Saint Abim Maccabee was one of the Seven Holy Maccabean Brothers who suffered martyrdom during the persecution of the Jewish people under King Antiochus IV Epiphanes in the second century before Christ. Along with his brothers, his mother Solomonia, and his teacher Eleazar, Abim refused to violate the Law of God by eating food forbidden by the covenant and by renouncing the faith of his fathers.
Despite severe threats and brutal tortures, Abim remained steadfast in his devotion to God. One by one, the brothers endured suffering and death rather than abandon the commandments of the Lord. Their courage became a powerful testimony to faith, perseverance, and hope in the resurrection of the dead.
The martyrdom of Abim and his brothers is among the most celebrated examples of fidelity to God in the Old Testament. Their witness inspired generations of believers and is honored by the Church as a foreshadowing of the Christian martyrs who would later give their lives for Christ.
2 Maccabees 7:1–42
Seven brothers and their mother suffer martyrdom rather than violate the Law of God.
2 Maccabees 6:18–31
The aged teacher Eleazar chooses death rather than compromise his faith.
The Holy Maccabean Martyrs
Christian tradition identifies the seven brothers as Abim, Antonin, Gurias, Eleazar, Eusebon, Achim, and Marcellus.
Patron of:
Persecuted Believers, Courage, Fidelity to God’s Law, Martyrs
Feast Day:
August 1 (Holy Maccabean Martyrs)
Illustration by: Colton Rompala