Martyrs of Adrianople


The Martyrs of Adrianople were three hundred and seventy seven Christians who were executed in 815. They are commemorated by the Eastern Orthodox Church on 22 January.

Biography

Emperor Nikephoros I invaded Bulgaria and sacked the capital of Pliska in 811, but was killed and his army annihilated at the Battle of Varbitsa Pass as he returned to Roman territory. Khan Krum's peace offer was rejected by Emperor Michael I Rangabe, and the Bulgarians invaded the Roman Empire in the spring of 812. Krum conquered Develtos and transplanted its population to Bulgaria in June, and seized Adrianople in September 813. At Adrianople, Krum threw Manuel, Archbishop of Adrianople, to the ground and trampled on his neck.
According to the Menologion of Basil II, Krum began the persecution of Christians prior to his death and was continued by a certain Čok who had all Christians who refused to renounce their faith executed. However, the Synaxarion of Constantinople states that the persecution began after Krum's death in April 814 on the orders of Khan Dičevg, the successor of Dukum, who had ruled briefly after Krum's death. Omurtag later became khan and ordered the execution of all Christians who refused to renounce their faith. Three hundred and seventy seven Christians were killed, and the following are known by name:
An original account of the martyrs was likely made based on the testimonies of prisoners of war released by Bulgaria after the Treaty of 816 in the first half of the 9th century at the Monastery of Stoudios at Constantinople which the menologion and synaxarion are based on. Sophoulis suggests that the story of the martyrdom was Roman propaganda to deter officials from collaborating with the Bulgars and strengthen the resolve of cities vulnerable to Bulgar attack. He also suggests that the number of martyrs may be exaggerated.