Saint Abanub the Young Martyr

Saint Abanub was born in the village of Nahisa in the Nile Delta around 299 AD during the fierce Diocletian persecution. He was the son of a Christian man named Apollonius and was only twelve years old when the events of his martyrdom unfolded. When he heard that Christians were being arrested and killed for their faith, rather than hiding, young Abanub made an extraordinary decision.

He went on his own to the city where the governor Armenius was carrying out the persecution and publicly declared himself a Christian. He was arrested and brought before the governor. The governor, perhaps surprised by his youth and courage, tried to talk him into renouncing his faith, offering him gifts and comfort. Abanub refused every offer with remarkable clarity and calm.

He endured terrible tortures over several days. The Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to him in his cell, comforting him and strengthening him for what was to come. He died a martyr and was buried in his native village. A great church was built over his tomb in Nahisa, which became a major pilgrimage site. His feast is celebrated with great joy by Coptic Christians. He is living proof that children can be as brave and holy as any adult when they love God completely.