The history of Christianity on the island of Crete is paved with the stories of those who stood firm in their convictions against the might of the Roman Empire.
By:Cristen Papas
Chief among these narratives is the account of the Ten Holy Martyrs of Crete, whose feast day we commemorate on December 23rd. Their sacrifice not only solidified the foundations of the early Church in Greece but also gave birth to a local tradition that remains vibrant nearly two millennia later.
Who Were the Ten Holy Martyrs?
The names of these ten courageous souls—Theodulus, Saturninus, Euporus, Gelasius, Eunician, Zoticus, Pompius, Agathopus, Basilides, and Evaristus—are etched into the hagiography of the Orthodox Church. They came from various cities across Crete, including Gortyna, Knossos, and Kydonia, representing a unified front of Christian faith across the island.
During the mid-3rd century, under the reign of the Emperor Decius (250 AD), a decree was issued requiring all citizens to perform sacrifices to the Roman gods. For the Christians of Crete, this was an impossibility. These ten men were apprehended and brought before the governor of the island. Despite thirty days of imprisonment, threats, and public humiliation, they refused to renounce Christ. On December 23rd, they were led to the site of their execution, where they prayed for the peace of the world and the enlightenment of their persecutors before being beheaded.
The Village of Agioi Deka and the "Holy Lake"
The physical legacy of these martyrs is tied directly to the geography of Crete. Today, the village of Agioi Deka (meaning "Holy Ten") stands near the ruins of ancient Gortyna. This village serves as a living monument to their memory.
The story took a remarkable turn in the early 20th century. Bishop Vasileos Markakis of Gortyna and Arkadia, driven by local tradition and faith, spearheaded the draining of a marshy area known as the "lake." In 1902, this effort revealed marble sarcophagi—the tombs of the Ten Martyrs. Following this discovery, a modest but beautiful church named "Agia Limni" (Holy Lake) was constructed between 1915 and 1917 directly over the site of their martyrdom. Visitors today can still descend into the crypt to see the original burial places, a profound connection to the year 250 AD.
Spiritual Significance in the Modern Era
For the people of Crete and Orthodox Christians worldwide, the Ten Martyrs are symbols of steadfastness. Their story reminds us that faith is often tested in the crucible of adversity. By refusing to compromise their values for the sake of temporary safety, they provided a spiritual blueprint for future generations.
The commemoration of the Ten Martyrs just two days before Christmas is also significant. It serves as a reminder that the birth of Christ brought a message of eternal life—a truth these men believed in so strongly that they were willing to lay down their earthly lives to protect it.
