December 28 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)

In the liturgical calendar of the Eastern Orthodox Church, December 28 is a day that commemorates the 20,000 Holy Martyrs of Nicomedia, who were burned, hanged, beheaded, drowned or died by the sword for the sake of their faith during the reign of Emperors Maximian and Diocletian (c. 302 A.D.). It is also a day to remember other saints whose feast days fall on this date but who are not necessarily connected to the Nicomedia martyrs.

The liturgical services for this day typically include hymns, readings from scripture, and prayers that reflect upon the steadfastness of the martyrs in the face of persecution, as well as honoring the virtues and holy lives of any other saints commemorated on this date. The tone of the service is generally one of solemnity and remembrance, but also of hope and encouragement derived from the example of the saints.

The readings often focus on themes of suffering, perseverance, and the triumph of faith over worldly power. The hymns praise the martyrs for their courage and their unwavering devotion to Christ. The lives of the saints are recounted to inspire the faithful to emulate their virtues and to remain steadfast in their own faith, even in the face of adversity.

Specific hymns and readings will vary depending on the particular tradition and usage of the local church or monastery. Consulting the Typikon or liturgical calendar for the specific year is essential for accurate information on the designated readings and hymns.