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.
Source: Orthodox Church in America
https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2023/01/20/100242-martyrs-innas-pinnas-and-rimmas-disciples-
of-the-apostle-andrew
