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The pathway was arduous, and the soldiers who accompanied the condemned man were weak from thirst. In despair they began to implore the saint to pray the Lord for water. The saint, taking pity on his tormentors, with the help of God caused a miraculous spring of water to gush forth from a stone. The astonished soldiers were filled with sympathy for their rescuer, and they wanted even to set him free. Fear of execution, however, compelled them to bring the martyr farther. In Gangra, St Kallinikos joyfully offered thanks to the Lord, Who had vouchsafed him the crown of martyrdom. Angered, the governor had him tied to a wild horse which dragged his weakened body through the street. Not content with Kallinikos' sufferings, he had the saint cast into a blazing fire where he gave up his soul to God in a region called Petrion. His body, remaining unharmed, was reverently buried by believers.
==Hymns==
===Apolytikion - Tone 4===
Your Martyr, O Lord, in his courageous contest for You received the prize of the crowns of incorruption and life from You, our immortal God. For since he possessed Your strength, he cast down the tyrants and wholly destroyed the demons' powerless presumption. O Christ God, by his prayers, save our souls, since You are merciful.
===Kontakion - Tone 2===
You rightly inherited delight on high, for you waxed hot with burning love for Christ Your God, O Kallinikos, for Whose sake you courageously brave the fire; as you stand before Him now, cease not interceding with Him for us all.
[[Category:Saints]]
