Today we celebrate the Great Martyr James of Persia the Sawn-Asunder. Saint James was born into a wealthy, yet pious Christian family. He married a Christian wife and raised their children in piety. James occupied a high position of the Persian court and was dearly loved by the Emperor Izdegerd. On a particular military campaign, James was seduced away from his Christian faith out of fear, and offered a sacrifice to the idols with the emperor and his court. Having found out that James had denied his faith, his mother and wife wrote him a lengthy, heart-felt letter reprimanding him of his shameless deed and threatened that if he did not reacknowledge his faith, they would refuse to see him any longer. Realising the gravity of his sin, James repented of his impiety and began weeping loudly, begging the Lord for forgiveness. Hearing his prayers to the Christian God, some Persian officials denounced James to the emperor, who interrogated the martyr. Saint James bravely confessed his love for Christ and said that there was nothing that could deter him, even a thousand torturous deaths. Enraged, the once friendly emperor condemned the martyr to a gruesome death. The torturers commenced their deed by cutting off each of Saint James’ fingers individually, beginning from the thumb to the fifth finger. After this, they continued with his toes, then his wrists, ankles, elbows, knees, shoulders, and finally his thighs, until he was left a stump, crying out to the Lord in prayer of thanksgiving. Finally, the glorious martyr was beheaded and pious Christians collected his holy relics and reverently buried them. May he intercede for us always + #saint #james #jamesthepersian #persia #persian #emperor #saintjames #stjames #jacob #iakovos #martyr #greatmartyr #martyrdom #faith #christ #jesus #jesuschrist #persianempire #court #persianking #wife #mother #orthodox (at Iran) https://www.instagram.com/p/Clb5BrRL7iD/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=