Description
These three bishops were renowned for their great faith, their preaching to pagans, and for withstanding much persecution. St. Averkios (on the left) was Bishop of Hierapolis in Phrygia from a.d. 138 to 161. He converted thousands of pagans to Christianity, and had a miraculous gift of healing those ill, both physically and mentally. He preached throughout Syria and Mesopotamia, and was given the title, “Equal to the Apostles.”
St. Gregory (in the center) was Bishop of Armenia. He was a noble who withdrew into exile to avoid a family feud, and there he was introduced to Christianity and converted. He returned to Armenia to serve the king, but was thrown into a pit for 14 years for his faith. When the king became ill, St. Gregory was brought out of the pit to heal him, and then the king and his kingdom were baptized. St. Gregory died in a.d. 335.
St. Clement (on the right), pious and ascetic from youth, was chosen Bishop of Ancyra at just 20 years old. He was severely tortured and then martyred, always remaining faithful to Christ. He was a miracle-worker, before and after his death in a.d. 312.