Martyrs Innas, Pinnas, and Rimmas, disciples of the Apostle Andrew, in Scythia
The Holy Martyrs Innas, Pinnas and Rimmas were Slavs from Scythia Minor, who were disciples of the Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called. He baptized them, and later he ordained them as priests. They assisted him in converting many idol-worshippers who had settled around the Danube River, near Varna in what is now Bulgaria. After being captured by the barbarians, Saints Innas, Pinnas, and Rimmas were brought before the local prince, who was a pagan. He ordered them to offer sacrifice to the idols, and when they refused to deny Christ, they were tied to upright wooden poles and lowered into the freezing waters of the Danube. It was winter, and the river was so frozen that not only people, but even horse-drawn carts could travel over the ice. The Martyrs were lowered into the freezing water, and when the ice reached their necks, they surrendered their blessed souls to the Lord and received the crown of martyrdom. They are said to be the first Slavic Martyrs in recorded Church History.
After the death of the three Martyrs, some pious Christians buried their holy relics. Seven years after their martyric contest, the Saints appeared to Bishop Gedtz in a dream and ordered him to transfer their relics.
Their principal Feast Day is January 20. On June 20, we commemorate the transfer of their relics to the port of Alushta in the Crimea.