Paisius and Habakkuk

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Our fathers among the saints Paisius (Пајсије) and Abacuk (Авакум) were monks at the Tavna Monastery near Čačak in Serbia. Paisius was an igumen, and Abacuk a hierodeacon. Abacuk arrived from Gomionica Monastery which was near Banja Luka.

As Christians, both were impaled on stakes by the Turks on the Kalemegdan in Belgrade on December 17, 1814. Paisius carried his stake through the streets of Belgrade while the courageous Abacuk sang. When Abacuk's mother begged him with tears to embrace Islam in order to save his life, this wonderful soldier of Christ replied to her:

"My mother, thank you for your milk, But for your counsel I thank you not: There is no faith as beautiful as a Christian one A Serb is Christ's; he rejoices in death. Today for the Name of Christ."

Even Turks were impressed by his attitude. Turkish governor ordered torturers to kill Abacuk painlessly. Тheir feast day is December 17/30.