first night of occupation was quiet and peaceful. The next day Dunaan gave orders to light an immense fire and throw all the clergy of the city into it in order to frighten the rest of the Christians. 427 men were burned. He also threw the prefect Arethas and the other chief men into prison. Then the oppressor sent his messengers through the city to convert the Christians to Judaism. Dunaan himself conversed with those inhabitants brought from the prisons, saying, "I do not demand that you should renounce the God of heaven and earth, nor do I want you to worship idols, I want merely that you do not believe in Jesus Christ, since the Crucified One was a man, and not God."  Many refused the offer and the number of martyrs is estimated at between 4,300 - 20,000.

The massacre became the casus belli needed by the Ethiopian King Kaleb of Axum (with the help of the Byzantine Empire) to invade Yemen, a campaign which ended with the death of Dunaan in A.D. 525 and the establishment of a Christian vassal state.


Propers for the Martyrs of Najran


The Collect.

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who didst strengthen thy blessed Martyrs of Najran with the virtue of constancy in faith and truth: Grant us in like manner for love of thee to despise the prosperity of this world, and to fear none of its adversities; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


The Epistle - 2 Esdras 2:42-48.

I ESDRAS saw upon the mount Sion a great people, whom I could not number, and they all praised the Lord with songs. And in the midst of them there was a young man of a high stature, taller than all the rest, and upon every one of their heads he set crowns, and was more exalted; which I marvelled at greatly. So I asked the angel, and said, Sir, what are these? He answered and said unto me, These be they that have put off the mortal clothing, and put on the immortal, and have confessed the name of God: now are they crowned, and receive palms. Then said I unto the angel. What young person is it that crowneth them, and giveth them palms in their hands? So he answered and said unto me, It is the Son of God, whom they have confessed in the world. Then began I greatly to commend them that stood so stiffly for the name of the Lord. Then the angel said unto me, Go thy way, and tell my people what manner of things, and how great wonders of the Lord thy God, thou hast seen.


The Gospel - St. Matthew 10:16-22.

BEHOLD, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; and ye shall he brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a witness to them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, be not anxious how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.


Reference and Resources:

http://oca.org/FSLivesAllSaints.asp?SID=4&M=10&D=24
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhu_Nuwas
http://www.traditioninaction.org/SOD/j251sd_Elesbaan_10_27.html

+

The Martyrs of Najran

Najran was a predominantly Christian city in the ancient Himyarite Kingdom of Yemen. The kingdom was known for it's religious diversity with the majority being of the Jewish faith and after some initial problems, Christianity had flourished in the area.

Some members of the Himyarite nobility saw Christianity as a threat, not for religious reasons, but saw it as an extension of Byzantine and Ethiopian influence, yet it was tolerated. In A.D. 517 Yūsuf Dhū Nuwas (Dunaan) usurped the throne and combined political and religious reasons as justification for a pogrom against the Christians of the Kingdom.

In A.D. 523 he attacked the Aksumite (Christian Ehtiopian) garrison at Zafar and burned the churches there. Dunaan then proceeded to Najran and laid siege to that city and it's Christian inhabitants. Dunaan's heralds announced that he would spare those who renounced Christ and accept the Jewish faith. The inhabitants under the leadership of their prefect Arethas, held fast and trusted in their defences.

Not daring to assault the Christian city by force, Dunaan resorted to a ruse. Dunaan swore an oath that he would not force the Christians into Judaism, but would merely collect a tribute from Negran. The inhabitants of the city would not heed the advice of Arethas, and putting their trust in Dunaan, they opened the city gates.

The first night of occupation was quiet and peaceful. The next day Dunaan gave orders to light an immense fire and throw all the clergy of the city into it in order to frighten the rest of the Christians. 427 men were burned. He also threw the prefect Arethas and the other chief men into prison. Then the oppressor sent his messengers through the city to convert the Christians to Judaism. Dunaan himself conversed with those inhabitants brought from the prisons, saying, "I do not demand that you should renounce the God of heaven and earth, nor do I want you to worship idols, I want merely that you do not believe in Jesus Christ, since the Crucified One was a man, and not God."  Many refused the offer and the number of martyrs is estimated at between 4,300 - 20,000.

The massacre became the casus belli needed by the Ethiopian King Kaleb of Axum (with the help of the Byzantine Empire) to invade Yemen, a campaign which ended with the death of Dunaan in A.D. 525 and the establishment of a Christian vassal state.


Propers for the Martyrs of Najran


The Collect.

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who didst strengthen thy blessed Martyrs of Najran with the virtue of constancy in faith and truth: Grant us in like manner for love of thee to despise the prosperity of this world, and to fear none of its adversities; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


The Epistle - 2 Esdras 2:42-48.

I ESDRAS saw upon the mount Sion a great people, whom I could not number, and they all praised the Lord with songs. And in the midst of them there was a young man of a high stature, taller than all the rest, and upon every one of their heads he set crowns, and was more exalted; which I marvelled at greatly. So I asked the angel, and said, Sir, what are these? He answered and said unto me, These be they that have put off the mortal clothing, and put on the immortal, and have confessed the name of God: now are they crowned, and receive palms. Then said I unto the angel. What young person is it that crowneth them, and giveth them palms in their hands? So he answered and said unto me, It is the Son of God, whom they have confessed in the world. Then began I greatly to commend them that stood so stiffly for the name of the Lord. Then the angel said unto me, Go thy way, and tell my people what manner of things, and how great wonders of the Lord thy God, thou hast seen.


The Gospel - St. Matthew 10:16-22.

BEHOLD, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; and ye shall he brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a witness to them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, be not anxious how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.


Reference and Resources:

http://oca.org/FSLivesAllSaints.asp?SID=4&M=10&D=24
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhu_Nuwas
http://www.traditioninaction.org/SOD/j251sd_Elesbaan_10_27.html

+

The Martyrs of Najran

Najran was a predominantly Christian city in the ancient Himyarite Kingdom of Yemen. The kingdom was known for it's religious diversity with the majority being of the Jewish faith and after some initial problems, Christianity had flourished in the area.

Some members of the Himyarite nobility saw Christianity as a threat, not for religious reasons, but saw it as an extension of Byzantine and Ethiopian influence, yet it was tolerated. In A.D. 517 Yūsuf Dhū Nuwas (Dunaan) usurped the throne and combined political and religious reasons as justification for a pogrom against the Christians of the Kingdom.

In A.D. 523 he attacked the Aksumite (Christian Ehtiopian) garrison at Zafar and burned the churches there. Dunaan then proceeded to Najran and laid siege to that city and it's Christian inhabitants. Dunaan's heralds announced that he would spare those who renounced Christ and accept the Jewish faith. The inhabitants under the leadership of their prefect Arethas, held fast and trusted in their defences.

Not daring to assault the Christian city by force, Dunaan resorted to a ruse. Dunaan swore an oath that he would not force the Christians into Judaism, but would merely collect a tribute from Negran. The inhabitants of the city would not heed the advice of Arethas, and putting their trust in Dunaan, they opened the city gates.

The first night of occupation was quiet and peaceful. The next day Dunaan gave orders to light an immense fire and throw all the clergy of the city into it in order to frighten the rest of the Christians. 427 men were burned. He also threw the prefect Arethas and the other chief men into prison. Then the oppressor sent his messengers through the city to convert the Christians to Judaism. Dunaan himself conversed with those inhabitants brought from the prisons, saying, "I do not demand that you should renounce the God of heaven and earth, nor do I want you to worship idols, I want merely that you do not believe in Jesus Christ, since the Crucified One was a man, and not God."  Many refused the offer and the number of martyrs is estimated at between 4,300 - 20,000.

The massacre became the casus belli needed by the Ethiopian King Kaleb of Axum (with the help of the Byzantine Empire) to invade Yemen, a campaign which ended with the death of Dunaan in A.D. 525 and the establishment of a Christian vassal state.


Propers for the Martyrs of Najran


The Collect.

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who didst strengthen thy blessed Martyrs of Najran with the virtue of constancy in faith and truth: Grant us in like manner for love of thee to despise the prosperity of this world, and to fear none of its adversities; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


The Epistle - 2 Esdras 2:42-48.

I ESDRAS saw upon the mount Sion a great people, whom I could not number, and they all praised the Lord with songs. And in the midst of them there was a young man of a high stature, taller than all the rest, and upon every one of their heads he set crowns, and was more exalted; which I marvelled at greatly. So I asked the angel, and said, Sir, what are these? He answered and said unto me, These be they that have put off the mortal clothing, and put on the immortal, and have confessed the name of God: now are they crowned, and receive palms. Then said I unto the angel. What young person is it that crowneth them, and giveth them palms in their hands? So he answered and said unto me, It is the Son of God, whom they have confessed in the world. Then began I greatly to commend them that stood so stiffly for the name of the Lord. Then the angel said unto me, Go thy way, and tell my people what manner of things, and how great wonders of the Lord thy God, thou hast seen.


The Gospel - St. Matthew 10:16-22.

BEHOLD, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; and ye shall he brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a witness to them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, be not anxious how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.


Reference and Resources:

http://oca.org/FSLivesAllSaints.asp?SID=4&M=10&D=24
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhu_Nuwas
http://www.traditioninaction.org/SOD/j251sd_Elesbaan_10_27.html

+

The Martyrs of Najran

Najran was a predominantly Christian city in the ancient Himyarite Kingdom of Yemen. The kingdom was known for it's religious diversity with the majority being of the Jewish faith and after some initial problems, Christianity had flourished in the area.

Some members of the Himyarite nobility saw Christianity as a threat, not for religious reasons, but saw it as an extension of Byzantine and Ethiopian influence, yet it was tolerated. In A.D. 517 Yūsuf Dhū Nuwas (Dunaan) usurped the throne and combined political and religious reasons as justification for a pogrom against the Christians of the Kingdom.

In A.D. 523 he attacked the Aksumite (Christian Ehtiopian) garrison at Zafar and burned the churches there. Dunaan then proceeded to Najran and laid siege to that city and it's Christian inhabitants. Dunaan's heralds announced that he would spare those who renounced Christ and accept the Jewish faith. The inhabitants under the leadership of their prefect Arethas, held fast and trusted in their defences.

Not daring to assault the Christian city by force, Dunaan resorted to a ruse. Dunaan swore an oath that he would not force the Christians into Judaism, but would merely collect a tribute from Negran. The inhabitants of the city would not heed the advice of Arethas, and putting their trust in Dunaan, they opened the city gates.

The first night of occupation was quiet and peaceful. The next day Dunaan gave orders to light an immense fire and throw all the clergy of the city into it in order to frighten the rest of the Christians. 427 men were burned. He also threw the prefect Arethas and the other chief men into prison. Then the oppressor sent his messengers through the city to convert the Christians to Judaism. Dunaan himself conversed with those inhabitants brought from the prisons, saying, "I do not demand that you should renounce the God of heaven and earth, nor do I want you to worship idols, I want merely that you do not believe in Jesus Christ, since the Crucified One was a man, and not God."  Many refused the offer and the number of martyrs is estimated at between 4,300 - 20,000.

The massacre became the casus belli needed by the Ethiopian King Kaleb of Axum (with the help of the Byzantine Empire) to invade Yemen, a campaign which ended with the death of Dunaan in A.D. 525 and the establishment of a Christian vassal state.


Propers for the Martyrs of Najran


The Collect.

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who didst strengthen thy blessed Martyrs of Najran with the virtue of constancy in faith and truth: Grant us in like manner for love of thee to despise the prosperity of this world, and to fear none of its adversities; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


The Epistle - 2 Esdras 2:42-48.

I ESDRAS saw upon the mount Sion a great people, whom I could not number, and they all praised the Lord with songs. And in the midst of them there was a young man of a high stature, taller than all the rest, and upon every one of their heads he set crowns, and was more exalted; which I marvelled at greatly. So I asked the angel, and said, Sir, what are these? He answered and said unto me, These be they that have put off the mortal clothing, and put on the immortal, and have confessed the name of God: now are they crowned, and receive palms. Then said I unto the angel. What young person is it that crowneth them, and giveth them palms in their hands? So he answered and said unto me, It is the Son of God, whom they have confessed in the world. Then began I greatly to commend them that stood so stiffly for the name of the Lord. Then the angel said unto me, Go thy way, and tell my people what manner of things, and how great wonders of the Lord thy God, thou hast seen.


The Gospel - St. Matthew 10:16-22.

BEHOLD, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; and ye shall he brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a witness to them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, be not anxious how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.


Reference and Resources:

http://oca.org/FSLivesAllSaints.asp?SID=4&M=10&D=24
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhu_Nuwas
http://www.traditioninaction.org/SOD/j251sd_Elesbaan_10_27.html

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The Transfiguration of Our Lord

The Transfiguration of Jesus is an event reported by the Synoptic Gospels in which Jesus is transfigured upon a mountain (Matthew 17:1-9, Mark 9:2-8, Luke 9:28-36). Jesus becomes radiant, speaks with Moses and Elijah, and is called "Son" by God. The transfiguration put Jesus above Moses and Elijah, the two preeminent figures of Judaism. It also supports his identity as the Son of God. In keeping with the Messianic secret, Jesus tells the witnesses (Saint Peter, James, son of Zebedee and John the Apostle) not to tell others what they saw.


Propers for The Transfiguration of Christ
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The Collect -

O GOD, who on the mount didst reveal to chosen witnesses thine only-begotten Son wonderfully transfigured, in raiment white and glistering; Mercifully grant that we, being delivered from the disquietude of this world, may be permitted to behold the King in his beauty, who with thee, O Father, and thee, O Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth, one God, world without end. Amen.


The Epistle - 2 St. Peter i. 13.

I THINK it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me. Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance. For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.


The Gospel - St. Luke ix. 28.

AND it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering. And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias: who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem. But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him. And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said. While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud. And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him. And when the voice was past, Jesus was found alone. And they kept it close, and told no man in those days any of those things which they had seen.

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Beijing Denies Ban of Religious Items During 2008 Olympics

Associated Press

BEIJING — Beijing Olympic organizers angrily disputed allegations of religious intolerance Thursday, saying Bibles and other religious items for personal use will be welcome at next summer's games — except for the banned Falun Gong spiritual movement.

Recent reports by a religious news agency and European media saying Bibles would be banned at the Olympics touched off an outcry that prompted a U.S. senator to call the Chinese ambassador for an explanation and a Christian athletes group to protest the "deep violation."

Beijing organizers flatly denied the reports, and the Foreign Ministry charged the allegations were likely the work of people who want to sabotage Beijing's hosting of the games.

"There is no such thing. This kind of report is an intentional distortion of truth," said Li Zhanjun, director of the Beijing Olympics media center.

He said texts and other items from major religious groups that are brought into China for personal use by athletes and visitors are permitted. The Beijing Olympics Web site said "each traveler is recommended to take no more than one Bible into China."

Li also said religious services — Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu and Buddhist — will be available to athletes in the Olympic Village.

However, he said, the policies do not apply to Falun Gong, reasserting China's determination to eradicate the movement. Falun Gong was banned eight years ago as an "evil cult" after its members staged a mass protest outside government headquarters to demand official recognition.

The State Department says Falun Gong practitioners in China face arrest, detention and possible torture as members overseas maintain a vigorous campaign of protest against China's government.

"We don't recognize it because it's a cult," Li said. "So Falun Gong texts, Falun Gong activities in China are forbidden. Foreigners who come to China must respect and abide by the laws of China."

China's leadership is using the Summer Olympics to project a positive image of the country. Venue construction has hummed at a record pace, and Beijing is so eager to host a flawless event that it enacted campaigns to stomp out speaking poor English, spitting, littering and cutting in line.

Yet preparations have been tarred by complaints about China's human rights abuses and Beijing's choking smog. The regime also has drawn criticism over its support for Sudan's Arab-dominated government, an oil supplier accused of atrocities against ethnic Africans in Darfur.

The games have now cast a spotlight on religion, which is heavily regulated in China by the officially atheist ruling Communist party. Worship is legal only in party-controlled churches, temples and mosques, and those who attend others face harassment, arrest and terms in labor camps or prison.

Bibles are printed under government supervision and can be sold only in approved churches, according to the Web site of China's State Administration for Religious Affairs. Visitors can bring in religious texts for personal use, but no more than three copies of each, said an official at the agency's regulation department, who refused to give his name.

In a statement, the International Olympic Committee said the news articles reporting a Bible ban stemmed from a misunderstanding of what was said at an October briefing in Beijing during which items banned from import into China were discussed.

"It is clear that athletes coming to the games are able to bring with them religious items for personal use, as in previous games, to the Olympic venues," the statement said.

Speaking at a regularly scheduled news conference, Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said the media reports pointed to attempts to undermine China's Olympic glory.

"There are some people out there who do not want to see China hold a successful games," Liu said.