An engaged couple from Emesa called off their wedding and went to a monastery. Years later, they died together for their faith. Today the Bulgarian Orthodox Church honours the holy martyrs Galaction and Episteme. We know their story thanks to a servant.
The couple who chose the monastery
Galaction was from the city of Emesa, in what is now Syria. He grew up as the only child of a pagan family, and his mother brought him to the Christian faith. He got engaged to Episteme, who also became a Christian. Instead of marrying, the two decided to become monks. They went to Mount Publion near Sinai, each to a separate monastery.
According to their life story, soldiers seized Galaction during the persecution under Emperor Decius and began to torture him. Episteme spoke out and rebuked the governor for his cruelty. The punishment was brutal. Sharp sticks were driven under their nails, and their hands and feet were cut off. Their tongues were then cut out, and finally they were beheaded.
Their bodies were thrown out without burial. Their servant Eutolmius secretly gathered the relics and buried them. He later wrote down their story, which is the source of their life account. On the same day, the church also remembers the apostles Hermas and Linus, two of the Seventy, and three others from the group.
Metallurgists' Day and other events
5 November is also Metallurgists' Day. The Council of Ministers set it by an order of 19 November 1963. The date marks the opening of the Lenin Metallurgical Plant in Pernik in 1953 and of the Kremikovtsi steelworks ten years later.
On 5 November 1987, 39 years ago, Unit 5 of the Kozloduy nuclear power plant reached minimum controllable power (the physical start-up). The unit was connected to the grid on 29 November 1987. Since 2016, the day has also been World Tsunami Awareness Day, by decision of the UN.
No quarrels and no new contracts
Galaction and Episteme were a couple. According to articles in Maritsa and Ladyzone, people therefore pray to them today for peace in the family and for faithfulness between spouses. The same outlets advise keeping quarrels and jealousy out of the home. Anyone in need should not be refused help.
They also say it is not good to start new work or sign important papers today. This is more a recent interpretation than an old custom.
The names are rare, but they do exist. Happy name day to Galaction, Episteme, Epistemia and everyone with related names.