Rome, 303-313 Diocletian Persecution Folder.kmz

Rome, 303-313 Diocletian Persecution Folder

Rome, 303, Martyrdom oSaint George, intessor all Christians, appeared Georgian battles, tortured on wheel
Georgia, 303, Martyrdom oSaint George, Nino's Kin in Cappadocian, Armenia, slain by Diocletian, intessor all Christians, Georgian protector celebrated every day there, appeared Georgian battles, majority Georgian church names, tortured on wheel Nov 10, day established bNino as special protector; Georgia, 295-303, Saint George ; Martyrdom of the Great-martyr George of Georgia, Commemorated on November 10; by the whole Christian world, Great-martyr George was slain by Emperor Diocletian in the year 303. holy martyr is appropriately considered the intercessor for all Christians and the patron saint of many. is regarded with special reverence among the Georgian people, since he is believed to be the special protector of their nation. accounts often describe how Saint George appeared among the Georgian soldiers in the midst of battles. majority of Georgian churches (in villages especially) were built in his honor and, a result, every day there is a feast of the great-martyr George somewhere in Georgia. The various daily commemorations are connected to one of the churches erected in his name or an icon or a particular miracle he performed. 10 marks the day on which Saint George was tortured on the wheel. to tradition, this day of commemoration was established by the holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Nino, the Enlightener of Georgia. Nino was a relative of Saint George the Trophy-bearer. revered him deeply and directed the people she had converted to Christianity to cherish him as their special protector.

Rome, 303, Aboudimos of Tenedos Island, Troy, Early Diocletian Persecution Martyr, Relics seen by Daniel tTraveler
Tenedos Island, Troy; Martyr Aboudimos of the Isle of Tenedos, Commemorated on July 15; courageous soldier of Christ was from the island of Tenedos, which lies opposite the renowned city of Troy, he was one of the first Christians to be put to death during the persecution of the Church under Diocletian in the early IV century. Saint Aboudimos would not agree to worship idols, or to eat any food which had been sacrificed to them, he was bound and severely beaten. All the while he kept shouting, “I am a Christian.” Then they broke his ribs with iron nails; and when he continued to confess Christ, they beheaded him. Saint’s holy relics were seen on the island of Tenedos at the beginning of the XII century by the Russian pilgrim Daniel.

Rome, 303, Eugene aTrebizond, Pontine, Armenia (Black Sea, Silk Road, Harsit River) &Harsit Hills, hot oven+ unharmed
Armenia, 303, Trebizond, Pontine, Armenia (Black Sea, Silk Road, Harsit River), tortured w thongs, iron claws, fire, vinegar&salt, red hot oven, unharmed, then beheaded; Trebizond (Black Sea, Silk Road) ; Martyrs Eugene, Candidus, Valerian, and Aquila, at Trebizond, Commemorated on January 21; Holy Martyrs Eugene, Candidus, Valerian and Aquila suffered for their faith in Christ during the reign of Diocletian (284-305) and Maximian (305-311), under the regimental commander Lycius. Candidus and Aquila had hidden themselves in the hills near Trebizond, preferring life among the wild beasts to living with the pagans. were soon found, however, and brought to Trebizond. their bold and steadfast confession of faith in Christ the holy martyrs were whipped with ox thongs, scraped with iron claws, then were burned with fire. days later Saint Eugene was also arrested, and subjected to the same tortures. they poured vinegar laced with salt into his wounds. these torments, they threw the four martyrs into a red-hot oven. they emerged from it unharmed, they were beheaded, receiving their incorruptible crowns from God.

Rome, 301-303, Irenarchus at Sebaste, Armenia, ministered in prison, confessed w 7 courageous women, fire water, beheaded
Armenia, 301-303, Irenarchus at Sebaste, Armenia (Iris River Source, Kizilirmak River 1), ministered to martyrs in prison, marveled at women courage, by divine grace confessed Christ, fire water trials, beheaded w 7 women Sebaste, Armenia ; Martyr Irenarchus at Sebaste, Commemorated on November 28 ; Holy Martyr Irenarchus was from Sebaste, Armenia, and lived during the reign of Diocletian (284-305). he was young, he would minister to the martyrs in prison after they were tortured. once saw seven women being tortured for Christ, who bravely endured their torments. Saint Irenarchus marveled at this because they showed great courage in standing up to the tyrant, even though they were weak by nature. by divine grace, Saint Irenarchus confessed Christ. he endured trials by fire and water, then he was beheaded with the seven holy women in the year 303.

Rome, 301-305, Augusta, Porphyrius tGeneral, 50 philosophers &200 Soldiers martyred w Katherine
In Alexandria, Augusta, Porphyrius the General, the 50 philosophers and the 200 Soldiers martyred with the Great Martyr Katherine, 50 Philosophers and Rhetoricians dispute w her, converted, burned alive, Agusta wanted to see her, her face radiant wDivine Grace, Commander Prophyrius 200 soldeirs w her converted, K threatened wWheel but approached it herself, but angel smashed wheel, Maximian offered marriage, rejected, all beheaded; Empress Augusta, Porphyrius the General, the 50 philosophers and the 200 Soldiers martyred with the Great Martyr Katherine, Commemorated on November 24; we read in the life of Saint Katherine, the Emperor Maximian ordered 50 of the Empire's most learned philosophers and rhetoricians to dispute with Great Martyr. a result of her eloquent testimony, however, they embraced the Christian faith and were summarily burned alive by Maximian's order, after Saint Katherine made the Sign of the Cross over them. the Empress Augusta, who had heard much about Katherine, wanted to see her. prevailed upon the military commander Porphyrius to accompany her to the prison with a detachment of soldiers. Empress was deeply impressed by the tenacious faith displayed by Saint Katherine, whose face was radiant with divine grace. After she had explained the Christian teaching to them, they too embraced the Christian faith. next day, Katherine was again brought to the judgment court where, under the threat of being broken on the wheel, she was urged to renounce the Christian Faith and offer sacrifice to the gods. steadfastly confessed Christ and she herself approached the wheels, an angel smashed the instruments of execution, which shattered into pieces. beheld this wonder, the Empress Augusta, Porphyrius and the detachment of 200 soldiers publicly confessed their faith in Christ. Maximian again tried to entice Katherine to renounce her faith, proposing marriage to her, but again she refused his offer and firmly confessed her fidelity to the heavenly Bridegroom Christ. offering a prayer to Him, she herself laid her head on the block beneath the executioner’s sword and was beheaded, as was the Empress Augusta, Porphyrius and the 200 soldiers.

Rome, 303, Martyrs Anatolius &Protoleon, ilustrious officials converted by witnessing the martyrdom of Saint George
Rome; Martyrs Anatolius and Protoleon, soldiers converted by witnessing the martyrdom of Saint George, Commemorated on April 23; illustrious officials, Saints Anatolius and Protoleon, who were secretly Christians, openly confessed Christ after seeing Saint George tortured, then miraculously healed of his wounds. and without a trial, they were beheaded with the sword by order of the emperor. Armenia, 292-303, Great Martyr George of Cappadocia, Armenia, Nino's Kin, Victory Bearer, Wonderworker, Diocletian' imperial guard commander, spoke Truth (Jesus Christ) in the Senate, pushing spears became soft, you will grow tired before I will, intense tortures, wheel sharp iron, assumed dead, dark thunder, Lord's voice fear not, youthful angel, rejoice, healed, pagan temple w emperor, many believed, incl Emperess Alexandra, more tortures deep pit w lime, unharmed and cheerful, red hot iron sandals w nails, ox thongs, concluded magic, poisoned unharmed, not human understanding but power of God, believers no regard for tortures, do things Christ did, D asks what C did, “He gave sight to the blind, cleansed the lepers, healed the lame, gave hearing to the deaf, cast out demons, and raised the dead.”, D had him raise a dead man, Sorcerer confessed, beheaded w raised man, to prison, healings, Glycerius ox to life, G beheaded, Court of Apollo, deamons confessed, idols destroyed, George beheaded, Dragon slaying story, Many saints named george or yuri; Cappadocia, 290-303, Great Martyr George of Cappadocia; Greatmartyr, Victory-bearer and Wonderworker George, Commemorated on April 23; Holy Great Martyr George the Victory-Bearer, was a native of Cappadocia (a district in Asia Minor), and he grew up in a deeply believing Christian family. His father was martyred for Christ when George was still a child. His mother, owning lands in Palestine, moved there with her son and raised him in strict piety. he became a man, Saint George entered into the service of the Roman army. He was handsome, brave and valiant in battle, and he came to the notice of the emperor Diocletian (284-305) and joined the imperial guard with the rank of comites, or military commander. pagan emperor, who did much for the restoration of Roman might, was clearly concerned with the danger presented to pagan civilization by the triumph of the Crucified Savior, and intensified his persecution against the Christians in the final years of his reign. the advice of the Senate at Nicomedia, Diocletian gave all his governors full freedom in their court proceedings against Christians, and he promised them his full support. George, when he heard the decision of the emperor, distributed all his wealth to the poor, freed his servants, and then appeared in the Senate. brave soldier of Christ spoke out openly against the emperor’s designs. He confessed himself a Christian, and appealed to all to acknowledge Christ: “I am a servant of Christ, my God, and trusting in Him, I have come among you voluntarily, to bear witness concerning the Truth.” “What is Truth?” one of the dignitaries asked, echoing the question of Pontius Pilate. The saint replied, “Christ Himself, Whom you persecuted, is Truth.” by the bold speech of the valiant warrior, the emperor, who had loved and promoted George, attempted to persuade him not to throw away his youth and glory and honors, but rather to offer sacrifice to the gods as was the Roman custom. The confessor replied, “Nothing in this inconstant life can weaken my resolve to serve God.” by order of the enraged emperor the armed guards began to push Saint George out of the assembly hall with their spears, and they then led him off to prison. the deadly steel became soft and it bent, just as the spears touched the saint’s body, and it caused him no harm. In prison they put the martyr’s feet in stocks and placed a heavy stone on his chest. next day at the interrogation, powerless but firm of spirit, Saint George again answered the emperor, “You will grow tired of tormenting me sooner than I will tire of being tormented by you.” Diocletian gave orders to subject Saint George to some very intense tortures. They tied the Great Martyr to a wheel, beneath which were boards pierced with sharp pieces of iron. As the wheel turned, the sharp edges slashed the saint’s naked body. first the sufferer loudly cried out to the Lord, but soon he quieted down, and did not utter even a single groan. Diocletian decided that the tortured one was already dead, and he gave orders to remove the battered body from the wheel, and then went to a pagan temple to offer thanks. this very moment it got dark, thunder boomed, and a voice was heard: “Fear not, George, for I am with you.” Then a wondrous light shone, and at the wheel an angel of the Lord appeared in the form of a radiant youth. He placed his hand upon the martyr, saying to him, “Rejoice!” Saint George stood up healed. the soldiers led him to the pagan temple where the emperor was, the emperor could not believe his own eyes and he thought that he saw before him some other man or even a ghost. confusion and in terror the pagans looked Saint George over carefully, and they became convinced that a miracle had occurred. Many then came to believe in the Life-Creating God of the Christians. illustrious officials, Saints Anatolius and Protoleon, who were secretly Christians, openly confessed Christ. Immediately, without a trial, they were beheaded with the sword by order of the emperor. present in the pagan temple was Empress Alexandra, the wife of Diocletian, and she also knew the truth. She was on the point of glorifying Christ, but one of the servants of the emperor took her and led her off to the palace. emperor became even more furious. He had not lost all hope of influencing Saint George, so he gave him over to new and fiercesome torments. After throwing him into a deep pit, they covered it over with lime. days later they dug him out, but found him cheerful and unharmed. They shod the saint in iron sandals with red-hot nails, and then drove him back to the prison with whips. the morning, they led him back to the interrogation, cheerful and with healed feet, and the emperor asked if he liked his shoes. The saint said that the sandals had been just his size. Then they beat him with ox thongs until pieces of his flesh came off and his blood soaked the ground, but the brave sufferer, strengthened by the power of God, remained unyielding. emperor concluded that the saint was being helped by magic, so he summoned the sorcerer Athanasius to deprive the saint of his miraculous powers, or else poison him. The sorcerer gave Saint George two goblets containing drugs. One of them would have quieted him, and the other would kill him. The drugs had no effect, and the saint continued to denounce the pagan superstitions and glorify God as before. the emperor asked what sort of power was helping him, Saint George said, “Do not imagine that it is any human learning which keeps me from being harmed by these torments. I am saved only by calling upon Christ and His Power. believes in Him has no regard for tortures and is able to do the things that Christ did” (John 14:12). asked what sort of things Christ had done. Martyr replied, “He gave sight to the blind, cleansed the lepers, healed the lame, gave hearing to the deaf, cast out demons, and raised the dead.” that they had never been able to resurrect the dead through sorcery, nor by any of the gods known to him, and wanting to test the saint, the emperor commanded him to raise up a dead person before his eyes. The saint retorted, “You wish to tempt me, but my God will work this sign for the salvation of the people who shall see the power of Christ.” they led Saint George down to the graveyard, he cried out, “O Lord! Show to those here present, that You are the only God in all the world. Let them know You as the Almighty Lord.” Then the earth quaked, a grave opened, the dead one emerged from it alive. Having seen with their own eyes the Power of Christ, the people wept and glorified the true God. sorcerer Athanasius, falling down at the feet of Saint George, confessed Christ as the All-Powerful God and asked forgiveness for his sins, committed in ignorance. The obdurate emperor in his impiety thought otherwise. In a rage, he commanded both Athanasius and the man raised from the dead to be beheaded, and he had Saint George again locked up in prison. people, weighed down with their infirmities, began to visit the prison and they there received healing and help from the saint. A certain farmer named Glycerius, whose ox had collapsed, also visited him. The saint consoled him and assured him that God would restore his ox to life. When he saw the ox alive, the farmer began to glorify the God of the Christians throughout all the city. By order of the emperor, Saint Glycerius was arrested and beheaded. exploits and the miracles of the Great Martyr George had increased the number of the Christians, therefore Diocletian made a final attempt to compel the saint to offer sacrifice to the idols. They set up a court at the pagan temple of Apollo. On the final night the holy martyr prayed fervently, and as he slept, he saw the Lord, Who raised him up with His hand, and embraced him. The Savior placed a crown on Saint George’s head and said, “Fear not, but have courage, and you will soon come to Me and receive what has been prepared for you.” the morning, the emperor offered to make Saint George his co-administrator, second only to himself. The holy martyr with a feigned willingness answered, “Caesar, you should have shown me this mercy from the very beginning, instead of torturing me. Let us go now to the temple and see the gods you worship.” believed that the martyr was accepting his offer, and he followed him to the pagan temple with his retinue and all the people. Everyone was certain that Saint George would offer sacrifice to the gods. The saint went up to the idol, made the Sign of the Cross and addressed it as if it were alive: “Are you the one who wants to receive from me sacrifice befitting God?” demon inhabiting the idol cried out, “I am not a god and none of those like me is a god, either. The only God is He Whom you preach. We are fallen angels, and we deceive people because we are jealous.” George cried out, “How dare you remain here, when I, the servant of the true God, have entered?” Then noises and wailing were heard from the idols, and they fell to the ground and were shattered. was general confusion. In a frenzy, pagan priests and many of the crowd seized the holy martyr, tied him up, and began to beat him. They also called for his immediate execution. holy empress Alexandra tried to reach him. Pushing her way through the crowd, she cried out, “O God of George, help me, for You Alone are All-Powerful.” At the feet of the Great Martyr the holy empress confessed Christ, Who had humiliated the idols and those who worshipped them. immediately pronounced the death sentence on the Great Martyr George and the holy Empress Alexandra, who followed Saint George to execution without resisting. Along the way she felt faint and slumped against a wall. There she surrendered her soul to God. George gave thanks to God and prayed that he would also end his life in a worthy manner. At the place of execution the saint prayed that the Lord would forgive the torturers who acted in ignorance, and that He would lead them to the knowledge of Truth. Calmly and bravely, the holy Great Martyr George bent his neck beneath the sword, receiving the crown of martyrdom on April 23, 303. pagan era was coming to an end, and Christianity was about to triumph. Within ten years, Saint Constantine (May 21) would issue the Edict of Milan, granting religious freedom to Christians. the many miracles worked by the holy Great Martyr George, the most famous are depicted in iconography. In the saint’s native city of Beirut were many idol-worshippers. Outside the city, near Mount Lebanon, was a large lake, inhabited by an enormous dragon-like serpent. Coming out of the lake, it devoured people, and there was nothing anyone could do, since the breath from its nostrils poisoned the very air. the advice of the demons inhabiting the idols, the local ruler came to a decision. Each day the people would draw lots to feed their own children to the serpent, and he promised to sacrifice his only daughter when his turn came. That time did come, and the ruler dressed her in her finest attire, then sent her off to the lake. The girl wept bitterly, awaiting her death. Unexpectedly for her, Saint George rode up on his horse with spear in hand. The girl implored him not to leave her, lest she perish. saint signed himself with the Sign of the Cross. He rushed at the serpent saying, “In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Saint George pierced the throat of the serpent with his spear and trampled it with his horse. Then he told the girl to bind the serpent with her sash, and lead it into the city like a dog on a leash. people fled in terror, but the saint halted them with the words: “Don’t be afraid, but trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and believe in Him, since it is He Who sent me to save you.” Then the saint killed the serpent with a sword, and the people burned it outside the city. Twenty-five thousand men, not counting women and children, were then baptized. Later, a church was built and dedicated to the Most Holy Theotokos and the Great Martyr George. George went on to become a talented officer and to amaze the world by his military exploits. He died before he was thirty years old. He is known as Victory Bearer, not only for his military achievements, but for successfully enduring martyrdom. As we know, the martyrs are commemorated in the dismissal at the end of Church services as “the holy, right victorious martyr....” George was the patron saint and protector of several of the great builders of the Russian state. Saint Vladimir’s son, Yaroslav the Wise (in holy Baptism George), advanced the veneration of the saint in the Russian Church. He built the city of Yuriev [i.e., “of Yurii.” “Yurii” is the diminutive of “George”, as “Ivan” is of “John”], he also founded the Yuriev monastery at Novgorod, and he built a church of Saint George the Victory Bearer at Kiev. day of the consecration of Saint George’s Church in Kiev, November 26, 1051 by Saint Hilarion, Metropolitan of Kiev and All Rus, has entered into the liturgical treasury of the Church as a special church feastday. Yuriev Day is beloved by the Russian people as an “autumn Feast of Saint George.” name of Saint George was also borne by the founder of Moscow, Yurii Dolgoruky (+ 1157), who was the builder of many churches dedicated to Saint George, and the builder of the city of Yuriev-Polsk. In the year 1238 the heroic fight of the Russian nation against the Mongol Horde was led by the Great Prince Yurii (George) Vsevolodovich of Vladimir (February 4), who fell at the Battle at the Sita River. His memory, like that of Igor the Brave, and defender of his land, was celebrated in Russian spiritual poems and ballads. first Great Prince of Moscow, when Moscow had become the center of the Russian Land, was Yurii Danilovich (+ 1325), the son of Saint Daniel of Moscow, and grandson of Saint Alexander Nevsky. From that time Saint George the Victory Bearer, depicted as a horseman slaying the serpent, appeared on Moscow’s coat of arms, and became an emblem of the Russian state. This has strengthened Russia’s connections with Christian nations, and especially with Iberia (Georgia, the Land of Saint George). GEORGE, SOLDIER and MARTYR, 23 APRIL 303; is a soldier and martyr who suffered around 303 at Lydda (Diospolis) in Palestine. The earliest surviving record of him is a church inscription in Syria, dated about 346. Commemorations of him are numerous, early, and widespread. However, no details of his life are known. In 495 his name appears on a list of "good men, justly remembered, whose good deeds are known only to God." The best-known story about him is that he rescued a beautiful princess in Libya by killing a dragon. It should be noted that this story is unknown before the appearance in 1265 of a romance called the Golden Legend (Legendum Aureum), translated into English in 1483. the soldiers of the First Crusade were besieging Antioch in 1098, they had a vision of George and Demetrius (a deacon of Sirmium in Serbia, martyred under Maximian, and referred to as a "soldier of Christ," from which he was often understood to be a literal soldier) encouraging them to maintain the siege, which ultimately proved successful. I ("the Lion-Heart") of England, who fought in the Holy Land in 1191-1192, placed himself and his army under George's protection, and with the return home of the Crusaders, the popularity of George in England increased greatly. III founded the Order of the Garter in 1348 under his patronage, his banner (a red cross on a white field) began to be used as the English national flag in 1284, and in 1415 Henry V spoke of him to rally the troops before the battle of Agincourt ("Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more, or close the wall up with our English dead. ... cry God for Harry, England, and St George!"), in the years following George was regarded as the special patron of England, of soldiers, and of the Boy Scouts, as well as of Venice, Genoa, Portugal, and Catalonia. is also remembered with enthusiasm in many parts of the East Orthodox Church. is a principal character in Edmund Spenser's allegorical poem The Faerie Queene, written in the late 1500's. — by James Kiefer

Rome, 303, Autonomus, Italian and Bithynian Saint , chruch builder, martyr, incorrupt relics
Bithynia, 284-303, Italian and Bithynian Saint Autonomus; Hieromartyr Autonomus the Bishop in Italy, Commemorated on September 12; Hieromartyr Autonomus was a bishop in Italy. During the time of the persecution against Christians under the emperor Diocletian (284-305), Autonomus left his own country and resettled in Bithynia, in the locality of Soreus with a man named Cornelius. Saint Autonomus did his apostolic duty with zeal and converted to Christ so many pagans, that a large Church was formed, for which he consecrated a temple in the name of the Archangel Michael. For this church, the saint at first ordained Cornelius as deacon, and then presbyter. Preaching about Christ, Saint Autonomus visited also Lykaonia and Isauria. emperor Diocletian gave orders to arrest Saint Autonomus, but the saint withdrew to Claudiopolis on the Black Sea. In returning to Soreus, he had the priest Cornelius ordained bishop. Saint Autonomus then went to Asia, and when he had returned from there, he began to preach in the vicinity of Limna, near Soreus. the newly-converted destroyed a pagan temple. The pagans decided to take revenge on the Christians. Seizing their chance, the pagans rushed upon the church of the Archangel Michael when Saint Autonomus was serving Divine Liturgy there. After torturing Saint Autonomus they killed him, reddening the altar of the church with his martyr’s blood. The deaconess Maria removed the body of the holy martyr from beneath a pile of stones and buried it. the reign of Saint Constantine the Great, a church was built over the tomb of the saint. In the year 430, a certain priest had the old church pulled down. Not realizing that the martyr’s body had been buried beneath the church, he rebuilt the church in a new spot. But after another 60 years the relics of the saint were found incorrupt, and a church was then built in the name of the Hieromartyr Autonomus.

Rome, 303, Martyrs Gaius, Dasius, & Zoticus at Nicomedia, Bithynia, Martyred b t destroyed pagan temple, neck stones d
Bithynia, 303, Martyrs Gaius, Dasius, and Zoticus at Nicomedia, Bithynia (Gulf of Ismid, Lower Sakarya), Martyred because they destroyed pagan temple, many tortures, neck stones drowned; Nicomedia; Martyrs Gaius, Dasius, and Zoticus at Nicomedia, Commemorated on October 21; Martyrs Gaius, Dasius, and Zoticus of Nicomedia suffered martyrdom in the year 303, the emperor Diocletian (284-305), they destroyed a pagan temple. enduring many tortures, had stones tied around their necks, and were drowned in the sea.

Rome, 303, Martyrs Dada, Maximus, and Quinctilian, at Dorostolum, Bulgaria, devil, angel, Lord commanded us to endure
Bulgaria, , Martyrs Dada, Maximus, and Quinctilian, at Dorostolum, Bulgaria (Silistra, Danube River 14.5, Southeast of Bucharest), pagan feast, withdrew, caught at prayer, confessed, salvation of their souls, devil appeared, angel appeared, Lord commanded us to endure, tortured several days, beheaded; Dorostolum (Dorostorum); Martyr Dada at Dorostolum, Commemorated on April 28; Martyrs Dada, Maximus and Quinctilian suffered under the emperor Diocletian (284-305), who issued a decree requiring everyone to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods during the public festivals, and to put Christians to death. and Gabinius, the emperor’s representatives in Dorostolum, made a sumptuous feast, attended not only by the inhabitants of the city, but also people from the surrounding villages. the festivities, someone reported to the emperor that three brothers, Dada, Maximus and Quinctilian, did not obey the imperial decree and withdrew themselves into the Ozovia forest. Soldiers were sent after them, who caught the holy brothers at prayer and led them forth for trial. governors interrogated the brothers, who confessed themselves Christians. Tarquinius offered to make Saint Maximus a pagan priest of Zeus, but the saint called Zeus a foul adulterer and again confessed the True God. attempted to reason with Saints Dada and Quinctilian. They said that their brother was well versed in the Holy Scripture and they would follow him in everything. They threw the martyrs into prison, but they thought only of the salvation of their souls. At midnight when the saints were asleep, the devil appeared to them. When the martyrs woke, they beheld an angel who said, “Fear not, for God your hope brings you to Himself. He is not far from you and will sustain you.” the morning, Tarquinius told the brothers that the gods had revealed their will to him in a dream: they were to be put to death if they did not offer sacrifice. The martyrs answered that the Lord had commanded them to endure torments for His sake. tortures and interrogations continued for several days from morning to evening. Finally, they sentenced the martyrs to death, led them out under guard to their forest and beheaded them with a sword.

Rome, 303, Aule, Martyr,London, England, Aule suffered martyrdom in London during Diocletian’s persecution of Christians
Aule suffered martyrdom in London during Diocletian’s persecution of Christians; London; Martyr Aule, Commemorated February 7; Aule suffered martyrdom in London during Diocletian’s persecution of Christians.

Rome, 303, Bishop Theopemptus and sorcerer Theonas, Nicomedia, red hot furnace, no food or drink 22 days, T poison failed
Bithynia, 303,Theopemptus and Theonas, Nicomedia, Bithynia, red hot furnace, preserved, no food or drink 22 days, sorcerer Theonas baptized after poison, no harm; Nicomedia; Hieromartyr Theopemptus the Bishop of Nicomedia, Commemorated January 5 ; Holy Martyrs Theopemptus and Theonas suffered in Nicomedia in the year 303. Saint Theopemptus was bishop in Nicomedia in the time of Diocletian. Speaking out against idolatry, he defended the faith in Christ. Because of this, he became one of the first victims of the Diocletian persecution. saint refused to obey the emperor’s order to worship an idol of Apollo. Saint Theopemptus was thrown into a red-hot furnace, but by the power of God he remained alive. The emperor came to the furnace by night with a detachment of soldiers, and there he saw the saint alive and praying to God. Ascribing the miracle to magic, Diocletian thought to exhaust Saint Theopemptus by depriving him of food and drink for twenty-two days, but the martyr was preserved by the will of God. emperor brought the famous sorcerer Theonas to overcome Bishop Theopemptus’ supposed magical power. Theonas prepared a poison for Saint Theopemptus, put it into a little cake, and offered it to him to eat. The poison did no harm at all to Saint Theopemptus. Then Theonas tried an even stronger poison on the martyr. Seeing that Saint Theopemptus remained unharmed, he came to believe in Christ. They threw him into prison together with the holy bishop, who taught and baptized him, giving him the name Synesios (which means “full of understanding”). dawn Diocletian summoned Saint Theopemptus, and again tried to turn him to pagan impiety. Seeing that the bishop remained firm in his faith, he subjected him to many grievous tortures, after which the saint was beheaded. The holy martyr Theonas refused to offer sacrifice to idols, so he was buried alive in a deep ditch. This occurred at Nicomedia in the year 303.

Rome, 303, Bassos, Eusebios, Eutychios & Basileides, Nicomedian Senators, witnessed Theopemptos martyrdom, no fear whatsoever
Bithynia, 303, Bassos, Eusebios, Eutychios and Basileides, Senators & Martyrs at Nicomedia, witnessed Theopemptos martyrdom, no fear whatsoever; Martyrs Bassus, Eusebius, Euthychius, and Basileides, at Nicomedia, Commemorated on January 20; Eusebios, Eutychios and Basileides lived during the reign of Emperor Diocletian (284-305), and suffered martyrdom in 303. They were wealthy and members of the Senate. They came to believe in Christ and were baptized after witnessing the martyrdom of Bishop Theopemptos of Nicomedia (January 5), who endured with spiritual bravery the horrible tortures to which the pagans had had subjected him. idolaters denounced these men as Christians and brought them before the emperor because they refused to worship the gods of the pagans. The Saints showed no fear whatsoever, but boldly proclaimed their faith in Christ and their eagerness to follow the path which would lead to martyrdom. the Synaxarion it is stated that the martyrs removed their belts, the symbols of their rank, and then each of them submitted to severe tortures. Bassos was buried in the ground up to his waist, and his upper body was cut to pieces. Saint Eusebios was suspended head downwards, and his limbs were cut off with axes. Saint Eutychios was tied to four poles by his hands and feet, and he was pulled apart. Saint Basileides was stabbed in the stomach with a knife.

Rome, 303, Hieromartyr Silvanus of Gaza, Gaza Strip, Way of the Sea 5, Palestine, falsely accused, copper mines, beheaded
Palestine, 303, Hieromartyr Silvanus of Gaza, Gaza Strip, Way of the Sea 5, Palestine, soldier, priest, falsely accused, copper mines, beheaded w 40 other Christians; Gaza City; Gaza Strip; Hieromartyr Silvanus of Gaza, Commemorated on October 14 ; Holy Hieromartyr Silvanus of Gaza was a native of the city of Gaza. was first a soldier, then a priest. was falsely accused of a crime and sentenced to labor in the copper mines. spite of many tribulations, the saint did not renounce Christ. his old age, he was beheaded together with forty other Christians.

Rome, 303, 1003 Martyrs at Nicomedia, Bithynia, servants decided to follow masters example
Nicomedia; 1,003 Martyrs of Nicomedia,Commemorated February 7 ; Martyrs at Nicomedia, were servants of the four dignitaries Bassos, Eusebius, Eutychius and Basilides, who suffered for Christ with their wives (January 5) in the year 303 during the reign of the emperor Diocletian (284-305). the martyric death of their masters, the servants decided to follow their example, and they also confessed themselves Christians before Diocletian. Swayed neither by persuasion nor promises nor rewards, 1003 men, women, and small children were cut down by soldiers who formed a tight circle around them so that none of them remained alive.

Rome, 303, Martyr Eustathius of Nicea, Nicomedia, Bithynia, Gangra, Pathlagonia, Armenia, fierce tortures, rich children
Bithynia, 303, Martyr Eustathius of Nicea, Nicomedia, Bithynia, Gangra, Pathlagonia, Armenia, fierce tortures, rich children; Nicea (Nicaea); Martyr Eustathius of Nicea, Commemorated on November 20 ; Holy Martyrs Eustathius, Thespesius and Anatolius, natives of the city of Gangra, were the children of a rich merchant. They were baptized by Bishop Anthimus of Nicomedia (September 3). They died as martyrs at Nicea, after suffering fierce tortures.

Rome, 303, 20,000 Martyrs oNicomedia Church Fire, Great Story wAngels, earthquakes, thunderstorms, Christian never renounce
Rome, 303, 20,000 Martyrs oNicomedia Church Fire, Emperor Maximian ordered destroy Christian churches, burn service books, deprive citizenship, Nicomedia Bishop Cyril converted many members of his court there, Pagan Priestess Domna there read Book oActs &Epistles, wanted more info, went tCyril's successor Anthimus, baptized wIndes her eunuch servant, D&E helped poor, gave valuables&food from M's kitchen, Chief eunuch noted D&I not eating, beat them, remained silent, another eunuch ratted, locked iPrison woFood, Angel fed them, D feigned insanity, left court, then tMonastery wAbbess Agatha dressed her as a man & sent her away, Emperor returned fBattle ordered search fD, monastery destroyed, nuns tPrison, tortured but not defiled, Theophila sent tBrothell but Angel saved hVirginity, led her tCathredral, E prepared city square fPagan sacrifice, sprinkling crowd wBlood, christians began leave, Emperor enraged, great thunderstorm, people&Emperor fled, later Emperor tChurch, offered escape or burn church wPeople, presby Clycerius told him C's never renounce, hiding anger E left church, later arrested G, tortured him, ordered burned, later feast oNativity 20K Christians assembled Nicomedia Cathedral, soldiers surrounded building, offered escape, everybody refused idol worship, as fire prepared Bishop Anthimus baptized, all 20K died in fire, incl Agatha&Theophlia previously miraculously saved fDefilement ; 20,000 Martyrs of Nicomedia, Commemorated on December 28 ; Nicomedia; 20,000 Martyrs of Nicomedia, Commemorated on December 28 ; Holy 20,000 Martyrs of Nicomedia: At the beginning of the fourth century the emperor Maximian (284-305) gave orders to destroy Christian churches, to burn service books, and to deprive all Christians of rights and privileges of citizenship. this time the bishop of the city of Nicomedia was Saint Cyril, who by his preaching and life contributed to the spread of Christianity, so that many members of the emperor’s court were also secret Christians. pagan priestess Domna was living in the palace at that time. she obtained a copy of the Acts of the Apostles and the Epistles of Saint Paul. heart burned with the desire to learn more about the Christian teaching. the help of a young Christian girl, Domna went secretly to Bishop Anthimus (Cyril’s successor) with her faithful servant, the eunuch Indes. Saint Anthimus catechized them, and both received holy Baptism. began to help the poor: she gave away her valuables with the assistance of Indes, and she also distributed food from the imperial kitchen. chief eunuch, who was in charge of provisions for the imperial household, found out that Domna and Indes were not eating the food sent them from the emperor’s table. had them beaten in order to find out why they did not partake of the food, but they remained silent. eunuch informed him that the saints were distributing all the emperor’s gifts to the poor. locked them up in prison to exhaust them with hunger, they received support from an angel and did not suffer. Domna feigned insanity so she wouldn’t have to live among the pagans. she and Indes managed to leave the court, and she went to a women’s monastery. Abbess Agatha quickly dressed her in men’s clothing, cut her hair and sent her off from the monastery. this time the emperor returned from battle and ordered that a search be made for the former pagan priestess Domna. soldiers sent for this purpose found the monastery and destroyed it. sisters were thrown into prison, subjected to torture and abuse, but not one of them suffered defilement. to a house of iniquity, Saint Theophila was able to preserve her virginity with the help of an angel of the Lord. angel led her from the brothel and brought her to the cathedral. this time the emperor cleared the city square to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods. they began sprinkling the crowd with the blood of the sacrificial animals, Christians started to leave the square. Seeing this, the emperor became enraged, in the middle of his rantings a great thunderstorm sprang up. People fled in panic, and the emperor had to retreat to the palace for his own safety. Maximian went to the church with soldiers and told them they could escape punishment if they renounced Christ. he promised to burn the church and those in it. Christian presbyter Glycerius told him that Christians would never renounce their faith, even under the threat of torture. his anger, the emperor exited the church, and a short time later commanded the presbyter Glycerius be arrested for trial. executioners tortured the martyr, who did not cease to pray and to call on the Name of the Lord. Unable to force Saint Glycerius stop confessing Christ, Maximian ordered him to be burned to death. the Feast of the Nativity of Christ in the year 302, when about 20,000 Christians had assembled at the cathedral in Nicomedia, emperor sent a herald into the church. He told the Christians that soldiers were surrounding the building, and that anyone who wished to leave had to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods. who defied the emperor would perish when the soldiers set fire to the church. All those present refused to worship the idols. the pagans prepared to set fire to the church, Bishop Anthimus, baptized all the catechumens and communed everyone with the Holy Mysteries. 20,000 of those praying died in the fire. Among them were the abbess Agatha and Saint Theophila who had been saved from the den of iniquity by a miracle. Anthimus, however, managed to escape the fire. thought that he had exterminated all the Christians of Nicomedia. soon learned that there were many more, and that they would confess their faith and were prepared to die for Christ. emperor wondered how to deal with them. his command they arrested the regimental commander Zeno, who was openly criticizing the emperor for his impiety and cruelty. Zeno was fiercely beaten and finally beheaded. jailed the eunuch Indes, formerly a priest of the idols, for refusing to participate in a pagan festival. persecution against Christians continued. Mardonius, Migdonius the deacon and others were thrown into prison. Anthimus encouraged them by sending letters to them. of the messengers, the Deacon Theophilus, was captured. They subjected him to torture, trying to learn where the bishop was hiding. holy martyr endured everything, while revealing nothing. they executed him and also those whom the bishop had addressed in his letter. Though they were executed in different ways, they all showed the same courage and received their crowns from God. weeks, Saint Domna concealed herself within a cave and sustained herself by eating plants. she returned to the city, she wept for a long time at the ruins of the church, regretting that she was not found worthy to die with the others. night she went to the sea shore. At that moment fishermen pulled the bodies of the martyrs Indes, Gorgonius and Peter from the water in their nets. Domna was still dressed in men’s clothing, and she helped the fishermen to draw in their nets. left her the bodies of the martyrs. reverence she looked after the holy relics and wept over them, over the body of her spiritual friend, the Martyr Indes. giving them an honorable burial, she did not depart from these graves so dear to her heart. Each day she burned incense before them, sprinkling them with fragrant oils. the emperor was told of an unknown youth who offered incense at the graves of executed Christians, he gave orders to behead the youth. The Martyr Euthymius was also executed along with Domna. Hieromartyr Hermolaus and Martyrs Hermippus and Hermocrates at Nicomedia, Commemorated on July 26; Hermolaus, Hermippus and Hermocrates of Nicomedia, were among the small number of those remaining alive after 20,000 Christians were burned alive in a church at Nicomedia in the year 303 (December 28), on the orders of the emperor Maximian (284-305). They lived in remote places and did not cease to preach Christianity to the pagans. young pagan named Pantoleon (Holy Great Martyr Panteleimon, July 27) often passed by the house in which Saint Hermolaus had concealed himself. Once Saint Hermolaus chanced to meet the youth and asked him to stop by his house. In their conversation Saint Hermolaus began to explain to his guest the falseness, impiety and vanity of worshipping the pagan gods. From that day on, Pantoleon began to visit Saint Hermolaus daily and received holy Baptism from him. the trial of the holy Great Martyr Panteleimon was being held, Saints Hermolaus, Hermippus and Hermocrates, were also arrested. The Lord Jesus Christ appeared to Saint Hermolaus one evening and revealed to him that on the following day he would suffer for Him and receive a martyr’s crown. Hermippus and Hermocrates were arrested and brought to trial after Saint Hermolaus. All three were given the chance to deny Christ and offer sacrifice to idols. But they resolutely refused, confessed their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and were prepared gladly to die for Him. pagans began to threaten the holy priests with torture and death. Suddenly, a strong earthquake occurred, and the idols and pagan temple collapsed and shattered. This was reported to the emperor. The enraged Maximian gave the holy martyrs over to torture and pronounced upon them a sentence of death. Bravely enduring all the torments, the holy Hieromartyrs Hermolaus, Hermippus and Hermocrates were beheaded in about the year 305. Holy Woman Olympias (Olympiada) the Deaconess of Constantinople, Commemorated on July 25; the banishment of Saint John Chrysostom, someone set fire to a large church, and after this a large part of the city burned down. the supporters of Saint John Chrysostom came under suspicion of arson, and they were summoned for interrogation. They summoned Saint Olympias to trial, rigorously interrogating her. They fined her a large sum of money for the crime of arson, despite her innocence and a lack of evidence against her. After this the saint left Constantinople and set out to Kyzikos (on the Sea of Marmara). But her enemies did not cease their persecution. In the year 405 they sentenced her to prison at Nicomedia, where the saint underwent much grief and deprivation. Saint John Chrysostom wrote to her from his exile, consoling her in her sorrow. In the year 409 Saint Olympias entered into eternal rest.

Rome, 303, Nicomedia, Bithynia, Cyril had converted many, Anthimus baptized 20,000 who died in church fire, and more
Bithynia, 303, Nicomedia, Bithynia, Cyril had converted many incl court, incl pagan priestess Domna w eunuch indes, Domna saved to take care of the bodies w incense and oils, Anthimus baptized 20,000 who died in church fire, more christians in town, Theophila virginity preserved in whore house, blood sprinkled on square, christians leave, enraged emperor stopped by thunderstorm, Glycerius did not fold, regimental commander Zeno and Indes did not fold, Euthymius executed w Domna; Nicomedia; 20,000 Martyrs of Nicomedia, Commemorated December 28 ; Holy 20,000 Martyrs of Nicomedia: At the beginning of the fourth century the emperor Maximian (284-305) gave orders to destroy Christian churches, to burn service books, and to deprive all Christians of rights and privileges of citizenship. this time the bishop of the city of Nicomedia was Saint Cyril, who by his preaching and life contributed to the spread of Christianity, so that many members of the emperor’s court were also secret Christians. pagan priestess Domna was living in the palace at that time. Providentially, she obtained a copy of the Acts of the Apostles and the Epistles of Saint Paul. Her heart burned with the desire to learn more about the Christian teaching. the help of a young Christian girl, Domna went secretly to Bishop Anthimus (Cyril’s successor) with her faithful servant, the eunuch Indes. Saint Anthimus catechized them, and both received holy Baptism. began to help the poor: she gave away her valuables with the assistance of Indes, and she also distributed food from the imperial kitchen. chief eunuch, who was in charge of provisions for the imperial household, found out that Domna and Indes were not eating the food sent them from the emperor’s table. He had them beaten in order to find out why they did not partake of the food, but they remained silent. eunuch informed him that the saints were distributing all the emperor’s gifts to the poor. He locked them up in prison to exhaust them with hunger, but they received support from an angel and did not suffer. Domna feigned insanity so she wouldn’t have to live among the pagans. Then she and Indes managed to leave the court, and she went to a women’s monastery. Abbess Agatha quickly dressed her in men’s clothing, cut her hair and sent her off from the monastery. this time the emperor returned from battle and ordered that a search be made for the former pagan priestess Domna. soldiers sent for this purpose found the monastery and destroyed it. sisters were thrown into prison, subjected to torture and abuse, but not one of them suffered defilement. to a house of iniquity, Saint Theophila was able to preserve her virginity with the help of an angel of the Lord. The angel led her from the brothel and brought her to the cathedral. this time the emperor cleared the city square to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods. When they began sprinkling the crowd with the blood of the sacrificial animals, Christians started to leave the square. this, the emperor became enraged, but in the middle of his rantings a great thunderstorm sprang up. People fled in panic, and the emperor had to retreat to the palace for his own safety. Maximian went to the church with soldiers and told them they could escape punishment if they renounced Christ. Otherwise, he promised to burn the church and those in it. Christian presbyter Glycerius told him that Christians would never renounce their faith, even under the threat of torture. his anger, the emperor exited the church, and a short time later commanded the presbyter Glycerius be arrested for trial. The executioners tortured the martyr, who did not cease to pray and to call on the Name of the Lord. Unable to force Saint Glycerius stop confessing Christ, Maximian ordered him to be burned to death. the Feast of the Nativity of Christ in the year 302, when about 20,000 Christians had assembled at the cathedral in Nicomedia, the emperor sent a herald into the church. He told the Christians that soldiers were surrounding the building, and that anyone who wished to leave had to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods. Anyone who defied the emperor would perish when the soldiers set fire to the church. All those present refused to worship the idols. the pagans prepared to set fire to the church, Bishop Anthimus, baptized all the catechumens and communed everyone with the Holy Mysteries. All 20,000 of those praying died in the fire. Among them were the abbess Agatha and Saint Theophila who had been saved from the den of iniquity by a miracle. Bishop Anthimus, however, managed to escape the fire. thought that he had exterminated all the Christians of Nicomedia. He soon learned that there were many more, and that they would confess their faith and were prepared to die for Christ. emperor wondered how to deal with them. At his command they arrested the regimental commander Zeno, who was openly criticizing the emperor for his impiety and cruelty. Zeno was fiercely beaten and finally beheaded. They jailed the eunuch Indes, formerly a priest of the idols, for refusing to participate in a pagan festival. persecution against Christians continued. Dorotheus, Mardonius, Migdonius the deacon and others were thrown into prison. Anthimus encouraged them by sending letters to them. One of the messengers, the Deacon Theophilus, was captured. They subjected him to torture, trying to learn where the bishop was hiding. The holy martyr endured everything, while revealing nothing. Then they executed him and also those whom the bishop had addressed in his letter. Though they were executed in different ways, they all showed the same courage and received their crowns from God. weeks, Saint Domna concealed herself within a cave and sustained herself by eating plants. When she returned to the city, she wept for a long time at the ruins of the church, regretting that she was not found worthy to die with the others. night she went to the sea shore. At that moment fishermen pulled the bodies of the martyrs Indes, Gorgonius and Peter from the water in their nets. Domna was still dressed in men’s clothing, and she helped the fishermen to draw in their nets. They left her the bodies of the martyrs. With reverence she looked after the holy relics and wept over them, especially over the body of her spiritual friend, the Martyr Indes. giving them an honorable burial, she did not depart from these graves so dear to her heart. Each day she burned incense before them, sprinkling them with fragrant oils. When the emperor was told of an unknown youth who offered incense at the graves of executed Christians, he gave orders to behead the youth. The Martyr Euthymius was also executed along with Domna.

Rome, 303-305, 3 Hieromartyrs oNicomedia, a20K Fire, back preaching iRemote places, Lord Jesus prep them, earthquake
Bithynia, 303-305, Hieromartyrs Hermolaus, Hermippus and Hermocrates of Nicomedia, were among the small number of those remaining alive after 20,000 Christians were burned alive in a church at Nicomedia in the year 303 (December 28), on the orders of the emperor Maximian (284-305)., They went back to work preaching to pagans in remote places, baptizing St Pantoleon, They were arrested at Pantoleon's trial, Lord Jesus appeared to Hermolaus and prepared him for his next day martyrdom, threatened with death by pagans suddenly strong earthquake Idols&Temple shattered, Enraged Emperor Maximian ordered torture&death, all 3 beheaded i305; Bithynia, 303, Church Fire in Nicomedia, Survivors, Hieromartyr Hermolaus and Martyrs Hermippus and Hermocrates; Nicomedia; Hieromartyr Hermolaus and Martyrs Hermippus and Hermocrates at Nicomedia, Commemorated on July 26; Hermolaus, Hermippus and Hermocrates of Nicomedia, were among the small number of those remaining alive after 20,000 Christians were burned alive in a church at Nicomedia in the year 303 (December 28), on the orders of the emperor Maximian (284-305). lived in remote places and did not cease to preach Christianity to the pagans. young pagan named Pantoleon (Holy Great Martyr Panteleimon, July 27) often passed by the house in which Saint Hermolaus had concealed himself. Saint Hermolaus chanced to meet the youth and asked him to stop by his house. In their conversation Saint Hermolaus began to explain to his guest the falseness, impiety and vanity of worshipping the pagan gods. From that day on, Pantoleon began to visit Saint Hermolaus daily and received holy Baptism from him. the trial of the holy Great Martyr Panteleimon was being held, Saints Hermolaus, Hermippus and Hermocrates, were also arrested. Lord Jesus Christ appeared to Saint Hermolaus one evening and revealed to him that on the following day he would suffer for Him and receive a martyr’s crown. Hermippus and Hermocrates were arrested and brought to trial after Saint Hermolaus. three were given the chance to deny Christ and offer sacrifice to idols. they resolutely refused, confessed their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and were prepared gladly to die for Him. pagans began to threaten the holy priests with torture and death. a strong earthquake occurred, and the idols and pagan temple collapsed and shattered. was reported to the emperor. The enraged Maximian gave the holy martyrs over to torture and pronounced upon them a sentence of death. enduring all the torments, the holy Hieromartyrs Hermolaus, Hermippus and Hermocrates were beheaded in about the year 305. Holy Woman Olympias (Olympiada) the Deaconess of Constantinople, Commemorated on July 25; the banishment of Saint John Chrysostom, someone set fire to a large church, and after this a large part of the city burned down. the supporters of Saint John Chrysostom came under suspicion of arson, and they were summoned for interrogation. They summoned Saint Olympias to trial, rigorously interrogating her. They fined her a large sum of money for the crime of arson, despite her innocence and a lack of evidence against her. After this the saint left Constantinople and set out to Kyzikos (on the Sea of Marmara). But her enemies did not cease their persecution. In the year 405 they sentenced her to prison at Nicomedia, where the saint underwent much grief and deprivation. Saint John Chrysostom wrote to her from his exile, consoling her in her sorrow. In the year 409 Saint Olympias entered into eternal rest. 20,000 Martyrs of Nicomedia, Commemorated on December 28 ; Holy 20,000 Martyrs of Nicomedia: At the beginning of the fourth century the emperor Maximian (284-305) gave orders to destroy Christian churches, to burn service books, and to deprive all Christians of rights and privileges of citizenship. At this time the bishop of the city of Nicomedia was Saint Cyril, who by his preaching and life contributed to the spread of Christianity, so that many members of the emperor’s court were also secret Christians. pagan priestess Domna was living in the palace at that time. Providentially, she obtained a copy of the Acts of the Apostles and the Epistles of Saint Paul. Her heart burned with the desire to learn more about the Christian teaching. With the help of a young Christian girl, Domna went secretly to Bishop Anthimus (Cyril’s successor) with her faithful servant, the eunuch Indes. Saint Anthimus catechized them, and both received holy Baptism. began to help the poor: she gave away her valuables with the assistance of Indes, and she also distributed food from the imperial kitchen. The chief eunuch, who was in charge of provisions for the imperial household, found out that Domna and Indes were not eating the food sent them from the emperor’s table. He had them beaten in order to find out why they did not partake of the food, but they remained silent. Another eunuch informed him that the saints were distributing all the emperor’s gifts to the poor. He locked them up in prison to exhaust them with hunger, but they received support from an angel and did not suffer. Saint Domna feigned insanity so she wouldn’t have to live among the pagans. Then she and Indes managed to leave the court, and she went to a women’s monastery. Abbess Agatha quickly dressed her in men’s clothing, cut her hair and sent her off from the monastery. this time the emperor returned from battle and ordered that a search be made for the former pagan priestess Domna. The soldiers sent for this purpose found the monastery and destroyed it. The sisters were thrown into prison, subjected to torture and abuse, but not one of them suffered defilement. Sent to a house of iniquity, Saint Theophila was able to preserve her virginity with the help of an angel of the Lord. The angel led her from the brothel and brought her to the cathedral. this time the emperor cleared the city square to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods. When they began sprinkling the crowd with the blood of the sacrificial animals, Christians started to leave the square. Seeing this, the emperor became enraged, but in the middle of his rantings a great thunderstorm sprang up. People fled in panic, and the emperor had to retreat to the palace for his own safety. Maximian went to the church with soldiers and told them they could escape punishment if they renounced Christ. Otherwise, he promised to burn the church and those in it. The Christian presbyter Glycerius told him that Christians would never renounce their faith, even under the threat of torture. Hiding his anger, the emperor exited the church, and a short time later commanded the presbyter Glycerius be arrested for trial. The executioners tortured the martyr, who did not cease to pray and to call on the Name of the Lord. Unable to force Saint Glycerius stop confessing Christ, Maximian ordered him to be burned to death. the Feast of the Nativity of Christ in the year 302, when about 20,000 Christians had assembled at the cathedral in Nicomedia, the emperor sent a herald into the church. He told the Christians that soldiers were surrounding the building, and that anyone who wished to leave had to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods. Anyone who defied the emperor would perish when the soldiers set fire to the church. All those present refused to worship the idols. the pagans prepared to set fire to the church, Bishop Anthimus, baptized all the catechumens and communed everyone with the Holy Mysteries. All 20,000 of those praying died in the fire. Among them were the abbess Agatha and Saint Theophila who had been saved from the den of iniquity by a miracle. Bishop Anthimus, however, managed to escape the fire. thought that he had exterminated all the Christians of Nicomedia. He soon learned that there were many more, and that they would confess their faith and were prepared to die for Christ. The emperor wondered how to deal with them. At his command they arrested the regimental commander Zeno, who was openly criticizing the emperor for his impiety and cruelty. Zeno was fiercely beaten and finally beheaded. They jailed the eunuch Indes, formerly a priest of the idols, for refusing to participate in a pagan festival. persecution against Christians continued. Dorotheus, Mardonius, Migdonius the deacon and others were thrown into prison. Bishop Anthimus encouraged them by sending letters to them. One of the messengers, the Deacon Theophilus, was captured. They subjected him to torture, trying to learn where the bishop was hiding. The holy martyr endured everything, while revealing nothing. Then they executed him and also those whom the bishop had addressed in his letter. Though they were executed in different ways, they all showed the same courage and received their crowns from God. weeks, Saint Domna concealed herself within a cave and sustained herself by eating plants. When she returned to the city, she wept for a long time at the ruins of the church, regretting that she was not found worthy to die with the others. That night she went to the sea shore. At that moment fishermen pulled the bodies of the martyrs Indes, Gorgonius and Peter from the water in their nets. Domna was still dressed in men’s clothing, and she helped the fishermen to draw in their nets. They left her the bodies of the martyrs. With reverence she looked after the holy relics and wept over them, especially over the body of her spiritual friend, the Martyr Indes. giving them an honorable burial, she did not depart from these graves so dear to her heart. Each day she burned incense before them, sprinkling them with fragrant oils. When the emperor was told of an unknown youth who offered incense at the graves of executed Christians, he gave orders to behead the youth. The Martyr Euthymius was also executed along with Domna.

Rome, 303-304, Hieromartyr Marcellinus, Pope, afraid of tortures worshiped idols, repented, St Peter commanded he be buried
Rome, 303-304, Hieromartyr Marcellinus, Pope, confessed at Sinuessa (on the Appian Way), afraid of tortures he sacrificed to idols, confessed sackcloth and ashes at the synod, sentenced himself to no burial, St Peter in a vision commanded he be buried as martyr ; Sinuessa (in Campania); was a city on the line of the Via Appia, and was the last place where that great highroad touched on the sea-coast. Hieromartyr Marcellinus the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on June 7; Marcellinus was Pope of Rome during the height of the persecution against Christians under Diocletian and Maximian (284-305), 17,000 men were martyred a single month. this time Saint Marcellinus was also arrested. Afraid of the fierce tortures, he burned incense and offered sacrifice to idols. The emperor called him his friend and clothed him in splendid robes. he had encouraged others to undergo torture for Christ, he gave in to cowardice. He wept bitterly, filled with remorse. this time, a Synod of 180 bishops and presbyters met at the city of Sinuessa (in Campania). Marcellinus appeared at the assembly in penitential sackcloth, his head sprinkled with ashes. He confessed his sin before the delegates and asked them to judge him. Fathers of the Council said, “Judge yourself! From your lips this sin came forth, from your lips let judgment be pronounced. know that even Saint Peter denied Christ out of fear, but he wept bitterly for his sin, and received forgiveness from the Lord.” Marcellinus pronounced sentence upon himself, “I strip myself of the priestly dignity, of which I am unworthy. After death, do not bury my body, but instead throw it to the dogs. Cursed be the one who dares to bury it.” his return to Rome Marcellinus went to the emperor, threw down the fine clothing given him, and said that he regretted his renunciation of Christ. The enraged emperor had him tortured, and sentenced him to death. Marcellinus prayed to the Lord Jesus Christ, Who mercifully receives sinners who repent, then willingly placed his head beneath the sword. The holy martyrs Claudius, Cyrinus and Antoninus were beheaded with him. body of Saint Marcellinus lay for thirty-six days along the wayside. Appearing in a vision to the new bishop Marcellus, the holy Apostle Peter said, “Why have you not buried the body of Marcellinus?” “I fear his curse,” replied Saint Marcellus. “Perhaps you do not remember,” said the Apostle Peter, “that it is written: ‘He that humbles himself shall be exalted.’ Therefore, go bury his body with reverence.” the command of the Apostle Peter, Saint Marcellus buried the body of Saint Marcellinus in a crypt, built for the burial of the bodies of martyrs by the illustrious Priscilla, along the Via Salaria.

Rome, 303-304, LUCY OF ROME, Syracuse, Sicily, virginity, rejected suitor, denounced, to be defiled, not burned, cut throat
Sicily, 303-304, LUCY OF ROME, Syracuse, Sicily, virginity vow, rejected suitor, who denounced her as a christian, sentenced to be defiled, saved from that, attempted to burn her, not harmed, killed by sword to the throat, light, aflictions of eyes, blinded tradition, eyesight restored ; of Syracuse (283–304), also called Saint Lucia or Saint Lucy, a Christian martyr who died during the Diocletianic Persecution. is venerated as a saint in the Roman Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, and Eastern Orthodox churches. is one of eight women (including Saint Mary) explicitly commemorated by Roman Catholics in the Canon of the Mass. traditional feast day, known in Europe as Saint Lucy's Day, is observed by Western Christians on 13 December. of Syracuse was honored in the Middle Ages and remained a well-known saint in early modern England.[3] Syracuse, Sicily Virginmartyr Lucy of Syracuse, Commemorated on December 13 ; Lucy was born in Syracuse, Sicily during the reign of Diocletian. distributed her wealth to the poor, and made a vow of virginity. Since she refused to marry him, a rejected suitor denounced her to the prefect Paschasius as a Christian, and she was arrested. She was sentenced to be defiled in a brothel, but with God’s help she preserved her purity. the pagans attempted to burn her alive, but she was not harmed by the fire. Finally, she was killed by a sword thrust to the throat. name Lucy (Lucia) is derived for the Latin word for light (lux), and so she is often invoked for afflictions of the eyes. There is a tradition that she was blinded by her torturers, and the church of San Giovanni Maggiore in Naples even claims to possess her eyes. ’s saint should not be confused with Saint Lucy of Campania (July 6). LUCY, VIRGIN AND MARTYR, abt. 304, Commemorated December 13 ; early Roman lists of martyrs commemorate Lucy, virgin and martyr, on 13 December, and her name, with that of Agatha, appears in the Roman Liturgy as an example of those who have gone before us, in whose company we join in giving thanks and praise to God. from this, little is known of her, except that she lived in Syracuse in Sicily, and probably died around 304. name, which means "light," probably accounts for the story that her eyes were put out and her eyesight miraculously restored, may be connected with the fact that her feast occurs near the time when (in the Northern Hemisphere) the nights are longest. Sweden and elsewhere, the day is observed by having one of the daughters of the house dress in a white robe with a crown of lighted candles and go singing from room to room (presumably followed by an adult with a fire extinguisher) early in the morning when it is still dark to awaken the other family members and to offer them St. Lucy's Cakes and hot coffee. Wednesday (of the winter season) is defined as the Wednesday after Lucy's Day. (An equivalent definition would be: the Wednesday preceding the last Sunday before Christmas.) by James Kiefer

Rome, 303-304, Saint Zoilus, recovered Chrysognus' relics from sea, Martyred in Cordoba Spain by Diocletian
Roman Saint, 303-304, Saint Zoilus; Zoilus (died 304 AD) is venerated as a saint by the Catholic Church. Christian tradition states that he was a young man martyred with nineteen others at Córdoba, Spain under Diocletian. name is mentioned by Prudentius and his name appears in the Martyrologium Hieronymianum as well as the Roman Martyrology. relics were enshrined at the abbey named after him: the Benedictine abbey of San Zoilo de Carrión at Carrión de los Condes, in the Province of Palencia. There was also a monastery near Córdoba dedicated to him. Some of the subsequent Martyrs of Córdoba were associated with this monastery. feast was also celebrated at Chester;[3] he was anciently and incorrectly considered to have reigned by the city's inhabitants. Greatmartyr Anastasia the œDeliverer from Potions, Commemorated on December 22; Martyr Chrysogonus the Teacher of the Greatmartyr Anastasia, Commemorated on December 22;

Rome, 303-305, Hieromartyr Irenaeus, Bishop, Sirmium, Serbia (Pannonia Secunda, Srem Plain, Sava River 19), Diocletian persecution, torture, long prison, beheaded
Serbia, 303-305, Hieromartyr Irenaeus, Bishop, Sirmium, Serbia (Pannonia Secunda, Srem Plain, Sava River 19), Diocletian persecution, torture, long prison, beheaded; Sirmium; Hieromartyr Irenaeus the Bishop of Sirmium in Hungary, Commemorated on March 26; Irenaeus suffered during the persecution against Christians under the Roman emperors Diocletian and Maximian (284-305). was a presbyter, and he and his wife raised their children in Christian piety. Saint Irenaeus was greatly respected for his education and strict manner of life. was later made Bishop of Sirmium in Pannonia. Because of his fervent preaching of the Gospel he was arrested and brought before an official named Probus. Refusing to deny Christ and offer sacrifice to the pagan gods, the saint was handed over for torture. Witnessing his torments were the saint’s parents, relatives and friends, who attempted to persuade him to submit, but the martyr remained steadfast. cruel tortures, the holy confessor spent a long time in prison. Probus tried to persuade the martyr, urging him to spare his life for the sake of his sons. Saint Irenaeus replied, “My sons believe in God, Who will care for them. As for me, nothing will force me to renounce my Christ.” governor ordered the saint to be thrown into a river. They led the martyr on the bridge crossing the River Savva, where he knelt and prayed to the Lord for his flock. Then they beheaded the Hieromartyr Irenaeus, and threw his body into the river.

Rome, 303-311, Barlaam of Caesarea, Cappadocia and Antioch, Syria, held on to the red hot censer, until hand fell off
Armenia, 303-311, Barlaam of Caesarea, Cappadocia and Antioch, Syria, held on to the red hot censer, until hand fell off, fAntioch Syria, Diocletian Persecution time 303-311, Aged, arrested, confessed, red-hot cencer over pagan altar, hand fell off then died; Caesurea, Cappadocia; Martyr Barlaam of Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated November 19 ; Holy Martyr Barlaam lived in Antioch of Syria. During Diocletian’s persecution against Christians, the aged Saint Barlaam was arrested and brought to trial, where he confessed himself a Christian. judge, wanting to compel the saint to renounce Christ, ordered that Saint Barlaam be brought to the pagan altar. His right hand was placed over it, and a red-hot censer burning with incense was put into his hand. The torturer thought that a physically weak old man could not endure the pain and would drop it on the altar. In this way he would involuntarily be offering sacrifice to the idol. However, the saint held on to the censer until his hand fell off. After this, the holy Martyr Barlaam surrendered his soul to the Lord.

Rome, 303-305, Anastasia, visited prisons, fed, clothed, ransomed, A beaten by h, be patient, accept lords will, much more
Rome, 303-305, Anastasia the œDeliverer from Potions, Rome, teacher Chrysogonus, given in marriage to a pagan, feigned illness, visited prisons clothed as a beggar, fed, clothed, ransomed, betrayed by servant to husband, beaten, C said be patient, cleave cross, accept lords will, also prophet h sea death, then she distributed, Diocletian, c prisoners endured torturers stoicly, kill them all order, she followed C to Aquileia, C beheaded, into sea, waves carried head and b back, presby Zolius concealed, C appeared to Z, informed about m for Agape, Chone and Irene, C sent Anastasia to encourage them, also that Z would d same day, 9 days later fulfilled, she burried them, back to ministeriing to prisoners city to city, she gave medical arts to captives far and wide, Theodora as helper, arrested in Illyricum after fiinding no one in the prisons, wept loudly, Jailers realized, back to Pagan priest in Rome, set before her riched and tools of torture, chose tools, 3 days to reconsider, Anastasia's beauty, blind by touching her, headache, appeal to idols but died, A and T free again to care for prisoners, T and her 3 sons martyred, Evodus endured, all red hot oven. A caught again, starvation ordered, 60 days no food, every night T appeared, Judge ordered drowning w prisoners incl Euthychianus, open sea, holes bored, T appeared and steered to shore, 120 believed and baptized, all captured and martyred, A stretched and burned alive, body not harmed, Apollinaria buried her in her garden, relics transfered in 5th century, then to near Athos; Rome; Greatmartyr Anastasia the œDeliverer from Potions, Commemorated on December 22; Great Martyr Anastasia the Deliverer from Potions, a Roman by birth, suffered for Christ at the time of Diocletian’s persecution of Christians. father was a pagan, but her mother was secretly a Christian. Anastasia’s teacher in her youth was an educated and pious Christian named Chrysogonus. the death of her mother, her father gave Saint Anastasia in marriage to a pagan named Publius, but feigning illness, she preserved her virginity. herself in the garb of a beggar, and accompanied by only one servant, she visited the prisons. She fed, doctored and often ransomed captives who were suffering for their faith in Christ. her servant told Publius about everything, he subjected his wife to a beating and locked her up at home. Anastasia then began to correspond secretly with Chrysogonus, who told the saint to be patient, to cleave to the Cross of Christ, and to accept the Lord’s will. also foretold the impending death of Publius in the sea. a certain while Publius did indeed drown, as he was setting out with a delegation to Persia. the death of her husband, Saint Anastasia began to distribute her property to the poor and suffering. was informed that the Christians who filled the prisons of Rome stoically endured tortures. He gave orders to kill them all in a single night, and for Chrysogonus to be sent to him at Aquileia. Saint Anastasia followed her teacher at a distance. emperor interrogated Chrysogonus personally, but could not make him renounce his faith. Therefore, he commanded that he be beheaded and thrown into the sea. body and severed head of the holy martyr were carried to shore by the waves. by divine Providence, the relics were found by a presbyter named Zoilus who placed them in a coffer, and concealed them at his home. Chrysogonus appeared to Zoilus and informed him that martyrdom was at hand for Agape, Chione and Irene (April 16), three sisters who lived nearby. He told him to send Saint Anastasia to them to encourage them. Chrysogonus foretold that Zoilus would also die on the same day. Nine days later, the words of Saint Chrysogonus were fulfilled. Zoilus fell asleep in the Lord, and Saint Anastasia visited the three maidens before their tortures. When these three martyrs gave up their souls to the Lord, she buried them. carried out her teacher’s request, the saint went from city to city ministering to Christian prisoners. Proficient in the medical arts of the time, she zealously cared for captives far and wide, healing their wounds and relieving their suffering. of her labors, Saint Anastasia received the name Deliverer from Potions (Pharmakolytria), since by her intercessions she has healed many from the effects of potions, poisons, and other harmful substances. made the acquaintance of the pious young widow Theodota, finding in her a faithful helper. Theodota was taken for questioning when it was learned that she was a Christian. Saint Anastasia was arrested in Illyricum. occurred just after all the Christian captives there had been murdered in a single night by order of Diocletian. Anastasia had come to one of the prisons, and finding no one there, she began to weep loudly. The jailers realized that she was a Christian and took her to the prefect of the district, who tried to persuade her to deny Christ by threatening her with torture. After his unsuccessful attempts to persuade Saint Anastasia to offer sacrifice to idols, he handed her over to the pagan priest Ulpian in Rome. cunning pagan offered Saint Anastasia the choice between luxury and riches, or grievous sufferings. He set before her gold, precious stones and fine clothing, and also fearsome instruments of torture. The crafty man was put to shame by the bride of Christ. Saint Anastasia refused the riches and chose the tools of torture. the Lord prolonged the earthly life of the saint, and Ulpian gave her three days to reconsider. by Anastasia’s beauty, the pagan priest decided to defile her purity. However, when he tried to touch her he suddenly became blind. His head began to ache so severely that he screamed like a madman. He asked to be taken to a pagan temple to appeal to the idols for help, but on the way he fell down and died. Anastasia was set free and she and Theodota again devoted themselves to the care of imprisoned Christians. long, Saint Theodota and her three sons accepted a martyrdom. Her eldest son, Evodus, stood bravely before the judge and endured beatings without protest. After lengthy torture, they were all thrown into a red-hot oven. Anastasia was caught again and condemned to death by starvation. remained in prison without food for sixty days. Theodota appeared to the martyr every night and gave her courage. that hunger caused Saint Anastasia no harm whatsoever, the judge sentenced her to drowning together with other prisoners. Among them was Eutychianus, who was condemned for his Christian faith. prisoners were put into a boat which went out into the open sea. The soldiers bored holes in the boat and got into a galley. Saint Theodota appeared to the captives and steered the ship to shore. When they reached dry land, 120 men believed in Christ and were baptized by Saints Anastasia and Eutychianus. were captured and received a martyr’s crown. Saint Anastasia was stretched between four pillars and burned alive. A certain pious woman named Apollinaria buried her body, which was unharmed by the fire, in the garden outside her house. the fifth century the relics of Saint Anastasia were transferred to Constantinople, where a church was built and dedicated to her. Later the head and a hand of the Great Martyr were transferred to the monastery of Saint Anastasia [Deliverer from Potions], near Mount Athos.

Rome, 303-305, Chrysogonus, Anastasia's teach, prophet, beheaded & thrown into sea, Zolius found them, he appeared
Roman Saint, 303-305, Saint Chrysogonus ; Greatmartyr Anastasia the œDeliverer from Potions, Commemorated on December 22; Martyr Chrysogonus the Teacher of the Greatmartyr Anastasia, Commemorated on December 22; Great Martyr Anastasia the Deliverer from Potions, a Roman by birth, suffered for Christ at the time of Diocletian’s persecution of Christians. Her father was a pagan, but her mother was secretly a Christian. Saint Anastasia’s teacher in her youth was an educated and pious Christian named Chrysogonus. After the death of her mother, her father gave Saint Anastasia in marriage to a pagan named Publius, but feigning illness, she preserved her virginity. herself in the garb of a beggar, and accompanied by only one servant, she visited the prisons. She fed, doctored and often ransomed captives who were suffering for their faith in Christ. When her servant told Publius about everything, he subjected his wife to a beating and locked her up at home. Saint Anastasia then began to correspond secretly with Chrysogonus, who told the saint to be patient, to cleave to the Cross of Christ, and to accept the Lord’s will. He also foretold the impending death of Publius in the sea. After a certain while Publius did indeed drown, as he was setting out with a delegation to Persia. After the death of her husband, Saint Anastasia began to distribute her property to the poor and suffering. was informed that the Christians who filled the prisons of Rome stoically endured tortures. He gave orders to kill them all in a single night, and for Chrysogonus to be sent to him at Aquileia. Saint Anastasia followed her teacher at a distance. emperor interrogated Chrysogonus personally, but could not make him renounce his faith. Therefore, he commanded that he be beheaded and thrown into the sea. The body and severed head of the holy martyr were carried to shore by the waves. There by divine Providence, the relics were found by a presbyter named Zoilus who placed them in a coffer, and concealed them at his home. Chrysogonus appeared to Zoilus and informed him that martyrdom was at hand for Agape, Chione and Irene (April 16), three sisters who lived nearby. He told him to send Saint Anastasia to them to encourage them. Saint Chrysogonus foretold that Zoilus would also die on the same day. Nine days later, the words of Saint Chrysogonus were fulfilled. Zoilus fell asleep in the Lord, and Saint Anastasia visited the three maidens before their tortures. When these three martyrs gave up their souls to the Lord, she buried them. carried out her teacher’s request, the saint went from city to city ministering to Christian prisoners. Proficient in the medical arts of the time, she zealously cared for captives far and wide, healing their wounds and relieving their suffering. Because of her labors, Saint Anastasia received the name Deliverer from Potions (Pharmakolytria), since by her intercessions she has healed many from the effects of potions, poisons, and other harmful substances. made the acquaintance of the pious young widow Theodota, finding in her a faithful helper. Theodota was taken for questioning when it was learned that she was a Christian. Meanwhile, Saint Anastasia was arrested in Illyricum. This occurred just after all the Christian captives there had been murdered in a single night by order of Diocletian. Saint Anastasia had come to one of the prisons, and finding no one there, she began to weep loudly. The jailers realized that she was a Christian and took her to the prefect of the district, who tried to persuade her to deny Christ by threatening her with torture. After his unsuccessful attempts to persuade Saint Anastasia to offer sacrifice to idols, he handed her over to the pagan priest Ulpian in Rome. cunning pagan offered Saint Anastasia the choice between luxury and riches, or grievous sufferings. He set before her gold, precious stones and fine clothing, and also fearsome instruments of torture. The crafty man was put to shame by the bride of Christ. Saint Anastasia refused the riches and chose the tools of torture. the Lord prolonged the earthly life of the saint, and Ulpian gave her three days to reconsider. Charmed by Anastasia’s beauty, the pagan priest decided to defile her purity. However, when he tried to touch her he suddenly became blind. His head began to ache so severely that he screamed like a madman. He asked to be taken to a pagan temple to appeal to the idols for help, but on the way he fell down and died. Anastasia was set free and she and Theodota again devoted themselves to the care of imprisoned Christians. Before long, Saint Theodota and her three sons accepted a martyrdom. Her eldest son, Evodus, stood bravely before the judge and endured beatings without protest. After lengthy torture, they were all thrown into a red-hot oven. Anastasia was caught again and condemned to death by starvation. She remained in prison without food for sixty days. Saint Theodota appeared to the martyr every night and gave her courage. Seeing that hunger caused Saint Anastasia no harm whatsoever, the judge sentenced her to drowning together with other prisoners. Among them was Eutychianus, who was condemned for his Christian faith. prisoners were put into a boat which went out into the open sea. The soldiers bored holes in the boat and got into a galley. Saint Theodota appeared to the captives and steered the ship to shore. When they reached dry land, 120 men believed in Christ and were baptized by Saints Anastasia and Eutychianus. All were captured and received a martyr’s crown. Saint Anastasia was stretched between four pillars and burned alive. A certain pious woman named Apollinaria buried her body, which was unharmed by the fire, in the garden outside her house. the fifth century the relics of Saint Anastasia were transferred to Constantinople, where a church was built and dedicated to her. Later the head and a hand of the Great Martyr were transferred to the monastery of Saint Anastasia [Deliverer from Potions], near Mount Athos.

Rome, 303-305, Hieromartyrs of Cherson, Diocletian Persecution
Bosporan Kingdom in Thaurica (Crimea), 438 BC - 370 AD; Bosporan Kingdom of the Roman Empire; Hieromartyrs of Cherson, 303-305 Diocletian Persecution; Hieromartyr Basil of Cherson, Commemorated on March 7;

Rome, 303-305, Martyr Paphnutius & 546 companions, appeared not brought to torture, preserved, strengthened christian confess
Egypt, 303-305, Martyr Paphnutius and 546 companions, Alexandria, Goshen, Egypt, appeared not brought to torture, preserved, converted prisoners, set free, strengthened christians to confess, 546 in all, into river w stone, but floated, crucifiec on date tree; Alexandria; Martyr Paphnutius and 546 companions in Egypt, Commemorated on September 25; Holy Martyr Paphnutius hailed from Egypt and struggled in the desert. the persecution against Christians under Diocletian (284-305), the governor Hadrian commanded that Saint Paphnutius be brought to him. ascetic, not waiting for those sent to bring him, appeared before the governor, confessed his faith in Christ, and was subjected to torture. soldiers involved in his torture, Dionysius and Callimachus, seeing how the power of God preserved the martyr, believed in Christ the Savior themselves, for which they were then beheaded. into prison after the tortures, Saint Paphnutius converted forty prisoners to the Faith. They were all burned alive. a while Saint Paphnutius was set free, and a Christian named Nestorius gladly took him in. He and all his family, after spiritual guidance, became steadfast in the Faith, and ultimately endured martyrdom. saint strengthened many other Christians to confess our Lord Jesus Christ, and they all died as martyrs. Some were cut with swords, others were burned. There were 546 men in all. Paphnutius himself was thrown by the torturers into a river with a stone about his neck, but he miraculously floated to shore with the stone. they sent the holy martyr to the emperor Diocletian himself, who commanded him to be crucified on a date tree.

Rome, 303-313, Catherine of Alexandria, educated beauty, a only one who surpassed, icon, rejected by J, baptism, accepted
Egypt, 303-313, Greatmartyr Catherine of Alexandria, educated, beautiful, accept only someone who surpassed her, Theotokos icon, prayer, rejected by Jesus, baptism, accepted by Jesus ; of Alexandria, or Katherine of Alexandria, also known as Saint Catherine of Alexandria, Saint Catherine of the Wheel and The Great Martyr Saint Catherine, is, according to tradition, a Christian saint and virgin, who was martyred in the early 4th century at the hands of the emperor Maxentius. to her hagiography, she was both a princess and a noted scholar who became a Christian around the age of 14, converted hundreds of people to Christianity and was martyred around the age of 18. than 1,100 years after Catherine's martyrdom, Joan of Arc identified her as one of the saints who appeared to and counselled her.[3] Eastern Orthodox Church venerates her as a Great Martyr and celebrates her feast day on 24 or 25 November, depending on the regional tradition. In Catholicism, Catherine is traditionally revered as one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers and she is commemorated in the Roman Martyrology on 25 November.[4] feast was removed from the General Roman Calendar[5] in 1969, but restored in 2002 as an optional memorial. modern scholars consider that the legend of Catherine was probably based on the life and murder of the virgin Saint Dorothea of Alexandria and the Greek philosopher Hypatia, with reversed role of a Christian and Neo-Platonist in the case of the latter.[6][7][8] Alexandria; Greatmartyr Catherine of Alexandria, Commemorated on November 24 ; Holy Great Martyr Katherine was the daughter of Konstos, the governor of Alexandria, Egypt during the reign of Emperor Maximian (305-313). Living in the capital, the center of Hellenistic knowledge, and possessed of a rare beauty and intellect, Katherine received an excellent education, studying the works of the greatest philosophers and teachers of antiquity. Young men from the most worthy families of the empire sought the hand of the beautiful Katherine, but she was not interested in any of them. She told her parents that she would enter into marriage only with someone who surpassed her in nobility, wealth, comeliness and wisdom. ’s mother, a secret Christian, sent her to her own Spiritual Father, a saintly Elder living in a cave outside the city, for advice. listening to Katherine, the Elder said that he knew of someone who surpassed her in everything. “His countenance is more radiant than the shining of the sun, and all of creation is governed by His wisdom. His riches are given to all the nations of the world, yet they never diminish. His compassion is unequaled.” description of the Heavenly Bridegroom produced an ardent desire in the soul of the holy maiden to see Him. "If you do as I tell you,” said the monk, “you will gaze upon the countenance of this illustrious man.” In parting, the Elder gave Katherine an icon of the Theotokos with the Divine Child on Her arm and told her to pray with faith to the Queen of Heaven, the Mother of the Heavenly Bridegroom, and she would hear Katherine and grant her heart’s desire. prayed all night and was permitted to see the Most Holy Virgin, Who said her Divine Son, “Behold Thy handmaiden Katherine, how fair and virtuous she is.” But the Child turned His face away from her saying, “No, she is ugly and unbelieving. She is a foolish pauper, and I cannot bear to look at her until she forsakes her impiety.” returned again to the Elder deeply saddened, and told him what she had seen in the dream. He received her, instructed her in the faith of Christ, admonished her to preserve her purity and integrity and to pray unceasingly. She then received the Mystery of Holy Baptism from him. Again Saint Katherine had a vision of the Most Holy Theotokos with her Child. Now the Lord looked at her tenderly and gave her a beautiful ring, a wondrous token of her betrothal to the Heavenly Bridegroom (this ring is still on her hand). that time Emperor Maximian was in Alexandria for a pagan festival. Therefore, the celebration was especially splendid and crowded. The cries of the sacrificial animals, the smoke and the smell of the sacrifices, the endless blaze of fires, and the bustling crowds at the arenas defiled the city of Alexandria. Human victims also were brought, the confessors of Christ, who would not deny Him under torture. They were condemned to death in the fire. Katherine's love for the Christian martyrs, and her fervent desire to ease their sufferings, compelled her to speak to the pagan priest and to Emperor Maximian. herself, the Saint confessed her faith in the One True God, and exposed the errors of the pagans. The beauty of the maiden captivated the Emperor. In order to convince her of the superiority of pagan wisdom, the Emperor ordered fifty of the most learned philosophers and rhetoricians of the Empire to dispute with her, but the Saint got the better of the wise men, so that they came to believe in Christ themselves. Saint Katherine made the Sign of the Cross over the martyrs, and they bravely accepted death for Christ and were burnt alive by order of the Emperor. to persuade the Saint, Maximian tried to entice her with the promise of riches and fame. Hearing her angry refusal, the Emperor ordered his men to subject the Saint to terrible tortures, and then throw her in prison. The Empress Augusta, who had heard much about the Saint, wanted to see her. She prevailed upon the military commander Porphyrios to accompany her to the prison with a detachment of soldiers. The Empress was impressed by Katherine's strong spirit, and her face was radiant with divine grace. The holy martyr explained the Christian Faith to them, and they were converted to Christ. the following day, they again brought the martyr to the judgment court where, under the threat of being broken on the wheel, she was urged to renounce the Christian Faith and to offer sacrifice to the "gods." The Saint steadfastly confessed Christ and she was taken to be tortured on four wheels with sharp iron spikes, but an Angel smashed the instruments of execution, which shattered into pieces with many pagans standing nearby. seeing this miracle, the Empress Augusta and the imperial courtier Porphyrios and 200 soldiers confessed their faith in Christ before everyone, and they were beheaded. Maximian tried again to entice the holy martyr, offering to marry her, and again he was refused. Saint Katherine remained faithful to her heavenly Bridegroom Christ, and after praying to Him, she laid her head on the block beneath the executioner’s sword. relics of Saint Katherine were taken by the Angels to Mount Sinai. In the VI century, the venerable head and left hand of the holy martyr were found through a revelation and transferred with honor to the newly-constructed church of the Monastery on Mount Sinai, built by the holy Emperor Justinian (November 14). Katherine is called upon for relief and assistance during a difficult childbirth. Pilgrims to her monastery on Mount Sinai are given souvenir rings as a remembrance of their visit. Saint Katherine is commemorated on November 25 in Slavic usage.

Rome, 303-313, Anastasia, visited prisons, fed, clothed, ransomed, A beaten by h, be patient, accept lords will, much more
Rome, 303-313, Anastasia the œDeliverer from Potions, Rome, teacher Chrysogonus, given in marriage to a pagan, feigned illness, visited prisons clothed as a beggar, fed, clothed, ransomed, betrayed by servant to husband, beaten, C said be patient, cleave cross, accept lords will, also prophet h sea death, then she distributed, Diocletian, c prisoners endured torturers stoicly, kill them all order, she followed C to Aquileia, C beheaded, into sea, waves carried head and b back, presby Zolius concealed, C appeared to Z, informed about m for Agape, Chone and Irene, C sent Anastasia to encourage them, also that Z would d same day, 9 days later fulfilled, she burried them, back to ministeriing to prisoners city to city, she gave medical arts to captives far and wide, Theodora as helper, arrested in Illyricum after fiinding no one in the prisons, wept loudly, Jailers realized, back to Pagan priest in Rome, set before her riched and tools of torture, chose tools, 3 days to reconsider, Anastasia's beauty, blind by touching her, headache, appeal to idols but died, A and T free again to care for prisoners, T and her 3 sons martyred, Evodus endured, all red hot oven. A caught again, starvation ordered, 60 days no food, every night T appeared, Judge ordered drowning w prisoners incl Euthychianus, open sea, holes bored, T appeared and steered to shore, 120 believed and baptized, all captured and martyred, A stretched and burned alive, body not harmed, Apollinaria buried her in her garden, relics transfered in 5th century, then to near Athos; Rome; Greatmartyr Anastasia the œDeliverer from Potions, Commemorated on December 22; Great Martyr Anastasia the Deliverer from Potions, a Roman by birth, suffered for Christ at the time of Diocletian’s persecution of Christians. father was a pagan, but her mother was secretly a Christian. Anastasia’s teacher in her youth was an educated and pious Christian named Chrysogonus. the death of her mother, her father gave Saint Anastasia in marriage to a pagan named Publius, but feigning illness, she preserved her virginity. herself in the garb of a beggar, and accompanied by only one servant, she visited the prisons. She fed, doctored and often ransomed captives who were suffering for their faith in Christ. her servant told Publius about everything, he subjected his wife to a beating and locked her up at home. Anastasia then began to correspond secretly with Chrysogonus, who told the saint to be patient, to cleave to the Cross of Christ, and to accept the Lord’s will. also foretold the impending death of Publius in the sea. a certain while Publius did indeed drown, as he was setting out with a delegation to Persia. the death of her husband, Saint Anastasia began to distribute her property to the poor and suffering. was informed that the Christians who filled the prisons of Rome stoically endured tortures. He gave orders to kill them all in a single night, and for Chrysogonus to be sent to him at Aquileia. Saint Anastasia followed her teacher at a distance. emperor interrogated Chrysogonus personally, but could not make him renounce his faith. Therefore, he commanded that he be beheaded and thrown into the sea. body and severed head of the holy martyr were carried to shore by the waves. by divine Providence, the relics were found by a presbyter named Zoilus who placed them in a coffer, and concealed them at his home. Chrysogonus appeared to Zoilus and informed him that martyrdom was at hand for Agape, Chione and Irene (April 16), three sisters who lived nearby. He told him to send Saint Anastasia to them to encourage them. Chrysogonus foretold that Zoilus would also die on the same day. Nine days later, the words of Saint Chrysogonus were fulfilled. Zoilus fell asleep in the Lord, and Saint Anastasia visited the three maidens before their tortures. When these three martyrs gave up their souls to the Lord, she buried them. carried out her teacher’s request, the saint went from city to city ministering to Christian prisoners. Proficient in the medical arts of the time, she zealously cared for captives far and wide, healing their wounds and relieving their suffering. of her labors, Saint Anastasia received the name Deliverer from Potions (Pharmakolytria), since by her intercessions she has healed many from the effects of potions, poisons, and other harmful substances. made the acquaintance of the pious young widow Theodota, finding in her a faithful helper. Theodota was taken for questioning when it was learned that she was a Christian. Saint Anastasia was arrested in Illyricum. occurred just after all the Christian captives there had been murdered in a single night by order of Diocletian. Anastasia had come to one of the prisons, and finding no one there, she began to weep loudly. The jailers realized that she was a Christian and took her to the prefect of the district, who tried to persuade her to deny Christ by threatening her with torture. After his unsuccessful attempts to persuade Saint Anastasia to offer sacrifice to idols, he handed her over to the pagan priest Ulpian in Rome. cunning pagan offered Saint Anastasia the choice between luxury and riches, or grievous sufferings. He set before her gold, precious stones and fine clothing, and also fearsome instruments of torture. The crafty man was put to shame by the bride of Christ. Saint Anastasia refused the riches and chose the tools of torture. the Lord prolonged the earthly life of the saint, and Ulpian gave her three days to reconsider. by Anastasia’s beauty, the pagan priest decided to defile her purity. However, when he tried to touch her he suddenly became blind. His head began to ache so severely that he screamed like a madman. He asked to be taken to a pagan temple to appeal to the idols for help, but on the way he fell down and died. Anastasia was set free and she and Theodota again devoted themselves to the care of imprisoned Christians. long, Saint Theodota and her three sons accepted a martyrdom. Her eldest son, Evodus, stood bravely before the judge and endured beatings without protest. After lengthy torture, they were all thrown into a red-hot oven. Anastasia was caught again and condemned to death by starvation. remained in prison without food for sixty days. Theodota appeared to the martyr every night and gave her courage. that hunger caused Saint Anastasia no harm whatsoever, the judge sentenced her to drowning together with other prisoners. Among them was Eutychianus, who was condemned for his Christian faith. prisoners were put into a boat which went out into the open sea. The soldiers bored holes in the boat and got into a galley. Saint Theodota appeared to the captives and steered the ship to shore. When they reached dry land, 120 men believed in Christ and were baptized by Saints Anastasia and Eutychianus. were captured and received a martyr’s crown. Saint Anastasia was stretched between four pillars and burned alive. A certain pious woman named Apollinaria buried her body, which was unharmed by the fire, in the garden outside her house. the fifth century the relics of Saint Anastasia were transferred to Constantinople, where a church was built and dedicated to her. Later the head and a hand of the Great Martyr were transferred to the monastery of Saint Anastasia [Deliverer from Potions], near Mount Athos.

Rome, 303-313, Anastasia's mentor Chrysogonus, foretold A's husband death at sea, C tortured, behead iAquileia, appears&informs
Rome, 303-313, Anastasia's teacher Chrysogonus, A beaten by h, C said be patient, accept lords will, cleave cross, C foretold h's death at sea, Diocletian kill them all order, C tortured sent tAquileia, A followed C tA, C beheaded, thrown into sea, waves carried head body back, presby Zolius concealed, C appears to Z, informs about m for Agape, Chone and Irene, C sent Anastasia to encourage them, also that Z would d same day, 9 days later fulfilled, she burried them, back to ministeriing to prisoners city to city, she gave medical arts to captives far and wide, Theodora as helper, arrested in Illyricum after fiinding no one in the prisons, wept loudly, Jailers realized, back to Pagan priest in Rome, set before her riched and tools of torture, chose tools, 3 days to reconsider, Anastasia's beauty, blind by touching her, headache, appeal to idols but died, A and T free again to care for prisoners, T and her 3 sons martyred, Evodus endured, all red hot oven. A caught again, starvation ordered, 60 days no food, every night T appeared, Judge ordered drowning w prisoners incl Euthychianus, open sea, holes bored, T appeared and steered to shore, 120 believed and baptized, all captured and martyred, A stretched and burned alive, body not harmed, Apollinaria buried her in her garden, relics transfered in 5th century, then to near Athos; Rome; Greatmartyr Anastasia the œDeliverer from Potions, Commemorated on December 22; Great Martyr Anastasia the Deliverer from Potions, a Roman by birth, suffered for Christ at the time of Diocletian’s persecution of Christians. father was a pagan, but her mother was secretly a Christian. Anastasia’s teacher in her youth was an educated and pious Christian named Chrysogonus. the death of her mother, her father gave Saint Anastasia in marriage to a pagan named Publius, but feigning illness, she preserved her virginity. herself in the garb of a beggar, and accompanied by only one servant, she visited the prisons. She fed, doctored and often ransomed captives who were suffering for their faith in Christ. her servant told Publius about everything, he subjected his wife to a beating and locked her up at home. Anastasia then began to correspond secretly with Chrysogonus, who told the saint to be patient, to cleave to the Cross of Christ, and to accept the Lord’s will. also foretold the impending death of Publius in the sea. a certain while Publius did indeed drown, as he was setting out with a delegation to Persia. the death of her husband, Saint Anastasia began to distribute her property to the poor and suffering. was informed that the Christians who filled the prisons of Rome stoically endured tortures. He gave orders to kill them all in a single night, and for Chrysogonus to be sent to him at Aquileia. Saint Anastasia followed her teacher at a distance. emperor interrogated Chrysogonus personally, but could not make him renounce his faith. Therefore, he commanded that he be beheaded and thrown into the sea. body and severed head of the holy martyr were carried to shore by the waves. by divine Providence, the relics were found by a presbyter named Zoilus who placed them in a coffer, and concealed them at his home. Chrysogonus appeared to Zoilus and informed him that martyrdom was at hand for Agape, Chione and Irene (April 16), three sisters who lived nearby. He told him to send Saint Anastasia to them to encourage them. Chrysogonus foretold that Zoilus would also die on the same day. Nine days later, the words of Saint Chrysogonus were fulfilled. Zoilus fell asleep in the Lord, and Saint Anastasia visited the three maidens before their tortures. When these three martyrs gave up their souls to the Lord, she buried them. carried out her teacher’s request, the saint went from city to city ministering to Christian prisoners. Proficient in the medical arts of the time, she zealously cared for captives far and wide, healing their wounds and relieving their suffering. of her labors, Saint Anastasia received the name Deliverer from Potions (Pharmakolytria), since by her intercessions she has healed many from the effects of potions, poisons, and other harmful substances. made the acquaintance of the pious young widow Theodota, finding in her a faithful helper. Theodota was taken for questioning when it was learned that she was a Christian. Saint Anastasia was arrested in Illyricum. occurred just after all the Christian captives there had been murdered in a single night by order of Diocletian. Anastasia had come to one of the prisons, and finding no one there, she began to weep loudly. The jailers realized that she was a Christian and took her to the prefect of the district, who tried to persuade her to deny Christ by threatening her with torture. After his unsuccessful attempts to persuade Saint Anastasia to offer sacrifice to idols, he handed her over to the pagan priest Ulpian in Rome. cunning pagan offered Saint Anastasia the choice between luxury and riches, or grievous sufferings. He set before her gold, precious stones and fine clothing, and also fearsome instruments of torture. The crafty man was put to shame by the bride of Christ. Saint Anastasia refused the riches and chose the tools of torture. the Lord prolonged the earthly life of the saint, and Ulpian gave her three days to reconsider. by Anastasia’s beauty, the pagan priest decided to defile her purity. However, when he tried to touch her he suddenly became blind. His head began to ache so severely that he screamed like a madman. He asked to be taken to a pagan temple to appeal to the idols for help, but on the way he fell down and died. Anastasia was set free and she and Theodota again devoted themselves to the care of imprisoned Christians. long, Saint Theodota and her three sons accepted a martyrdom. Her eldest son, Evodus, stood bravely before the judge and endured beatings without protest. After lengthy torture, they were all thrown into a red-hot oven. Anastasia was caught again and condemned to death by starvation. remained in prison without food for sixty days. Theodota appeared to the martyr every night and gave her courage. that hunger caused Saint Anastasia no harm whatsoever, the judge sentenced her to drowning together with other prisoners. Among them was Eutychianus, who was condemned for his Christian faith. prisoners were put into a boat which went out into the open sea. The soldiers bored holes in the boat and got into a galley. Saint Theodota appeared to the captives and steered the ship to shore. When they reached dry land, 120 men believed in Christ and were baptized by Saints Anastasia and Eutychianus. were captured and received a martyr’s crown. Saint Anastasia was stretched between four pillars and burned alive. A certain pious woman named Apollinaria buried her body, which was unharmed by the fire, in the garden outside her house. the fifth century the relics of Saint Anastasia were transferred to Constantinople, where a church was built and dedicated to her. Later the head and a hand of the Great Martyr were transferred to the monastery of Saint Anastasia [Deliverer from Potions], near Mount Athos.

Rome, 304, Juliana oNicomedia, Bithynia, Virginmrtr, refused marriage, 630 witnessed hSteadfastness&Healing, baptized iBlood
Bithynia, 304, Juliana oNicomedia, Bithynia, Virginmartyr, do IPagan Africanus, refused marriage tbethrothed, beaten by f&b long&hard, healing &new strength after each b, seen by many people, 500 men 130 women confessed a witnessing courage and healings. They were b&baptized iOwnBlood; Virgin Martyr Juliana of Nicomedia, and 500 men and 130 women with her, Commemorated on December 21; Holy Virgin Martyr Juliana, daughter of an illustrious pagan named Africanus, was born in the city of As a child, she was betrothed to a certain Elusius, one of the emperor’s advisors. Juliana was endowed with a profound intellect and goodness of soul. saw through the delusion and deception of the pagan faith, and secretly accepted holy Baptism. the time of her wedding approached, Juliana refused to be married. Her father urged her not to break her engagement, but when she refused to obey him, he began to beat her viciously. Then Africanus handed his daughter over to the Eparch, who happened to be Elusius, Juliana’s former fiancé. fervently asked Juliana to marry him, promising not to require her to abandon her faith. Saint Juliana refused and said that she’d rather be put to death. beat the saint both long and harshly, but after each beating she received healing and new strength from God. Her punishment took place before a large number of people. Of these, 500 men and 130 women came to confess Christ after witnessing the steadfastness and courage of the holy virgin miraculously healed from her wounds. They were all beheaded, and were baptized in their own blood. of the futility of attempting to separate the holy virgin from her heavenly Bridegroom, Eleusius sentenced Juliana to death. accepted the sentence with joy and glorified the Lord for permitting her to receive a martyr’s crown. The holy Martyr Juliana was executed in the year 304. Juliana is the subject of an Anglo-Saxon poem, believed to have been written by Cynewulf in the eighth century. Nicomedia;

Rome, 304, Calliopius at Pompeiopolis, dedicated to God, survived torture, crucified
Cilicia, 304, Calliopius at Pompeiopolis , Cilicia and (near Seyhan River Mouth) and Pompeiopolis in Paphlagonia, Armenia, dedicated to God, survived iron rods, iron wheel, roasted, encouraged by mother, crucified upside down, buried w mother ; Cilician Pompeiopolis ; Martyr Calliopius at Pompeiopolis in Cilicia, Commemorated on April 7; Holy Martyr Calliopius was born in Perge, Pamphylia of the pious woman Theoklia, wife of a renowned senator. Theoklia was childless for a long time. She fervently prayed for a son, vowing to dedicate him to God. after the birth of her son Theoklia was widowed. When Saint Calliopius reached adolescence, a fierce persecution against Christians began. Theoklia, learning that her son would be denounced as a Christian, sent him to Cilicia in Asia Minor. the saint arrived at Pompeiopolis, Paphlagonia there was a celebration in honor of the pagan gods. They invited the youth to take part in the proceedings, but he said he was a Christian and refused. They reported this to the prefect of the city Maximus. Saint Calliopius was brought before him to be tried. At first, he attempted to persuade Calliopius to worship the gods, promising to give him his own daughter in marriage. After the youth rejected this offer, Maximus subjected him to terrible tortures. He ordered the martyr to be beaten on the back with iron rods, and on the stomach with ox-hide thongs. Finally, the prefect had him tied to an iron wheel, and he was roasted over a slow fire. After these tortures, they threw the martyr Calliopius into prison. Theoklia heard about the sufferings of her son, she wrote her last will, freed her slaves, distributed her riches to the poor, and hastened to Saint Calliopius. The brave mother gave money to the guard and got into the prison to see her son. There she encouraged him to endure suffering to the end for Christ. on the following day the saint refused to renounce Christ, Maximus gave orders to crucify the martyr. The day of execution happened to be Great Thursday, when the Savior’s last meal with His disciples is commemorated. begged the guard to crucify her son head downward, since she considered it unworthy for him to be crucified like the Lord. Her wish was granted. The holy martyr hung on the cross overnight and died on Great Friday in the year 304. the holy martyr was removed from the cross, Theoklia gave glory to the Savior. She embraced the lifeless body of her son and gave up her own spirit to God. Christians buried their bodies in a single grave.

Rome, 304, Vincent of Spain, Martyr, deacon who spoke& preached for hBishop, great Story, back on cross joyfully, divine light
Spain and Portugal, 304, Vincent of Spain, Martyr, Augustopolis, deacon who spoke and preached for his Bishop, disciple wise pastor Valerian, A now Saragossa, Dacian tValencia, denounced bPeople, dragged bHorses from AtV, prison, tortured, no food water, eloquent speech, nailed to cross, whipped burned redhot rods, climbed back on cross joyfully, tortured again, back to prison, singing psalms, radiant light, gridiron; Spain and Portugal, 304, Vincent of Spain, Martyr, Augustopolis; Vincent of Saragossa (also known as Vincent Martyr, Vincent of Huesca or Vincent the Deacon), the Protomartyr of Spain, was a deacon of the Church of Saragossa. is the patron saint of Lisbon and Valencia. feast day is 22 January in the Roman Catholic Church and Anglican Communion and 11 November in the Eastern Orthodox Church. He was born at Huesca and martyred under the Emperor Diocletian around the year 304. earliest account of Vincent's martyrdom is in a carmen (lyric poem) written by the poet Prudentius,[1] who wrote a series of lyric poems, Peristephanon ("Crowns of Martyrdom"), on Hispanic and Roman martyrs. was born at Huesca, near Saragossa, Spain sometime during the latter part of the 3rd century; it is believed his father was Eutricius (Euthicius), and his mother was Enola, a native of Osca.[2] spent most of his life in the city of Saragossa, where he was educated and ordained to the diaconate by Bishop Valerius of Saragossa, who commissioned Vincent to preach throughout the diocese.[2] Because Valerius suffered from a speech impediment, Vincent acted as his spokesman. the Roman Emperor Diocletian began persecuting Christians in Spain, both were brought before the Roman governor, Dacian, in Valencia. Vincent and his bishop Valerius were confined to the prison of Valencia. Though he was finally offered release if he would consign Scripture to the fire, Vincent refused. Speaking on behalf of his bishop, he informed the judge that they were ready to suffer everything for their faith, and that they could pay no heed either to threats or promises.[3] outspoken manner so angered the governor that he had every sort of torture inflicted on Vincent. He was stretched on the rack and his flesh torn with iron hooks. Then his wounds were rubbed with salt and he was burned alive upon a red-hot gridiron. Finally, he was cast into prison and laid on a floor scattered with broken pottery, where he died. his martyrdom he preserved such peace and tranquillity that it astonished his jailer, who repented from his sins and was converted. dead body was thrown into the sea in a sack, but was later recovered by the Christians and his veneration immediately spread throughout the Church.[3] The aged bishop Valerius was exiled. St. Vincent of Saragossa (Menologion of Basil II, 10th century) Crest of Lisboa.png story that Vincent was tortured on a gridiron is perhaps adapted from the martyrdom of another son of Huesca, Saint Lawrence— Vincent, like many early martyrs in the early hagiographic literature, succeeded in converting his jailer. to legend, after being martyred, ravens protected St. Vincent's body from being devoured by vultures, until his followers could recover the body. body was taken to what is now known as Cape St. Vincent; a shrine was erected over his grave, which continued to be guarded by flocks of ravens. the time of Muslim rule in the Iberian Peninsula, the Arab geographer Al-Idrisi noted this constant guard by ravens, for which the place was named by him Kanīsah al-Ghurāb (Church of the Raven). Afonso I of Portugal (1139–1185) had the body of the saint exhumed in 1173 and brought it by ship to the Lisbon Cathedral. This transfer of the relics is depicted on the coat of arms of Lisbon.[4] and veneration San Vicente Mártir thrown into the dunghill. Three elaborated hagiographies, all based ultimately on a lost 5th-century Passion, circulated in the Middle Ages. His "Acts" have been "rather freely colored by the imagination of their compiler".[5] Vincent's tomb in Valencia became the earliest center of his cult, he was also honoured at his birthplace and his reputation spread from Saragossa. The city of Oviedo in Asturias grew about the church dedicated to Vincent. Beyond the Pyrenees, he was venerated first in the vicinity of Béziers, and at Narbonne. Castres became an important stop on the international pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela when the relics of Vincent were transferred to its new abbey-church dedicated to Saint Benedict from Saragossa in 863, under the patronage of Salomon, count of Cerdanya. mosaic in the Cathedral of Braga depicting the translation of St. Vincent's arm. church was built in honour of Vincent, by the Catholic bishops of Visigothic Iberia, when they succeeded in converting King Reccared and his nobles to Trinitarian Christianity. When the Moors came in 711, the church was razed, and its materials incorporated in the Mezquita, the "Great Mosque" of Cordova.[6] Cape Verde island of São Vicente, a former Portuguese colony, was named in his honour because it was discovered on 22 January, St. Vincent's feast day, in 1462.[7] island of St. Vincent in the Caribbean, now a part of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, was named by Christopher Columbus after Vincent of Saragossa, as the island was discovered by Europeans on 22 January, St. Vincent's feast day. 15th century Portuguese artist Nuno Gonçalves depicted him in his Saint Vincent Panels. A small fresco cycle of stories of St. Vincent is in the apse of the Basilica di San Vincenzo near Cantù, in northern Italy. San Vicente Mártir arrojado al muladar. Escultura en alabastro. Documentado 1533 - Diego de Tredia - Museo de Bellas Artes de Valencia. Vincent's left arm is on display as a relic in Valencia Cathedral,[8] located near the extensive Carrer de Sant Vicent Mártir (Saint Vincent the Martyr Street). is also the small town of São Vicente on the Portuguese island of Madeira, and the city of São Vicente, São Paulo in Brazil named after this saint. is remembered in the Anglican Communion with a commemoration on 22 January.[9][10] Vincent is the patron of the Order of the Deacons of the Catholic Diocese of Bergamo (Italy). He is honoured as patron in Valencia, Saragossa, Portugal, etc., and is invoked by vintners, vinegar-makers, brickmakers, and sailors.[1] of Saragossa is represented wearing the dalmatic of a deacon.[1] Augustopolis (now Saragossa, Spain); Martyr Vincent of Spain, Commemorated on November 11 ; Holy Martyr Vincent of Spain from his childhood was the disciple of a wise pastor Valerian, the bishop of the city of Augustopolis (now Saragossa, Spain). he reached mature age, the virtuous, educated and eloquent Vincent was ordained deacon by Bishop Valerian. Since the bishop himself was not adept in speech, he gave a blessing to his deacon, an eloquent orator, to preach in church and among the people. (284-305) sent the governor Dacian to the city of Valencia, Spain with full authority to find and execute Christians. People denounced the wise bishop and his deacon to the governor, who arrested them. soldiers, mounted on horses, dragged the Elder and his disciple behind them in chains from Augustopolis to Valencia, and there they cast them iento prison beaten and tortured, giving them neither food nor water. subjected the bishop to the first interrogation. The Elder spoke quietly, but seemed tongue-tied and uncertain. Then Saint Vincent came forward and made the most eloquent speech of his life before the judges and assembled people. After he sent the bishop back to prison, the persecutor gave orders to torture the holy deacon. martyr underwent many torments: while nailed to a cross, he was whipped and burned with red-hot rods. When he was removed from the cross, he then himself joyfully climbed back upon it, saying that the executioners were lazy and had not fulfilled their master’s orders. They became angry and tortured him again, until they were all exhausted. the tortures they threw the martyr back into prison. That night the astonished guard heard him singing Psalms, and saw an unearthly radiant light in the prison. The next morning the holy martyr was condemned to be burned on a gridiron. Christians took the saint’s body and buried it with reverence. This occurred in the year 304.

Rome, 304, Anastasius the Fuller, Salona in Dalmatia, Croatia, martyred for cross on door
Croatia, , Anastasius the Fuller, Salona in Dalmatia, Croatia; Anastasius the Fuller (died 304) is a Christian saint of the pre-schism Christian Church. Anastasius was a fuller at Aquileia who subsequently moved his business to Solin (some sources say Split). was martyred by being drowned after he had proclaimed his Christian faith openly by painting a cross on his door. is the patron saint of fullers and weavers. His feast day is September 7 (formerly August 26).[1] Salona in Dalmatia; Definition of Fuller; who fulls cloth - definition of fulls cloth it to make it more absorbant, more full, more luxurious, fuller brush man Martyr Anastasius the Fuller at Salona in Dalmatia, Commemorated on October 25 ; Martyr Anastasius the Fuller lived at Salona in Dalmatia during the third century. He was arrested and brought to trial because of his missionary activity in Salona. Saint Anastasius, boldly and without fear, confessed Christ as the true God and Creator of all. He even painted a cross on his door during the persecution of Diocletian (284-311). Saint Anastasius was sentenced to death by the decision of the court, and the pagans tied a stone around his neck and threw his body into the sea. A righteous Christian, the rich matron Ascalopia, found the body of Saint Anastasius and reverently buried him in her estate church. The relics of the holy martyr were glorified by many miracles. Saint Anastasius the Fuller is also commemorated on December 5. Martyr Anastasius the Fuller of Salona in Dalmatia, Commemorated December 5 ; Martyr Anastasius the Fuller lived at Salona in Dalmatia during the third century. He was arrested and brought to trial because of his missionary activity in Salona. Saint Anastasius, boldly and without fear, confessed Christ as the true God and Creator of all. He even painted a cross on his door during the persecution of Diocletian (284-311). Saint Anastasius was sentenced to death by the decision of the court, and the pagans tied a stone around his neck and threw his body into the sea. A righteous Christian, the rich matron Ascalopia, found the body of Saint Anastasius and reverently buried him in her estate church. The relics of the holy martyr were glorified by many miracles. Saint Anastasius the Fuller is also commemorated on October 25.

Rome, 304, Orestes oCappadocia, Armenia, fTyana, soldier, tortured, Establish sign wMe to shame them, earthquake, 1685 vision arms&legs
Armenia, 304, Orestes oCappadocia, Armenia (Central Anatolia), fTyana, soldier, devoted tChrist, refused pagan worship, Maximinus tTyana stamp out C, O refused riches, flogged naked, jail 7days, tPagan Temple, willing subject earthly matters but no king but true God, lashes, rods, rawhide, fire, Establish wMe aSign fGood, to shame who hate me, earthquake idols smashed Temple collapsed, prison 7days nFoodoDrink, resume torture 20 nails into legs, tied wild horse, dragged tDeath, 1685 vision Orestes says also both arms and both legs cut off; Cappadocia; Martyr Orestes of Cappadocia, Commemorated on November 10 ; Martyr Orestes the Physician lived in the city of Tyana in Cappadocia during the reign of Emperor Diocletian (284-311). was an illustrious and capable soldier, from his childhood he had been a devoted servant of Christ, a sacrifice of praise to God with a pure heart, and refusing to worship the demons which the pagans call "gods." the Emperor's command, the military officer Maximinus was sent to Tyana to stamp out Christianity, by then had spread throughout Cappadocia. was among the first brought to trial before Maximinus. Courageously, he confessed his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. prosecutor offered the Saint riches, honors and fame if he would become an idolater, but Saint Orestes would not agree to this. tried in many ways, to force him to deny Christ. Even with the pressures they exerted upon him, they were unable to convince him to worship the idols. they stripped him naked, beat him up, and flogged him as a punishment. Afterward, he was put in jail for seven days. the end of the seventh day he was taken to a pagan temple to offer sacrifice and worship to the idols. asked him, "Do you still refuse to convert to the worship which is offered with such reverence by our august emperors?" replied that he was a willing subject when it came to political and earthly matters. Apart from that, however, he would not recognize any king except the one true God. ordered that Orestes be taken to a pagan temple and once again, demanded that he worship the idols. he refused, forty soldiers took turns, one after the other, beating the holy martyr with lashes, with rods, with rawhide, and then they tormented him with fire. Orestes cried out to the Lord, “Establish with me a sign for good, let those who hate me see it and be put to shame” (Psalm 85/86:17). Lord heard the prayer of His faithful servant. The earth began to tremble, and the idols toppled and were smashed. Everyone rushed out of the temple, and when Saint Orestes came out, the entire temple collapsed. Maximinus ordered the holy martyr to be locked up in prison for seven days giving him neither food nor drink, and to resume the torture on the eighth day. hammered twenty nails into the martyr’s legs, and then tied him to a wild horse. over the stones, the holy martyr departed to the Lord in the year 304, and his relics were thrown into the sea. 1685, when Saint Dēmḗtrios, later the Bishop of Rostov, (October 28) had just finished writing the Life of Saint Orestes to be printed by the Kiev Caves Lavra, he became tired and fell asleep. Orestes appeared to him one night in a dream, during the Nativity Fast, just before Matins. With a joyful countenance, he said, "I suffered more torments for Christ than these." the Martyr bared his chest and showed Saint Dēmḗtrios the deep wound in his left side. "Here," he said, "they pierced me with a spear." Saint Orestes showed him his right elbow and said, "Here they cut off my arm." he showed him his left arm with a similar wound, saying "They cut off this arm here." this he bent over and showed him one leg, and then the other, with wounds behind the knee. He said, "My legs were cut off with a scythe." this the Martyr stood up and looked the writer in the face, and declared, "Now you see that I suffered more torments for Christ than you have described.” humble monk wondered whether this was Saint Orestes, one of the Five Martyrs of Sebaste (December 13). if in answer to his thoughts the Martyr said, “I am not that Orestes, but him whose Life you have just finished writing.” then, the bells rang for Matins, and the vision ended.

Rome, 304, Crispina, Thacora Algeria, gladly endured torture for Christ, interesting back and forth with Judge
Africa, North Africa, 304, Crispina, Thacora Algeria, gladly endured torture for Christ, again and again I am ready to endure, fThacora (Tagora), arrested professing Christ, trial aTheveste (Tebessa) 304, judge asked her if aware required sac tGods fEmperors' welfare, did not know but faith not allow sac false gods, turn away but she knew no other God, torture threatened but she gladly endure this fChrist, stop & obey edict, I will obey Christ's edict, but entire province has obeyed edict, but never sac to demons, may those gods who did not make heaven earth perish, I am looking out for my safety, let your gods speak and I will believe, I order her executed, thanks be to God who has freed me from your hands; Africa, North Africa, 304, Crispina, Thacora (Tagora) Algeria, gladly endured torture for Christ, again and again I am ready to endure, head shaved, beheaded; Crispina (died December 5, 304) was a martyr of Africa who suffered during the Diocletian persecution. She was born at Thagara, a town in the Roman province of Numidia, located in Taoura, Algeria. (The Tabula Peutingeriana calls it Thacora) in North Africa.) She died by beheading at Theveste, in Numidia. belonged to a distinguished family and was a wealthy matron with children. At the time of the persecution she was brought before the proconsul Annius Anullinus; on being ordered to sacrifice to the gods she declared she honored only one God. When threatened with death, Crispina replied: “I care not for the present life, and am only anxious for the life of my soul. I fear eternal torments only.” [1] head was shaved at the command of the judge, and she was exposed to public mockery, but she remained steadfast in her faith and was not moved even by the tears of her children. When condemned to death, she thanked God and offered her head with joy for execution.[2] Acts of her martyrdom, written not long after the event, form a valuable historical document of the period of the persecution. The day of St. Crispina's death was observed in the time of Augustine of Hippo; in his sermons Augustine repeatedly mentions her name, as well known in Africa and worthy to be held in the same veneration as the names of Saint Agnes and St. Thecla.[3] In his Sermon on Psalm 120, Augustine says: "The persecutors turned their rage against Crispina, whose birthday we celebrate today. They unleashed their savagery against a rich woman delicately nurtured; but she was strong, because the Lord was for her a better defense than the hand of her right hand, and He was guarding her. Is there anyone in Africa who does not know about these events, brothers and sisters? Scarcely, for she was extremely famous, of noble stock and very wealthy."[4]: 510  Ruinart in his collection of the Acts of the martyrs gives the account of her examination.[2] Alphonsus Liguori provided a version of these acts in his Victories of the Martyrs. Thacora (Tagora) in Africa; Numidia; St Crispina; Crispina lived at Thacora (Tagora) in Africa, and was arrested for professing Christianity. The proconsul Annius Anullinus presided at her trial at Theveste (or Tebessa) in December of 304. asked her if she was aware that she was required by law to offer sacrifice to the gods for the welfare of the emperors Diocletian and Maximian. said that she did not know of this decree, and that her Christian faith would not allow her to offer sacrifice to false gods. “Turn away from this superstition,” Anullinus said, “and submit to the sacred rites of the Roman gods.” Crispina replied that she knew no other god but the God worshiped by Christians. The proconsul threatened her with torture, and the saint said that she would gladly endure this for the sake of Christ. told her to stop being stubborn and to obey the edict. Crispina answered, “I will obey the edict given me by my Lord Jesus Christ.” proconsul repeated his threat of torture, saying that she would be forced to obey the edict. He also pointed out that the entire province of Africa had offered sacrifice, but Saint Crispina remained firm in her faith, saying that she would never offer sacrifice to demons. that she would not accept the pagan gods, Anullinus said that she would be forced to bow before the idols and to offer incense. The courageous woman retorted that she would never do so as long as she lived. the proconsul sought to persuade her that it would not be a sacrilege to offer sacrifice to the gods as required by law. She said, “May those gods, who have not made heaven and earth, perish.” urged Crispina to respect the Roman religion, but she said, “I have told you again and again that I am ready to endure any tortures rather than worship the idols which are the work of men’s hands.” told her that she spoke blasphemy and was not acting in a way which would ensure her safety. He then tried to humiliate her by ordering her head to be shaved. The holy martyr replied, “If I were not seeking my own well-being, I would not be on trial before you now. Let your gods speak, then I shall believe.” proconsul told her she could either live a long life, or die in agony before being beheaded. Saint Crispina told him, “I would thank my God if I obtained this. I would gladly lose my head for the Lord’s sake, for I refuse to offer sacrifice to those ridiculous deaf and dumb statues.” lost patience with her and ordered that the minutes of the trial be read back before he pronounced sentence. “Since Crispina persists in her superstition and refuses to offer sacrifice to the gods in accordance with our law, I order her to be executed by the sword.” Crispina said, “Thanks be to God, Who has deigned to free me from your hands.” She made the Sign of the Cross and stretched forth her neck to the executioner. Crispina was beheaded on December 5, 304 in accordance with the fourth edict of Diocletian. Saint Augustine mentions her in Sermons 286 and 354.

Rome, 304, Martyrs Victor &Sosthenes at Chalcedon, stop by angels fBurning E, divine voice, wild beasts
Bithynia, 304, Martyrs Victor and Sosthenes at Chalcedon, Bithynia (Bosphorus Strait), prevented throwing Euphemia into furnace by angels, placed in shackles, others burned by throwing but E unharmed, refused idols, divine voice surrendered souls, wild beasts not eat, buried by christians; Chalcedon; Martyrs Victor and Sosthenes at Chalcedon, Commemorated on September 16; Victor and Sosthenes are mentioned in the Life of the Holy Great Martyr Euphēmia (Ευφημία). Proconsul Priscus ordered the soldiers Victor and Sosthenes to throw the Saint into a red-hot furnace. the flames, however, they saw angels who prevented them from touching the Saint. they refused to carry out the order, they were placed in shackles. soldiers, who threw Saint Euphēmia into the fire, were burnt by the flames escaping from the furnace, but inside the furnace, the martyr remained unharmed. Proconsul tried to make Victor and Sosthenes bow down to the idols, but they replied that they had come to know the true God. they were led to the wild beasts, they begged the Lord to forgive the sins they had committed in their pagan delusion. a Divine voice came from Heaven, calling them to their rest, and they surrendered their souls to the Lord. animals did not touch their bodies. Later, the two martyrs were buried secretly by some Christians. some calendars, such as the Roman Martyrology, the Saints' day of commemoration is listed as September 10.

Rome, 304, AGNES of Rome, Martyr, Her execution shocked Romans because contrary to Roman Law
Rome, 304, AGNES of Rome, Martyr, Her execution shocked Romans because contrary to Roman Law; mausoleum of St Agnes at Rome; AGNES OF ROME, MARTYR (21 JAN 304); is a Christian martyr who died at Rome around 304 in the persecution of Diocletian: the last and fiercest of the persecutions of Christianity by the Roman emperors. The anniversary of her martyrdom is observed on 21 January. name means “pure” in Greek and “lamb” in Latin. She is said to have been only about twelve or thirteen when she died, and the remains preserved in St Agnes' Church in Rome are in agreement with this. is said that her execution shocked many Romans and helped bring an end to the persecutions. Some said, “It is contrary to Roman law to put a virgin to death. Our leaders say that it is necessary to kill Christians in order to preserve the old Roman ways: but they are themselves scorning those ways in the process.” Others said, “Do young girls constitute such a threat to Rome that it is necessary to kill them?” Others said, “If this religion can enable a twelve-year-old girl to meet death without fear, it is worth checking out.” is a narrative poem by Keats, called “The Eve of Saint Agnes.” It is a romantic poem with a mediaeval setting, about an elopement the night before St Agnes' Day. The only tie-in with Agnes is that (presumably because she died as a young virgin), Agnes is regarded as the patron of young unmarried girls, and there is a folk-belief that a girl who goes to bed supperless on the eve of St Agnes's Day will dream that night about her husband-to-be. by James Kiefer

Rome, 304, Hieromartyr Albian the Bishop of Anaea, Ephesus, diocletian p, tortured red-hot irons, died red-hot oven
Ephesus, 304, Hieromartyr Albian the Bishop of Anaea, Ephesus, diocletian p, tortured red-hot irons, died red-hot oven; Anaea, Ephesus (Ephesus River Mouth); Hieromartyr Albian the Bishop of Anaea in Asia Minor, Commemorated on May 4; Albian was bishop of the city of Aneium in the Aseian district, suffered for Christ about the year 304 in a persecution against Christians under the emperor Diocletian and his co-ruler Maximian. Albian was ordered to offer sacrifice to idols under the threat of death, but he confessed his faith in Christ and refused to serve idols. They tortured him with red-hot irons and beat him mercilessly, but he remained unyielding. tortured his disciple with him, and he also remained faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ. Both holy martyrs were sentenced to death and thrown into a red-hot oven, in which they died, receiving the crowns of martyrdom.

Rome, 304, Neaniskos oAlexandria, Egypt, hansom athlete, on way to execution, gave ring tSlave girl, who turned him in
Egypt, 304, Neaniskos oAlexandria, Egypt, Diocletian Persecution, hansom athlete, on way to execution he gave slave his ring to girl who turned him in; Alexandria; Saint Neaniskos the Martyr, Commemorated on June 10; Neaniskos lived in the time of Maximius, the ruler of Alexandria. During the persecution of the Church by Emperor Diocletian (284-304), female slave denounced the most wise and handsome athlete of Christ. ruler tortured him for seven days in various ways, trying to make him deny Christ. When the tyrant saw that he was unable to do so, he ordered him to be put to death. he was led to the place of execution, he noticed the slave girl who betrayed him in the crowd that had followed him. Saint Neaniskos made signs for her to approach him, when she came near he gave her his gold ring as a token of his gratitude; by her complaint he would now draw near to Christ, Whom he had desired for so long, and he would inherit everlasting life. they arrived at the place of execution, he prayed for a time, and then they beheaded him.

Rome, 304, Seven Martyred Brothers, exiled tCaucasus Region Georgia, fThrace Region, Bulgaria, all tortured &died along tWay
Bulgaria, 304, Seven Martyred Brothers: Orentius, Pharnacius, Eros, Firmus, Firminus, Cyriacus, and Longinus, exiled to Caucasus Region Georgia, from Thrace Region, Bulgaria, all tortured and died several places along the way; Thrace Region, Bulgaria; The Seven Brothers of Lazia; Saints Day Place of Martyrdom Saint Heros 22 June Parembol Saint Orentius 24 June Riza (Rize) Saint Pharnacius 3 July Kordila (Sivri Kale) Saint Firmus 7 July Apsaros (Gonio) Saint Firminus 7 July Apsaros Saint Cyriacus 24 July Zigania (Anaklia) Saint Longinus 28 July Pityus (Bichvinta) Seven Martyred Brothers: Orentius, Pharnacius, Eros, Firmus, Firminus, Cyriacus, and Longinus, in Georgia, Commemorated on June 24; Orentios, Pharnakios, Erotas, Phirmos, Phirminos, Kyriakos, and Longinus were brothers, who were known for their courage and served as soldiers in Thrace during the reign of Emperor Diocletian. a battle with the Scythians, Saint Orentios killed their fierce and intrepid leader, Mararon. He received many honors for this achievement, but then he was asked to participate in a sacrifice that was being offered to the idols in thanksgiving for his victory. The Christian hero absolutely refused to do this, declaring that he had defeated his foe by the power of Jesus Christ, whom he worshiped as the one true God. They did not punish him right away, because of his bravery, but he and his brothers were detained. some time, they were questioned. All seven declared, as with one mouth, that they would remain faithful to Christ until their last breath, and that the Savior would judge them on the Last Day. After saying this, they were sentenced to exile in the Caucasus. after another, the seven brothers died on the journey from their hardships and suffering. but they endured their afflictions without complaint. Erotas was the first to depart this life; he perished at Parembol on June 22. Next, Orentios was thrown into the sea with a stone tied around his neck. Pharnakios reposed on July 3 at Kordila. Phirmos and Phirminos received their heavenly crowns on July 7 at Aspara on the eastern shores of the Black Sea. Kyriakos went to the Lord on July 14 at Ziganeia, and Longinus gave his soul into God's hands on July 28 while on board a ship. The storm-tossed vessel went aground at Pitinda (Pitsnda), and so the last holy martyr was buried there. pray to these holy martyrs to protect us from our enemies. In Greek usage these saints are commemorated on June 25.

Rome, 304, Capitolina &Eroteis oCappadocia, Armenia, C rich, but no regard, E threw rock, both beheaded fConfessing Christ
Armenia, 304, Capitolina and Eroteis of Cappadocia, Armenia (Central Anatolia, Great Road Ephesus to Euphrates, Kizilirmak River), C rich, but no regard, E threw rock, both beheaded for confessing Christ; Cappadocia; Martyrs Capitolina and Eroteis of Cappadocia, Commemorated on October 27; Capitolina (Καπιτωλίνη) and Eroteis (Ερωτηίς) lived during the reign of Emperor Diocletian, when Zilikinthios (Ζιλικίνθιος) was the magistrate of Cappadocia (ca. 304). was a noble and wealthy lady, she had no regard for riches. she divided all of her property among the poor, and freed her slaves. she was arrested as a Christian and appeared before Zilikinthios, she confessed her faith in Christ. ordered her to be thrown into a nearby prison, and she was beheaded the next day. who was Capitolina’s servant, picked up some stones and threw them at the magistrate. he commanded his guards to beat her mercilessly with sticks. the grace of Christ, however, the Saint remained unharmed. he ordered them to behead her with a sword. this manner, both of these Saints, the lady and her servant, died by the sword, thereby winning imperishable crowns of glory from Christ.

Rome, 304, Mark, Soterikhos, and Valentine, Martyrs, Isle of Thasos, Macedonia, from Asia, holy relics brought to Thasos
Greece, 304, Mark, Soterikhos, and Valentine, Martyrs, Isle of Thasos, Macedonia, from Asia, holy relics brought to Thasos; Isle of Thasos; Martyrs Mark, Soterikhos, and Valentine, Commemorated on October 27; Mark, Soterikhos, and Valentine were from Asia. were arrested by the idolaters in the year 304 because they were Christians. enduring many tortures, they were dragged over sharp stones until they were dead. their holy relics were brought to the island of Thasos, which lies between Thrace and the Athonite peninsula. holy martyrs are commemorated on October 24 in Greek usage.

Rome, 304, Athenodorus oSyrian Mesopotamia, near Edessa, arrested as Christian, Fierce tortures, miracles, many pagans converted
Mesopotamia, 304, Athenodorus oHaran, Upper Mesopotamia, near Edessa, Syrian Mesopotamia, Assryia, monk fYouth, as Christian arrested condemned tFierce tortures, miracles accompanied martyrtom which converted many pagans i304; Haran, Upper Messopotamia; (Arabic: حران, romanized: Ḥarrān), also known as Carrhae (Greek: Kάρραι, romanized: Kárrhai), is a rural town and district of the Şanlıurfa Province in southeastern Turkey, approximately 40 kilometres (25 miles) southeast of Urfa and 20 kilometers from the border crossing with Syria at Akçakale. was founded at some point between the 25th and 20th centuries BC as a merchant colony by Sumerian traders from Ur. Over the course of its early history, Harran rapidly grew into a major Mesopotamian cultural, commercial and religious center. It was made a religiously and politically influential city through its association with the moon-god Sin; many prominent Mesopotamian rulers consulted with and renovated the moon-temple of Ekhulkhul in Harran. Harran came under Assyrian rule under Adad-nirari I (r. 1305–1274 BC) and became a provincial capital often second in importance only to the Assyrian capital of Assur itself. During the collapse of the Assyrian Empire, Harran briefly served as the final capital of the Neo-Assyrian Empire 612–609 BC. city continued to be prominent after the fall of Assyria and experienced varying degrees of foreign cultural influence during its time under the Neo-Babylonian (609–539 BC), Achaemenid (539–330 BC), Macedonian (330–312 BC) and Seleucid (312–132 BC) empires. During classical antiquity Harran was often contested between the Roman and Parthian (later Sasanian) empires. In 53 BC Harran was the site of the Battle of Carrhae, one of the worst military defeats in Roman history. The Harranian moon cult of Sin proved to be enduring and lasted long into the Middle Ages, known to have existed as late as the 11th century AD. Harran was captured by the Rashidun Caliphate in 640 and remained an important city in the Islamic period. It flourished as a center of science and learning and was the site of both the first Islamic university (the Harran University)[3][a] and the oldest mosque in Anatolia[b] (the Harran Grand Mosque [tr]).[5] Harran twice served as a capital city in the Middle Ages, first briefly under the Umayyad Caliphate 744–750 and later under the Numayrid Emirate 990–1081. city was conquered by the Mongol Empire in 1260 but was largely destroyed and left abandoned in 1271. Although Harran was kept as a military outpost under some later regimes, it has over the last five centuries mainly been used as a temporary settlement by local nomadic societies. Harran retransitioned into a semi-permanent village settlement in the 1840s but has only recently grown into a permanent town through advancements in local irrigation and agriculture. Harran was a Turkish district until 1946, after when it was downgraded to a sub-district of the Akçakale district. It regained its status as a district in 1987.[6] Today, it is a major local tourist spot. The town is particularly famous for its unique beehive houses, which are reminiscent of buildings that were already present at Harran in ancient Mesopotamian times. Martyr Athenodorus of Mesopotamia, Commemorated on December 7; Righteous Jacob, Commemorated on December 11; Holy Martyr Athenodorus, from Syrian Mesopotamia, led a monastic life from his youth. as a Christian, he was arrested and condemned to fierce tortures by the governor of the land, Eleusius. accompanied the martyrdom of the saint, converted many of the pagans to the Christian Faith. was beheaded in the year 304.

Rome, 304-305, Philetairus oNicomedia, 2 Emperors failed, red-hot oven, wild beasts, hands stopped, exile, temple&idols destryd
Rome, 304-305, Philetairus, Nicomedia, Bithynia, suffered twice, tall and handsome, Emperor insulted Lord, he replied let E's mouth be shut, red-hot oven, unharmed, set free, 2nd Emperor brought him to trial, confessed,whippings, wild beasts unharmed, 2 servants unable kill him wSword, their hands ceased tFunction, they both believed &beheaded, but P was exiled tProkonnesos iSea oMarmora, on tWay he many miracles&Destroyed Temple wIdols, 6Soldiers1Commander believed, Eubiotus came to see him, stayed E's cell 7days, P&the Soldiers died there; Nicomedia; Martyr Philetairus of Nicomedia, Commemorated December 30 ; Holy Martyr Philetairus of Nicomedia twice suffered torture for Christ: under the co-Emperors Diocletian (284-305) and Maximian (286-305). Diocletian arrived in Nicomedia, Saint Philetairus, who was tall and handsome, was put on trial. him, the emperor compared him to one of the pagan gods. questioned about his social rank and family the martyr answered, “I am the son of an eparch, I am a Christian, and I live with Christians.” emperor spoke insultingly of the Lord Jesus Christ, but the saint replied, “Let the mouth of anyone who dares to insult my Christ be silenced, whether he is the emperor or anyone else.” these words the martyr was thrown into a red-hot oven, but he emerged from it unharmed. Diocletian, witnessing the miracle, and taking into account the saint’s illustrious rank and handsome appearance, set him free. the emperor Maximian was informed that Philetairus was a Christian. Brought to trial before the emperor, the holy martyr again confessed his faith in Christ. this they subjected him to whippings. they threw him to be eaten by wild beasts, but he remained unharmed. they sentenced him to beheading by the sword, the two servants who were entrusted the execution were unable to kill him. as they raised the sword over the head of the martyr, their hands ceased to function. that the Lord invisibly was guarding the holy martyr, both executioners believed in Christ they themselves were beheaded by the sword. holy Martyr Philetairus was sentenced to exile on Prokonnesos, one of the islands of the Sea of Marmora. the journey, he performed many miracles and destroyed a heathen temple with its idols. soldiers and their commander, who accompanied the saint to his exile, came to believe in Christ. the way Saint Eubiotus (December 18), who had also undergone many sufferings for Christ, came to see him. saints joyfully embraced, and they stayed at the cell of Saint Eubiotus for seven days, together with the soldiers and their commander. Philetairus died there and was buried by Saint Eubiotus. The soldiers and their commander also died there eleven days later, and were buried beside Saint Philetairus.

Rome, 304-309, Menas of Egypt, very famous wonderworker, angels, marytr crowns, angel, relics, camels not moving
Rome, 304-309, Menas of Egypt, very famous wonderworker, angels, marytr crowns, angel, relics, camels not moving, egyptian military officer, serving in Kotyaeion region, Phrygia, removed belt, withdrew tMountain, ascetic life, city pagan festival, preached, confessed faith, to denounce impious, arrested, offered restoration if, cruel tortures, beheaded, relics, miracles, healing, deliverance, protector, finding lost objects; Egypt, 304-309, Menas of Egypt, very famous wonderworker; of Egypt (also Mina, Minas, Mena, Meena; 285 - c. 309), a martyr and wonder-worker, is one of the most well-known Coptic saints in the East and the West, due to the many miracles that are attributed to his intercession and prayers. Menas was a Coptic soldier in the Roman army martyred because he refused to recant his Christian faith. The common date of his commemoration is November 11, which occurs 13 days later (November 24) on the Julian calendar. feast day is celebrated every year on 15 Hathor in the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, which corresponds to November 24 on the Gregorian Calendar. In Eastern Orthodox churches that follow the old style or Julian calendar, it is likewise celebrated on November 24. In the Eastern Orthodox churches that follow the new style or Revised Julian calendar, as well as in the Catholic Church, it is celebrated on November 11. of his name was his original name, according to the story his mother called him Mena because she heard a voice saying Amen. Minas is how he is known in Greek and Armenian, while in Coptic he is known as Mīna). Life and martyrdom St. Menas and boatman on a Makurian manuscript from c. 1000 There are many sources written in different languages (Koine Greek, Coptic, Old Nubian, Ge'ez, Latin, Syriac, Armenian) relating to Menas.[3] was born in Egypt in 285 in the city of Nikiou,[4] which lay in the vicinity of Memphis. parents were ascetic Christians but did not have any children for a long time. father's name was Eudoxios and his mother's name was Euphemia. On the feast of the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus, Euphemia was praying with tears before an icon of the Virgin for God to give her a son. sound came from the icon saying "Amen". A few months later, Euphemia gave birth to a boy and named him Menas.[5] a ruler of one of the administrative divisions of Egypt, died when Menas was fourteen years old. the age of fifteen Menas joined the Roman army and was given a high rank due to his father's reputation. sources state that he served in Cotyaeus in Phrygia,[6] although some say his appointment was in Algeria.[5] years later he left the army, longing to devote his whole life to Christ, and headed towards the desert to live a different kind of life. spending five years as a hermit, Menas saw in a revelation the angels crowning the martyrs with glorious crowns, and longed to join those martyrs. he was thinking about it, he heard a voice saying: "Blessed are you Menas because you have been called to the pious life from your childhood. You shall be granted three immortal crowns: one for your celibacy, another for your asceticism, and a third for your martyrdom." Menas subsequently hurried to the ruler, declaring his Christian faith.[7] soldiers who executed Menas set his body on fire for three days but the body remained unharmed. Menas' sister then bribed the soldiers and managed to carry the body away. She embarked on a ship heading to Alexandria, where she placed his body in a church. the time of persecution ended, during the papacy of Athanasius of Alexandria the pope had a vision of an angel appearing to him and ordering him to load Menas' body on a camel and head towards the Libyan Desert. a certain spot near a water well at the end of Lake Mariout, not far from Alexandria, the camel stopped and wouldn't move. The Christians took this a sign from God and buried Menas' body there. Berbers of Pentapolis rose against the cities around Alexandria. the people were getting ready to face them, the Roman governor decided to secretly take the body of Menas with him to be his deliverer and his strong protector. Menas' blessings, the governor overcame the Berbers and returned victorious. he decided not to return the body to its original place and wanted to take it to Alexandria. On the way back, as they passed by Lake Mariout at the same spot where the body was originally buried, the camel carrying the body knelt down and would not move. moved the body to another camel, but the second camel would not move either.[8] The governor finally realized that this was God's command. He made a coffin from decay-resistant wood and placed the silver coffin in it. Terracotta pilgrim's Menas flask impressed with Saint Mina between two camels, Byzantine, probably made at Abu Mina, Egypt, c. 6th–7th century. (Louvre Museum) versions of the story state that the location of the tomb was then forgotten until its miraculous rediscovery by a local shepherd. A shepherd was feeding his sheep in that location, and a sick lamb fell on the ground. As it struggled to get on its feet again, its scab was cured. The story spread quickly and the sick who came to this spot recovered from whatever illnesses they had just by lying on the ground. Ethiopian Synaxarium describes Constantine I sending his sick daughter to the shepherd to be cured, and credits her with finding Menas' body, after which Constantine ordered the construction of a church at the site. versions of the story replace Constantine with the late-5th century emperor Zeno, but archaeologists have dated the original foundation to the late 4th century.[9] to the Zeno version, his daughter was leprous and his advisors suggested that she should try that place, and she did. At night Menas appeared to the girl and informed her that his body was buried in that place. The following morning, Zeno's daughter was cured and she related her vision about the saint to her servants. Zeno immediately ordered Mina's body to be dug out and a cathedral to be built there. his martyrdom in the early fourth century, Menas acquired a reputation for miraculous healing powers. The cult of Saint Menas was centered on Abu Mena near Alexandria.[10] Sick people from all over the Christian world used to visit that city and were healed through the intercessions of Menas, who became known as the Wonders' Maker. numerous little clay Menas flasks, or bottles for holy water or oil on which the saint's name and picture are stamped, are found by archeologists in diverse countries around the Mediterranean world, such as Heidelberg in Germany, Milan in Italy, Dalmatia in Croatia, Marseille in France, Dongola in Sudan, Meols (Cheshire) in England, and the holy city of Jerusalem, as well as modern Turkey and Eritrea. Pilgrims would buy these bottles and take them back to their relatives.[5] St Menas Church southwest of Alexandria, Oktodekadian monastery ; Martyr Menas of Egypt, Commemorated November 11 ; Holy Great Martyr Menas of Egypt, an Egyptian by birth, was a military officer and served in the Kotyaeion region of Phrygia under the centurion Firmilian during the reign of the emperors Diocletian (284-305) and Maximian (305-311). When the emperors began the fiercest persecution against Christians in history, the saint refused to serve these persecutors. He removed his soldier’s belt (a sign of military rank) and withdrew to a mountain, where he lived an ascetic life of fasting and prayer. he happened to arrive in the city during a pagan festival. At the climax of the games the saint’s accusing voice rang out, preaching faith in Christ, the Savior of the world. At his trial before the prefect Pyrrhus, the saint bravely confessed his faith, saying that he had come to denounce the impious. The prefect was angered, and had Menas arrested. offered to restore the saint’s former rank if he would offer sacrifice to the pagan gods. When he refused, he was put to cruel tortures, then he was beheaded. occurred in the year 304. gathered up the martyr’s relics by night and hid them until the end of the persecution. they were brought to Egypt and placed in a church dedicated to Saint Menas southwest of Alexandria. saint received grace from God to work miracles, and to help those in need. Saint Menas is noted for healing various illnesses, delivering people from possession by demons, and as a protector, especially during times of war. We also ask his help in finding lost objects.

Rome, 304 & 451, Euphemia the all Praised, Chalcedon, stood alone, incorrupt relics, angel help, animals, then confessor in 451
Bithynia, 304, Euphemia the all Praised, Chalcedon, stood alone, incorrupt relics; Holy Great Martyr Euphēmia was the daughter of Christian parents, the senator Philophronos and his wife Theodosia. She suffered for Christ in the year 304 in the city of Chalcedon, on the Bosphorus opposite Constantinople, the Queen of Cities. the Proconsul of Chalcedon, issued a decree which required all the inhabitants of Chalcedon and the surrounding area to attend a pagan festival, in order to worship and offer sacrifice to the idol of Ares. He threatened grave torments for anyone who failed to appear. During this impious festival, 49 Christians were hidden in one house, where they worshiped the true God in secret. The young virgin Euphēmia was among those who prayed there. their hiding place was discovered, and they were brought before Priscus to answer the charges against them. For nineteen days the martyrs were subjected to various torments, but none of them wavered in their faith, nor did they consent to offer sacrifice to the idol. The governor, beside himself with rage and not knowing any other way of forcing the Christians to abandon their faith, sent them to Emperor Diocletian for trial. He kept the youngest, the virgin Euphēmia, hoping that she would not persevere if she were left all alone. from her fellow-Christians, Saint Euphēmia fervently prayed that the Lord Jesus Christ would strengthen her for her impending ordeal. Priscus urged the Saint to offer sacrifice to the idol, promising her many rewards. When she refused, he ordered that she be tortured. martyr was tied to a wheel with sharp knives attached to it, which slashed her body. The Saint prayed aloud, and miraculously, the wheel stopped by itself and would not move despite all the efforts of the executioners. An angel of the Lord, came down from Heaven, removed Euphēmia from the wheel, and healed her of her wounds, and the Saint gave thanks to God. did not notice the miracle which had taken place, so he ordered the soldiers Victor and Sosthenes to take the Saint to a red-hot furnace. the soldiers, seeing two Angels in the midst of the flames, refused to carry out the Proconsul's order and declared that they believed in the God Whom Euphēmia worshipped. Boldly proclaiming that they were Christians, Victor and Sosthenes awaited punishment. They were sentenced to be devoured by wild beasts. In the arena, they begged God to forgive the sins they had committed, asking the Lord to receive them into the Heavenly Kingdom. A Divine voice was heard, and the two soldiers entered into eternal life. The beasts, however, did not harm their bodies. Euphēmia, cast into the fire by other soldiers, did not suffer. With God's help she emerged unscathed after many other torments. Ascribing these things to sorcery, Priscus ordered a pit to be dug. Filling it with knives, he had it covered over with earth and grass, so that the martyr would not notice this trap. again, Saint Euphēmia remained safe, walking over the pit. Finally, she was sentenced to be devoured by wild beasts in the arena. Before her execution the Saint prayed that the Lord would deem her worthy of martyrdom. But none of the bears or lions attacked her, but only licked her feet. Finally, one she-bear wounded her foot, which bled slightly, and the Holy Great Martyr Euphēmia died right away. As her soul departed, there was an earthquake. The city was shaken, the walls fell down, and the pagan temples crumbled. As Saint Euphēmia lay dead in the sand, the guards and spectators fled in terror, so that the Saint's parents were able to take her body and bury it near Chalcedon. a majestic church was built over the grave of the Great Martyr Euphēmia. The sessions of the Fourth Ecumenical Council took place there in the year 451. At that time, the Holy Great Martyr Euphēmia confirmed the Orthodox confession of faith in a miraculous way, exposing the Monophysite heresy. That miracle is commemorated on July 11. the Persians captured Chalcedon in the year 617, the relics of the holy Great Martyr Euphēmia were transferred to Constantinople (around the year 620). During the Iconoclast heresy, the reliquary containing Saint Euphēmia's relics seems to have been thrown into the sea, but pious sailors recovered them. They were brought to the island of Lemnos, and they were returned to Constantinople in 796. incorrupt body of Saint Euphēmia is in the Patriarchal Church of Saint George at the Phanar in Constantinople. Portions of her relics are to be found in Kykkos Monastery on Cyprus, and in the Saint Alexander Nevsky Lavra at Saint Petersburg. Chalcedon; Greatmartyr Euphemia the All-praised, Commemorated on July 11 ; Miracle of Saint Euphemia the All-Praised: The holy Great Martyr Euphemia (September 16) suffered martyrdom in the city of Chalcedon in the year 304, during the time of the persecution against Christians by the emperor Diocletian (284-305). One and a half centuries later, at a time when the Christian Church had become victorious within the Roman Empire, God deigned that Euphemia the All-Praised should again be a witness and confessor of the purity of the Orthodox teaching. the year 451 in the city of Chalcedon, in the very church where the glorified relics of the holy Great Martyr Euphemia rested, the sessions of the Fourth Ecumenical Council (July 16) took place. The Council was convened for determining the precise dogmatic formulae of the Orthodox Church concerning the nature of the God-Man Jesus Christ. This was necessary because of the widespread heresy of the Monophysites [“mono-physis” meaning “one nature”], who opposed the Orthodox teaching of the two natures in Jesus Christ, the Divine and the Human natures (in one Divine Person). The Monophysites falsely affirmed that in Christ was only one nature, the Divine [i.e. that Jesus is God but not man, by nature], causing discord and unrest within the Church. At the Council were present 630 representatives from all the local Christian Churches. On the Orthodox side Anatolius, Patriarch of Constantinople (July 3), Juvenal, Patriarch of Jerusalem (July 2), and representatives of Saint Leo, Pope of Rome (February 18) participated in the conciliar deliberations. The Monophysites were present in large numbers, headed by Dioscorus, the Patriarch of Alexandria, and the Constantinople archimandrite Eutychius. prolonged discussions the two sides could not come to a decisive agreement. holy Patriarch Anatolius of Constantinople proposed that the Council submit the decision of the Church dispute to the Holy Spirit, through His undoubted bearer Saint Euphemia the All-Praised, whose wonderworking relics had been discovered during the Council’s discussions. The Orthodox hierarchs and their opponents wrote down their confessions of faith on separate scrolls and sealed them with their seals. They opened the tomb of the holy Great Martyr Euphemia and placed both scrolls upon her bosom. Then, in the presence of the emperor Marcian (450-457), the participants of the Council sealed the tomb, putting on it the imperial seal and setting a guard to watch over it for three days. During these days both sides imposed upon themselves strict fast and made intense prayer. After three days the patriarch and the emperor in the presence of the Council opened the tomb with its relics: the scroll with the Orthodox confession was held by Saint Euphemia in her right hand, and the scroll of the heretics lay at her feet. Saint Euphemia, as though alive, raised her hand and gave the scroll to the patriarch. After this miracle many of the hesitant accepted the Orthodox confession, while those remaining obstinant in the heresy were consigned to the Council’s condemnation and excommunication. an invasion by the Persians during the seventh century, the relics of Saint Euphemia were transferred from Chalcedon to Constantinople, into a newly built church dedicated to her. Many years later, during the period of the Iconoclast heresy, the reliquary with the relics of the saint was cast into the sea by order of the Iconoclast emperor Leo the Isaurian (716-741). The reliquary was rescued from the sea by the ship-owning brothers Sergius and Sergonos, who gave it over to the local bishop. The holy bishop ordered that the relics be preserved in secret, beneath a crypt, since the Iconoclast heresy was continuing to rage. A small church was built over the relics, and over the reliquary was put a board with an inscription stating whose relics rested within. When the Iconoclast heresy was finally condemned at the holy Seventh Ecumenical Council (in the year 787), during the time of Saint Tarasius, Patriarch of Constantinople (784-806) and the emperor Constantine VI (780-797) and his mother Saint Irene (797-802), the relics of the holy Great Martyr Euphemia were once again solemnly transferred to Constantinople. Greatmartyr Euphemia the All-praised, Commemorated on September 16 ;

Rome, 305, 3,628 Martyrs in Nicomedia, Bithynia, voluntarily presented selves for martyrdom to Diocletian
Bithynia, 305, 3,628 Martyrs in Nicomedia, Bithynia (Gulf of Ismid, Lower Sakarya), voluntarily presented selves for martyrdom to Diocletian, beheaded and bodies burned; Nicomedia; 3,628 Martyrs who suffered at Nicomedia, Commemorated September 2 ; 3,628 Martyrs in Nicomedia suffered under the emperors Diocletian (284-305) and Maximian (305-311). were Christians who had come from Alexandria. had come to believe in Christ following the martyrdom of Saint Peter, Archbishop of Alexandria (November 25). their wives and children with them, they arrived in Nicomedia and voluntarily presented themselves for martyrdom, exclaiming, “We are Christians.” first, Diocletian tried to persuade them to renounce Christ, seeing their resolve, he ordered them all to be beheaded, and for their bodies to be thrown into a fiery pit. years later, the relics of the holy martyrs were discovered through various manifestations of grace.

Rome, 305, Callistratus&49, tortured f praying, dolphin, bolstered p spirits, bonds in lake, equake breaks idol
Africa, North Africa, 305, Martyr Callistratus and 49 companions, Carthage, North Africa (modern Tunis), Chriatian ancestors from Jesus' time, tortured for praying, dolphin freed him from drowning, bolstered prisoners spirits, bonds broke in lake, idol broken by earthquake, cut to pieces; Carthage (modern Tunis) ; Martyr Callistratus and 49 companions, Commemorated on September 27; Callistratus was a native of Carthage. ancestor of Saint Callistratus, Neochorus, had served under the emperor Tiberius in Palestine, under the command of Pontius Pilate, the procurator of Judea, and was a witness to the suffering on the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, His voluntary death and glorious Resurrection. saint’s father was a Christian, and he raised his son in faith and piety. Also like his father, Saint Callistratus became a soldier and excelled among his pagan military comrades by his good conduct and gentle disposition. night when everyone slept, he usually stayed up at prayer. a soldier sleeping nearby heard Saint Callistratus invoking the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and he reported this to the military commander, who in turn summoned Callistratus, interrogated him and wanted to make him offer sacrifice to idols. saint resolutely refused to do this, so the military commander ordered that the saint be beaten. Then, covered with wounds, the saint was dragged over sharp stones. The beating and the torments did not sway the firm will and brave endurance of the sufferer. saint was sewn up in a leather sack and drowned in the sea. God’s mercy, however, the sack struck a sharp rock and was torn open. Saint Callistratus came to dry land unharmed, carried by dolphins. such a miracle, forty-nine soldiers came to believe in Christ. the military commander threw Saint Callistratus and the believing soldiers into prison. Before this, all of them were subjected to innumerable floggings. jail Saint Callistatus continued to preach the Word of God to the soldiers and he bolstered their spirits for martyrdom. again before the military commander, the sufferers firmly confessed their faith in Christ, after which they were bound hand and foot and thrown into the depths of a great lake behind a dam. there their bonds broke, and with bright faces the holy martyrs stood in the water, rejoicing in their Baptism, which coincided with the act of martyrdom. bright crowns appeared over their heads, and all heard a voice: “Be brave, Callistratus, with your company, and come rest in the eternal habitations.” the same time, the earth shuddered and an idol standing nearby fell down and smashed. this, another 135 soldiers also believed in the Lord Jesus Christ. military commander, fearing a mutiny in the army, did not put them on trial, but again imprisoned Saint Callistratus with his 49 companions, where they fervently prayed and gave thanks to the Creator for giving them power to endure such sufferings. night the martyrs were cut to pieces with swords by order of the military commander. holy relics were buried by the 135 soldiers who remained alive. Later, a church was built on the spot of their sufferings, as Saint Callistatus had foretold.

Rome, 307, Varus, commander, secret christian, assistance, fiercely beaten to d, holy relics in Galilee
Egypt, 307, Egyptian Saint, Varus; Martyr Varus, and seven Monastic Martyrs with him, Commemorated on October 19; Varus lived in Egypt during the period of several persecutions against Christians (late third to early fourth century). (Ouaros) was a military commander and secretly a Christian. He gave assistance to many of the persecuted and imprisoned Christians, and he visited the prisoners at night. He also brought food to the prisoners, dressed their wounds, and gave them encouragement. Varus spent a whole night talking with seven imprisoned monks. These men were Christian teachers who had been beaten and starved. Varus marched with the teachers when they were led to their execution. judge, seeing Varus’ strong faith, had him fiercely beaten. Varus died during the beating. After his death, the monks were beheaded.

Rome, 307-327, Cleopatra, Mt Tabor, C prays to d Varus, divine light vision comforts, then built church distributed wealth
Galilee, 307, Blessed Cleopatra with her son John, Mt Tabor, Galilee (Kishon River Source), John dies, C prays to d friend Varus to raise him, divine light vision of V and J in heaven comforted her, then built church distributed wealth & spent time prayer&fasting ; Mount Tabor; Blessed Cleopatra with her son John, in Egypt, Commemorated on October 19; Cleopatra and her son John came from the village of Edra near Mount Tabor in Palestine. was a contemporary of the holy Martyr Varus and witnessed his voluntary suffering. the execution, Saint Cleopatra brought the body of the holy martyr to her own country and buried him with reverence. had one beloved son, John, who had attained the honorable rank of officer. To the great sorrow of his mother, John suddenly died. Cleopatra with tears of grief turned to the relics of the holy Martyr Varus, begging him for the return of her son. and her son appeared to Cleopatra in a dream, radiant in bright attire with crowns upon their heads. She realized that the Lord had received her son into the heavenly Kingdom, and was comforted. this vision blessed Cleopatra started to live by a church she built over the relics of the holy martyr Varus and her son John, and performed many good deeds. distributed her property to the poor and spent her time in prayer and fasting. After seven years she fell asleep in the Lord.

Rome, 313, Julian&wife Basilissa aAntinoe, virginal aMarriage, wealthy, 2Monasteries, converted torturer's son&wife, &dead man
Egypt, 313, Julian&wife Basilissa aAntinoe, Thebaid, Egypt (Nile River 15), Balissa wRich, remained virginal aMarriage, built 2Monastereis, led by them, Diocletian Persecution, converted son oHis torturer and his mother, resurrected&converted dead pagan, also 20 soldiers&7youths, all beheaded; Antinoe or Antinopolis; Martyr Julian at Antinoe in Egypt, Commemorated January 8 ; Holy Martyr Julian was born in the Egyptian city of Antinoe, to satisfy his parents he entered into marriage with the noble and rich maiden, Basilissa. married, the spouses remained virginal. the death of their parents they built two monasteries: one for men, and one for women. themselves became monastics and headed these monasteries. the year 313, during the reign of Diocletian, Saint Julian suffered cruelly for his faith in Christ. his bravery he converted Celsius, the son of his torturer the hegemon Marcian, and his wife, Marionilla. resurrected a dead pagan, the saint also converted him. converts received Baptism from the priest Anthony. Baptism the pagan was named Anastasius (i.e. “Resurrected”). being locked in prison, they all received the crown of martyrdom, won through beheading by the sword. with them were twenty soldiers and seven youths.