Benjamin was born in Persia, but the remainder of his early life is lost to history. He was appointed a deacon of the Church, and for some, enjoyed the years of peace that Christians were granted during the reign of Isdegerd, son of Sapor III. Prior to his twelve-year reign, Christians had been actively persecuted. Near the end of his reign, the ire of Isdegerd was raised by Abdas, a Christian bishop who burned the Temple of Fire—the great sanctuary of the Persian pagan gods—in his zeal for Christ. King Isdegerd threatened to destroy all Christian churches unless Abdas agreed to rebuild the Temple of Fire. Of course, he refused, and was summarily executed.
For the next 40 years (first under Isdegerd, and then his son, Varanes), a general persecution was unleashed on Christians. Churches were destroyed, and Christians were tortured and imprisoned mercilessly. Among the faithful who suffered during this persecution was Saint Benjamin, a deacon. He was imprisoned for one year after being overheard preaching by a member of the royal court. Saint Benjamin was renowned for his zealous preaching, brining many Persians and Greeks to the faith. Following his imprisonment, an ambassador of the Emperor of Constantinople negotiated his condition release: the condition, that he never preached within earshot of any member of the royal court again.
Saint Benjamin, however, at great risk to his life, declared it his duty to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and could not remain silent. He resumed his preaching with great intensity, finding audiences wherever he could, including public places and street corners. Before long, he was re-arrested and brought before the king who again ordered him to stop preaching. Saint Benjamin replied, "I cannot possibly do that. Those who hide the talent they have received will be given over to greater suffering." King Varanes then ordered that he undergo extreme torture. Reeds and thorns were thrust beneath his finger and toe nails, and into the most tender parts of his body before being withdrawn. Following this, which he bore with smiles and joy, a knotted stake was thrust into his bowls to rend and tear them. In this most terrible agony, he died, earning the martyrs’ golden crown.
Saint Benjamin is remembered by Christians today for his great courage and faith in Jesus Christ. Today, many continue to look to Saint Benjamin for courage and strength by wearing Saint Benjamin medals—a reminder of the importance of preaching, living courageously in the Lord, and the sacrifice that the brave martyrs of the faith made throughout Church history.
Thy martyr, Benjamin, O Lord, by his struggle hath received from thee, our God, the imperishable crown; because, acquiring thy strength, he demolished usurpers and crushed the powerless might of Satan. Therefore, through his intercessions, O Christ God, save our souls.
Year 2: Day 89 of 365
Prayer Intentions: Courage and strength in the Lord
Requested Intentions: For a son fighting a rare immune system disease (R); Freedom from imprisonment (J); Employment and end to depression (H); Successful employment (A); Health for a soon to be delivered baby (T); Financial security (L); Healing of tooth pain (A); Health of expectant mother and child (R); Purification of the souls in Purgatory (A); Guidance in studies (J); Healing and security for a displaced family (C); Healing of high blood pressure; Recovery of brother following surgery (A); For a sister in trouble, that she may make better decisions in the light of Christ (M); Health of expectant mother and child (R); Attainment of funds for surgery (J); Freedom from financial difficulties (E); For employment and college acceptance (E); Recovery and healing of a friend (C); For successful outcome to surgery (C); Healing for brother (M); Successful employment (C); For the victims of the Japanese tsunami/earthquake (J); Healing (E); For a son struggling with depression (B); Successful conception (M); Freedom from social anxiety; confidence in the Lord (J); Improved success in employment and studies (D); Freedom from illness (T); For a wife’s employment (E); Healing of a husband’s knee (M); Freedom from sickness (R); Healing (C); Restoration of marriage (F); Freedom from medical difficulties, employment, successful relationship (D); Healing of a father following stroke (S).
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