Rome, 200, 3rd Century, Folder, Roman Empire, Pagans, Goths and Diocletian.kmz

Rome, 200, 3rd Century, Folder, Roman Empire, Pagans, Goths and Diocletian

Rome, 204-254, Church Father Origen, but not saint
Egypt, 204-254, Church Father Origen, but not saint; St Gregory the Wonderworker of Neocaesarea, Commemorated on November 17;

Rome, 212-251, Alexander of Jerusalem, Bishop, first C Library at J, beasts refused to eat him, died in prison
Jerusalem Patriarch, 212-251, Alexander of Jerusalem; of Jerusalem (died 251 AD) was a third century bishop who is venerated as a martyr and saint by the Eastern Orthodox Church, Oriental Orthodox churches, and the Roman Catholic Church. He died during the persecution of Emperor Decius.[1] Hieromartyr Alexander, Bishop of Jerusalem, Commemorated on December 12 ; Hieromartyr Alexander, Bishop of Jerusalem, was a disciple of the great teacher and writer of the Church, Clement of Alexandria. At the beginning of the third century he was chosen bishop of Flavia, Cappadocia. He was arrested during the reign of the emperor Septimus Severus (193-211) and spent three years in prison. his release from prison he went to Jerusalem to venerate the holy places, and was told to remain there through a divine revelation. In 212 he was chosen as coadministrator with the elderly Patriarch Narcissus, an unusually rare occurrence in the ancient Church. Following the death of Saint Narcissus (August 7), Saint Alexander succeeded him and governed the Church of Jerusalem for thirty-eight years, working for the enlightenment of Christians. He also established the first library of Christian theological works at Jerusalem. Alexander was arrested during the persecution of the Church under the emperor Decius (249-251). The holy martyr was sent to Cappadocia, where he suffered many tortures. He was condemned to be eaten by wild beasts, but they did not harm him. Saint Alexander was cast into prison, where he surrendered his soul to God. hieromartyr Alexander is also commemorated on May 16. St Alexander the Archbishop of Jerusalem, Commemorated on May 16; story as above--------The Hieromartyr Alexander, Bishop of Jerusalem, was a disciple of the great teacher and writer of the Church, Clement of Alexandria. the beginning of the third century he was chosen bishop of Flavia, Cappadocia. He was arrested during the reign of the emperor Septimus Severus (193-211) and spent three years in prison. his release from prison he went to Jerusalem to venerate the holy places, and was told to remain there through a divine revelation. 212 he was chosen as coadministrator with the elderly Patriarch Narcissus, an unusually rare occurrence in the ancient Church. the death of Saint Narcissus (August 7), Saint Alexander succeeded him and governed the Church of Jerusalem for thirty-eight years, working for the enlightenment of Christians. He also established the first library of Christian theological works at Jerusalem. Alexander was arrested during the persecution of the Church under the emperor Decius (249-251). The holy martyr was sent to Cappadocia, where he suffered many tortures. He was condemned to be eaten by wild beasts, but they did not harm him. Saint Alexander was cast into prison, where he surrendered his soul to God in the year 251. The hieromartyr Alexander is also commemorated on December 12.

Rome, 217-218, Emperor, Macrinus, equestrian class not senatorial, empty coffers, 3 wars, unrest, overthrown, executed
Rome, 217-218, Emperor, Macrinus; Opellius Macrinus (c. 165 - June 218) was Roman Emperor from April 217 to June 218, reigning jointly with his young son Diadumenianus. a member of the equestrian class, he became the first emperor who did not hail from the senatorial class and also the first emperor who never visited Rome during his reign. becoming emperor, Macrinus served under Emperor Caracalla as a praetorian prefect and dealt with Rome's civil affairs. He later conspired against Caracalla and had him murdered in a bid to protect his own life, succeeding him as emperor. was proclaimed emperor of Rome by 11 April 217 while in the eastern provinces of the empire and was subsequently confirmed as such by the Senate; however, for the duration of his reign, he never had the opportunity to return to Rome. predecessor's policies had left Rome's coffers empty and the empire at war with several kingdoms, including Parthia, Armenia and Dacia. As emperor, Macrinus first attempted to enact reform to bring economic and diplomatic stability to Rome. While Macrinus' diplomatic actions brought about peace with each of the individual kingdoms, the additional monetary costs and subsequent fiscal reforms generated unrest in the Roman military. aunt Julia Maesa took advantage of the unrest and instigated a rebellion to have her fourteen-year-old grandson, Elagabalus, recognized as emperor. Macrinus was overthrown at the Battle of Antioch on 8 June 218 and Elagabalus proclaimed himself emperor with support from the rebelling Roman legions. Macrinus fled the battlefield and tried to reach Rome, but was captured in Chalcedon and later executed in Cappadocia. He sent his son to the care of Artabanus IV of Parthia, but Diadumenianus was also captured before he could reach his destination and executed. After Macrinus' death, the Senate declared him and his son enemies of Rome and had their names struck from the records and their images destroyed.

Rome, 218-222, Emperor, Elagabalus, extreme eccentricity, decadence, zealotry, and sexual promiscuity, assanated at 18
Rome, 218-222, Emperor, Elagabalus; or Heliogabalus[b] (c. 204 - 11 March 222), officially known as Antoninus, was Roman emperor from 218 to 222, while he was still a teenager. His short reign was conspicuous for sex scandals and religious controversy. A close relative to the Severan dynasty, he came from a prominent Arab family in Emesa (Homs), Syria, where since his early youth he served as head priest of the sun god Elagabal. After the death of his cousin the emperor Caracalla, Elagabalus was raised to the principate at 14 years of age in an army revolt instigated by his grandmother, Julia Maesa, against Caracalla's short-lived successor, Macrinus. As a private citizen, he was probably named Varius Avitus Bassianus. Upon becoming emperor he took the name Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, and only posthumously became known by the Latinised name of his god.[c] historians suggest Elagabalus showed a disregard for Roman religious traditions and sexual taboos. He replaced the traditional head of the Roman pantheon, Jupiter, with the deity Elagabal, of whom he had been high priest. He forced leading members of Rome's government to participate in religious rites celebrating this deity, presiding over them in person. He married four women, including a Vestal Virgin, and lavished favours on male courtiers thought to have been his lovers.[4][5] He was also reported to have prostituted himself.[6] His behavior estranged the Praetorian Guard, the Senate, and the common people alike. Amidst growing opposition, at just 18 years of age he was assassinated and replaced by his cousin Severus Alexander in March 222. The assassination plot against Elagabalus was devised by his grandmother, Julia Maesa, and carried out by disaffected members of the Praetorian Guard. developed a reputation among his contemporaries for extreme eccentricity, decadence, zealotry, and sexual promiscuity. This tradition has persisted, and among writers of the early modern age he suffered one of the worst reputations among Roman emperors. Edward Gibbon, for example, wrote that Elagabalus "abandoned himself to the grossest pleasures with ungoverned fury".[7] According to Barthold Georg Niebuhr, "the name Elagabalus is branded in history above all others" because of his "unspeakably disgusting life".[8] An example of a modern historian's assessment is Adrian Goldsworthy's: "Elagabalus was not a tyrant, but he was an incompetent, probably the least able emperor Rome had ever had."[9] Despite universal condemnation of his reign, some scholars do write warmly about him, including 6th century Roman chronicler John Malalas, and Warwick Ball, a modern historian who described him as innovative and "a tragic enigma lost behind centuries of prejudice".[10]

Rome, 217-235, Hippolytus, theologian, Writer, Anti Pope, Bishop, Martyr, and Saint
Roman Anti Pope and Saint, 217-235, Hippolytus; of Rome (c. 170 – c. 235 AD) was one of the most important second-third century Christian theologians, whose provenance, identity and corpus remain elusive to scholars and historians. communities include Palestine, Egypt, Anatolia, Rome and regions of the mideast. The best historians of literature in the ancient church, including Eusebius of Caesarea and Jerome, openly confess they cannot name where Hippolytus the biblical commentator and theologian served in leadership. had read his works but did not possess evidence of his community. Photios I of Constantinople describes him in his Bibliotheca (cod. 121) as a disciple of Irenaeus, who was said to be a disciple of Polycarp, and from the context of this passage it is supposed that he suggested that Hippolytus so styled himself.[1] This assertion is doubtful.[2] older theory asserts he came into conflict with the popes of his time and seems to have headed a schismatic group as a rival to the bishop of Rome, thus becoming an antipope. In this view, he opposed the Roman Popes who softened the penitential system to accommodate the large number of new pagan converts. However, he was reconciled to the Church before he died as a martyr.[2] in the fourth century, various legends arose about him, identifying him as a priest of the Novatianist schism or as a soldier converted by Saint Lawrence. He has also been confused with another martyr of the same name.[2] Pope Pius IV identifies him as "Saint Hippolytus, Bishop of Pontus" who was martyred in the reign of Severus Alexander through his inscription on a statue found at the Church of Saint Lawrence in Rome and kept at the Vatican as photographed and published in Bunsen.[3] Martyr Concordia of Rome, Commemorated on August 13; Martyr Hippolytus of Rome, Commemorated on August 13; Hieromartyr Hippolytus the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on January 30; Hieromartyr Hippolytus, and the Martyrs Censorinus, Sabinus, Chryse the Virgin and 20 others suffered during the third century. Saint Hippolytus, Bishop of Rome, learned of the suffering of the martyrs, he appeared before the governor despite his advanced years and rebuked the torturers for their inhumanity. The enraged governor sentenced the holy bishop to be tortured. After long torments, they tied him hand and foot and threw him into the sea. Censorinus was a high-ranking magistrate during the reign of the Roman emperor Claudius II (268-270). He was arrested and thrown into prison for his faith in Christ. By the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ he raised up a dead man. As a result, twenty soldiers and prison guards were converted to Christ. They were beheaded with Saint Censorinus. Then the virgin Chryse was brought for interrogation. She bravely confessed herself a Christian and was subjected to torture. They lashed her sides and burned the wounds with candles. Then she was stretched out on the ground and beaten with heavy clubs. Not content with this, they broke her jaw with a rock and her back with leaden balls. Although she was covered with wounds, she confessed her faith as she was dying. So cruel was the brutality of her murderers that they tied a large stone around her neck and threw her into the sea. Chryse was thrown into the deep, but the newly-slain bride emerged from the ocean and entered the heavenly Bridal Chamber. Although her body disappeared into the water, her memory remains eternal and immortal, even more golden than her illustrious name. [FootNote: Chryse means “golden.”] Sabinus was the servant of Saint Chryse. The depraved idolaters beat him mercilessly with heavy leaden balls on his neck, then they hung him up on a tree and burned his entrails. After giving thanks to God, he surrendered his soul to Christ. Saint Chryse suffered the martyrs Ares, Felix, Maximus, Herculianus, Venerius, Stiracius, Mennas, Commodus, Hermes, Maurus, Eusebius, Rusticus, Monagrius, Amandinus, Olympius, Cyprus, Theodore the Tribune, Maximus the Presbyter, Archelaus the Deacon, and Cyriacus the Bishop. these Roman martyrs suffered in the year 269. The relics of the Hieromartyr Hippolytus were put in the church of the holy Martyrs Laurence and Pope Damasus at Rome. Saint Hippolytus was a disciple of Saint Irenaeus, Bishop of Lugdunum (Lyons in France), and he is also renowned as a Christian theologian who wrote many treatises against the heretics. Hyppolitus compiled a Paschal Canon, the famous Apostolic Tradition, “On Christ”, and a “Treatise on the Antichrist.” Saint Hippolytus also wrote many commentaries on Holy Scripture, on the Biblical Books: Genesis, Exodus, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, the Song of Songs, and on the Gospels of Matthew, Luke and John, and on the Prophets Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Zechariah, on the Psalms of David and on the Apocalyse. Part of his works are preserved only in fragments. His discourses, devoted to the Theophany and the Prophet Daniel, are preserved in full. His discourses demonstrate his masterful style of preaching. He was one of the last Western Fathers to write in Greek.

Rome, 218-269, Censorinus, Roman Grammarian and Writer
Rome, 218-269, Roman Grammarian and Writer Censorinus; Roman Anti Pope and Saint, 217-235, Hippolytus; Martyr Concordia of Rome, Commemorated on August 13; Martyr Hippolytus of Rome, Commemorated on August 13; Hieromartyr Hippolytus the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on January 30;

Rome, 220-230, Celia of Rome, Angel to guard h chasity, fine clothes, hair shirt, husband's b to see t angel, crowns of roses,
Rome, 220-230, Celia of Rome, Angel to guard her chasity, fine clothes, hair shirt, husband's baptism to see the angel, crowns of roses, hearts pure, hearts desire, brother saved, arrested, outside city, maximus the guard baptized, properth already given away, Celia hot house torture, 3 times to behead her, died 3rd day ; Rome; CECILIA OF ROME, MARTYR AT ROME, c. 280, Commemorated November 22; Cecilia is the patron saint of musicians and Church music because as she was dying she sang to God. It was long supposed that she was a noble lady of Rome who, with her husband Valerian, his brother Tiburtius, and a Roman soldier Maximus, suffered martyrdom, c. 230, under the Emperor Alexander research of Giovanni Battista de Rossi, however, appears to confirm the statement of Venantius Fortunatus, Bishop of Poitiers (d. 600), that she perished in Sicily under Emperor Marcus Aurelius between 176 and 180. martyrdom of Cecilia is said to have followed that of her husband and his brother by the prefect Turcius Almachius. officers of the prefect then sought to have Cecilia killed as well. At that time, the officials attempted to kill her by boiling her alive. However, the attempt failed, and she was to be beheaded. The executioner attempted to decapitate her three times unsuccessfully, at which time he fled. survived another three days before succumbing. In the last three days of her life, she opened her eyes, gazed at her family and friends who crowded around her cell, closed them, and never opened them again. The people by her cell knew immediately that she was to become a saint in heaven. more at Wikipedia Martyr Cecilia at Rome, Commemorated on November 22 ; Cecilia was born in Rome during the III century to wealthy and illustrious parents, who were idolaters. the Gospel preached, she came to believe in Christ, and vowed to preserve her virginity. her will, however, they betrothed her to a noble pagan named Valerian, and forced her to wear fine clothes and jewelry at all times. these rich garments, she wore a rough hair shirt. with love for her Bridegroom Christ, she entreated Him to prevent the wedding. the day of the marriage arrived, Saint Cecilia wept bitterly and prayed that the Lord would send an Angel to guard her chastity. That night, as they were led to the bridal chamber, she told her husband that an invisible Angel had been sent to defend her virginity. "If you touch me," she said, "he will slay you at once." asked to see this Angel, but she told him, "you cannot see the Angel because you do not know the true God. You will not be able to see the Angel until you are cleansed of the impurity of unbelief." “How may I be cleansed?” he asked. said that if he asked Bishop Urban to baptize him, he would be able to see the Angel. The Saint persuaded her husband to see Bishop Urban, who was hiding from the persecution in a cave along the Appian Way. The wise bishop's instructions filled Valerian's soul with joy, and after his Baptism Bishop Urban sent him home. found Cecilia praying, and saw an Angel of indescribable beauty standing beside her, holding two crowns of red roses and white lilies. Placing the wreaths on their heads he said, "Guard these wreaths by keeping your hearts pure and your bodies undefiled. I have brought them from Paradise, and no one can see them unless they, like you, are lovers of chastity. God sent me to you, Valerian, because you have agreed to preserve your purity. He wants you to have what you desire." said, "No one is dearer to me than my brother Tiburtius. I ask the Lord to deliver him from the worship of idols, and convert him, as he converted me." Angel said that this request was pleasing to God, and would be granted. He also revealed that Valerian and Tiburtius would suffer martyrdom together. Soon after this, Tiburtius came to visit his brother. When he entered the house, he noticed the fragrance of roses and lilies. Valerian told him that he was able to smell the flowers because he had prayed that Tiburtius would come to love God and become worthy of an unfading crown. I dreaming," Tiburtius exclaimed, "or are you really telling me this?" answered, "Until now, we have been living as if in a dream, worshiping false 'gods' and unclean demons. Now we walk in God's truth and grace." receiving instruction, Tiburtius was baptized by Bishop Urban. Then the brothers distributed part of their inheritance to the poor, took care of the sick, and buried the Christians who had been tortured to death by their persecutors. was reported to Almachius, the Eparch of the city, who ordered that the brothers be arrested and brought to trial. He ordered the Saints to renounce Christ and offer sacrifice to the pagan "gods," but the brothers refused. Then they scourged the brothers without mercy. Saint Valerian urged the Christians not to fear torments, but to stand firm for Christ. order to prevent the brothers from influencing the people, Almachius ordered that the martyrs be taken outside the city and executed there. soldiers accompanying the martyrs to execution were commanded by Maximus. He was amazed at the courage of the Saints, and asked them why they did not fear death. The holy brothers said that they were exchanging this temporal life for everlasting life. Maximus wanted to learn Christian teaching in detail. He took Saints Valerian and Tiburtius to his own house and conversed with them all night. she heard of this, Saint Cecilia went with a priest to Maximus. Then he and his entire family were baptized. next day, when the Martyrs Valerian and Tiburtius were beheaded, Saint Maximus confessed before everyone that he saw their holy souls being taken up to Heaven. Because of this, the holy Martyr Maximus was beaten to death. Eparch wanted to confiscate the property of those who had been executed, but when he was told that Saint Cecilia had already given her remaining wealth to the poor and had converted 400 men, he ordered her execution. three days they tormented her in an overheated bath-house, with the heat and steam, but she was helped by the grace of God. that Saint Cecilia was still alive, they decided to behead her. The executioner struck her three times with a sword, but only wounded her. The holy Martyr lived three more days in full consciousness, encouraging those around her. Finally, she surrendered her soul to God, and her body was buried with reverence. Cecilia is regarded as the patron Saint of Church music. St. John Chrysostom extols the benefits of sacred music, and shows how strongly the fire of divine love is kindled in the soul by devout psalmody. (On Psalm 41). Holy Relics of Saints Valerian and Tiburtius are in the Roman Catholic Basilica of Saints Valerian and Cecilia in Rome.

Rome, 220-258, Cyprian, Saint, writer, true life, apostles faith, virtue foundation of Love
Africa, North Africa, 220-258, Saint, Cyprian; Hieromartyr Cyprian the Bishop of Carthage, Commemorated on August 31; Saint Cyprian was finally baptized, he wrote in the Treatise To Donatus: “When the water of regeneration cleansed the impurity of my former life, a light from on high shone into my heart... and the Spirit transformed me into a new man by a second birth. Then at once, in a miraculous manner, certainty replaced doubt, mysteries were revealed, and darkness became light.... Then it was possible to acknowledge that what was born of the flesh and lived for sin was earthly, but what the Holy Spirit had vivified began to be of God.... In God and from God is all our strength.... Through Him we, while living upon the earth, have a hint of future bliss.” Hieromartyr Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage, was born in about the year 200 in the city of Carthage (Northern Africa), where all his life and work took place. Thascius Cyprianus was the son of a rich pagan senator, and received a fine secular education becoming a splendid orator, and a teacher of rhetoric and philosophy in the school of Carthage. He often appeared in the courts to defend his fellow citizens. afterwards recalled that for a long time “he remained in a deep dark mist.., far from the light of Truth.” His fortune, received from his parents and from his work, was spent on sumptuous banquets, but they were not able to quench in him the thirst for truth. He became acquainted with the writings of the Apologist Tertullian, and became convinced of the truth of Christianity. The holy bishop later wrote that he thought it was impossible for him to attain to the regeneration promised by the Savior, because of his habits. was helped by his friend and guide, the presbyter Cecilius, who assured him of the power of God’s grace. At 46 years of age the studious pagan was received into the Christian community as a catechumen. Before accepting Baptism, he distributed his property to the poor and moved into the house of the presbyter Cecilius. Saint Cyprian was finally baptized, he wrote in the Treatise To Donatus: “When the water of regeneration cleansed the impurity of my former life, a light from on high shone into my heart... and the Spirit transformed me into a new man by a second birth. Then at once, in a miraculous manner, certainty replaced doubt, mysteries were revealed, and darkness became light.... Then it was possible to acknowledge that what was born of the flesh and lived for sin was earthly, but what the Holy Spirit had vivified began to be of God.... In God and from God is all our strength.... Through Him we, while living upon the earth, have a hint of future bliss.” years after his Baptism, the saint was ordained to the priesthood. When Bishop Donatus of Carthage died, Saint Cyprian was unanimously chosen as bishop. He gave his consent, having complied with his guide’s request, and was consecrated Bishop of Carthage in the year 248. saint first of all concerned himself about the welfare of the Church and the eradication of vices among the clergy and flock. The saintly life of the archpastor evoked in everyone a desire to imitate his piety, humility and wisdom. The fruitful activity of Saint Cyprian became known beyond the bounds of his diocese. Bishops from other sees often turned to him for advice on how to deal with various matters. persecution by the emperor Decius (249-251), revealed to the saint in a vision, forced him to go into hiding. His life was necessary to his flock for the strengthening of faith and courage among the persecuted. Before his departure from his diocese, the saint distributed the church funds among all the clergy for the aid of the needy, and in addition he sent further funds. kept in constant touch with the Carthaginian Christians through his epistles, and he wrote letters to presbyters, confessors and martyrs. Some Christians, broken by torture, offered sacrifice to the pagan gods. These lapsed Christians appealed to the confessors, asking to give them what is called a letter of reconciliation, i.e. a certificate for accepting them back into the Church. Saint Cyprian wrote a general letter to all the Carthaginian Christians, stating that those who lapsed during a time of persecution might be admitted into the Church, but this must be preceded by an investigation of the circumstances under which the falling away came about. It was necessary to determine the sincerity of contrition of the lapsed. To admit them was possible only after penance, and with the permission of the bishop. Some of the lapsed insistently demanded their immediate re-admittance into the Church and caused unrest in the whole community. Saint Cyprian wrote the bishops of other dioceses asking their opinion, and from all he received full approval of his directives. his absence the saint authorized four priests to examine the lives of persons preparing for ordination to the priesthood and the deaconate. This met with resistance from the layman Felicissimus and the presbyter Novatus, roused to indignation against their bishop. Saint Cyprian excommunicated Felicissimus and six of his followers. In his letter to the flock, the saint touchingly admonished all not to separate themselves from the unity of the Church, to be subject to the lawful commands of the bishop and to await his return. This letter kept the majority of Carthaginian Christians faithful to the Church. a short while, Saint Cyprian returned to his flock. The insubordination of Felicissimus was put to an end at a local Council in the year 251. This Council decreed that it was possible to receive the lapsed back into the Church after a penance, and it affirmed the excommunication of Felicissimus. this time there occurred a new schism, led by the Roman presbyter Novatian, and joined by the Carthaginian presbyter Novatus, a former adherent of Felicissimus. Novatian asserted that those who lapsed during a time of persecution could not be readmitted, even if they repented of their sin. Besides this, Novatian with the help of Novatus convinced three Italian bishops during the lifetime of the lawful Roman bishop Celerinus to place another bishop on the Roman cathedra. Against such iniquity, Saint Cyprian wrote a series of encyclicals to the African bishops, and later a whole book, On the Unity of the Church. the discord in the Carthage church began to quiet down, a new calamity began: a pestilential plague flared up. Hundreds of people fled from the city, leaving the sick without help, and the dead without burial. Saint Cyprian, providing an example by his firmness and his courage, tended the sick and buried the dead himself, not only Christians but also pagans. The plague was accompanied by drought and famine. A horde of barbarian Numidians, taking advantage of the misfortune, fell upon the inhabitants, taking many into captivity. Saint Cyprian moved many rich Carthaginians to offer up means for feeding the starving and ransoming captives. a new persecution against Christians spread under the emperor Valerian (253-259), the Carthaginian proconsul Paternus ordered the saint to offer sacrifice to idols. He steadfastly refused to do this. He also refused to give the names and addresses of the presbyters of the church of Carthage. They sent the saint to the city of Curubis, and Deacon Pontus voluntarily followed his bishop into exile. the day the saint arrived at the place of exile he had a vision, predicting for him a quick martyr’s end. While in exile, Saint Cyprian wrote many letters and books. Desiring to suffer at Carthage, he returned there. Taken before the court, he was set at liberty until the following year. Nearly all the Christians of Carthage came to take leave of their bishop and receive his blessing. the trial, Saint Cyprian calmly and firmly refused to offer sacrifice to idols and was sentenced to beheading with a sword. Hearing the sentence, Saint Cyprian said, “Thanks be to God!” All the people cried out with one voice, “Let us also be beheaded with him!” to the place of execution, the saint again gave his blessing to all and arranged to give twenty-five gold coins to the executioner. He then tied a handkerchief over his eyes, and gave his hands to be bound to the presbyter and archdeacon standing near him and lowered his head. Christians put their cloths and napkins in front of him so as to collect the martyr’s blood. Saint Cyprian was executed in the year 258. The body of the saint was taken by night and given burial in a private crypt of the procurator Macrobius Candidianus. say that his holy relics were transferred to France in the time of King Charles the Great (i.e. Charlemagne, 771-814). Cyprian of Carthage left the Church a precious legacy: his writings and 80 letters. The works of Saint Cyprian were accepted by the Church as a model of Orthodox confession and read at two Ecumenical Councils (Ephesus and Chalcedon). the writings of Saint Cyprian the Orthodox teaching about the Church is stated: It has its foundation upon the Lord Jesus Christ, and was proclaimed and built up by the Apostles. The inner unity is expressed in an unity of faith and love, and the outer unity is actualized by the hierarchy and sacraments of the Church. the Church Christ comprises all the fulness of life and salvation. Those having separated themselves from the unity of the Church do not have true life in themselves. Christian love is shown as the bond that holds the Church together. “Love is the foundation of all the virtues, and it continues with us eternally in the Heavenly Kingdom.”

Rome, 220-258, Novatian, Theologian, Navatianism, refused readmission to communion
Roman Theologian, 220-258, Novatian ; (c. 200–258) was a scholar, priest, and theologian. He is considered by the Catholic Church to have been an antipope between 251 and 258.[1] Some Greek authors give his name as Novatus,[2] who was an African presbyter. was a noted theologian and writer, the first Roman theologian who used the Latin language, at a time when there was much debate about how to deal with Christians who had lapsed and wished to return, and the issue of penance. Consecrated as pope by three bishops in 251, he adopted a more rigorous position than the established Pope Cornelius. Novatian was shortly afterwards excommunicated: the schismatic church which he established persisted for several centuries (see Novatianism). Hieromartyr Cyprian the Bishop of Carthage, Commemorated on August 31; Hieromartyr Artemon the Presbyter of Laodicea in Syria, Commemorated on April 13;

Rome, 220-258, Denis or Dionysius, patron saint of France
Paris, 220-258, Denis or Dionysius, patron saint of France Hieromartyr Dionysius of Paris, Bishop. Commemorated on October 9; Dionysius (or Denis) has, for many centuries, been regarded as the patron saint of France. is believed that Saint Dionysius was sent to preach the Gospel at Lutetia Parisiorum (modern Paris) in Gaul around 250. He was beheaded in 258 with the priest Rusticus and the deacon Eleutherius at Montmartre (Hill of the Martyrs). A later legend claims that Saint Dionysius carried his severed head from Montmartre to his burial place at Vicus Catulliacus, now known as Saint Denis. The abbey of Saint-Denis, where French kings were interred, was built on the site of their martyrdom. identification of this Saint Dionysius with Saint Dionysius the Areopagite (October 3) appears to be an error made by a ninth century writer.

Rome, 220-264, Saint Dionysius, Bishop of Alexandria, Cathetical School, writer
Egypt, 220-264, Saint Dionysius, Bishop of Alexandria; Egypt, 245-339, Saint Paul the Simple; Egypt, 271-356, Saint Anthony the Great; Egyptian Patriarch, 325-395, Paphnutius the Ascetic; Venerable Ammon, Commemorated on October 4; Venerable Paul the Simple of Egypt, Commemorated on October 4; Hieromartyr Dionysius the Bishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on October 5; Dionysius, Bishop of Alexandria, was the son of wealthy pagan parents. He converted to Christianity at a mature age, and became a pupil of Origen. Later, he was appointed as the head of Alexandria’s Catechetical School, and then became Bishop of Alexandria in the year 247. Dionysius devoted much effort to defend the Church from heresy, and he encouraged his flock in the firm confession of Orthodoxy during the persecution under the emperors Decius (249-251) and Valerian (253-259). holy bishop endured much suffering in his lifetime. When the Decian persecution broke out, Saint Dionysius was forced to flee Alexandria, but returned when the Emperor died. He was later exiled to Libya during the reign of Valerian. he was able to resume his duties in Alexandria in 261, Saint Dionysius had to contend with civil war, famine, plague, and other difficulties. The saint called upon his flock to tend sick Christians and pagans alike, and to bury the dead. Concerning the death of his spiritual children he wrote, “In such a manner the best of our brethren have departed this life. This generation of the dead, a deed of great piety and firm faith, is no less of a martyrdom.” Dionysius illumined his flock through his preaching, and with deeds of love and charity. An illness prevented him from attending the Council of Antioch (264- 265), and he fell asleep in the Lord while it was in session. influence of Saint Dionysius extended beyond the limits of his diocese, and his writings dealt with practical as well as theological subjects (“On Nature,” “On Temptations,” “On the Promises,” etc.). He was also familiar with Greek philosophy. Only fragments of his writings survive today, most of them preserved in Eusebius, who mentions him in his CHURCH HISTORY ( Book 7) and calls him “Dionysius the Great.” complete letters of Saint Dionysius are extant, one addressed to Novatian, and the other to Basilides. St John of Egypt,Commemorated on December 2;

Rome, 222-235, Emperor, Severus Alexander, pagan, prosperous r, rising Persians and Germans, diplomacy killed him
Roman Emperor, 222-235, Severus Alexander; Aurelius Severus Alexander (1 October 208 - 19 March 235) was Roman emperor from 222 to 235, and the last from the Severan dynasty. was the heir to his cousin, the 18-year-old Emperor Elagabalus. The latter had been murdered along with his mother Julia Soaemias, by his own guards, who, as a mark of contempt, had their remains cast into the Tiber river.[2] and his cousin were both grandsons of Julia Maesa, sister of empress Julia Domna, who had arranged for Elagabalus' acclamation as emperor by the Third Gallic Legion. was the rumor of Alexander's death that triggered the assassination of Elagabalus and his mother.[3] 13-year reign was the longest reign of a sole emperor since Antoninus Pius.[4] He was also the second-youngest ever sole legal Roman emperor during the existence of the united empire, the youngest being Gordian III. peacetime reign was prosperous. Rome was militarily confronted with the rising Sassanid Empire and growing incursions from the tribes of Germania. He managed to check the threat of the Sassanids. But when campaigning against Germanic tribes, Alexander attempted to bring peace by engaging in diplomacy and bribery. alienated many in the Roman Army, leading to a conspiracy that resulted in the assassination of Alexander, his mother Julia Avita Mamaea, and his advisors. ------------------------------------------------After their deaths, the accession of Maximinus Thrax followed. death marked the epoch event for the Crisis of the Third Century—nearly 50 years of civil wars, foreign invasion, and collapse of the monetary economy. 1 Early reign 2 Domestic achievements 3 Persian War 4 Military discipline 5 Germanic War 6 Death 7 Legacy 8 Personal life 9 Ancestry 10 See also 11 References 12 Bibliography 12.1 Primary 12.2 Secondary 13 External links reign[edit] future emperor Severus Alexander was born on 1 October 208 in Arca Caesarea, Phoenicia.[5] Of his birth name, only two cognomina are known, from literary sources: Bassianus (Greek: Î’Î±ÏƒÏƒÎ¹Î±Î½ÏŒÏ‚) according to the historian Cassius Dio, and Alexianus (Greek: Î‘Î»ÎµÎ¾Î¹Î±Î½ÏŒÏ‚) according to Herodian. It seems likely that Bassianus was his family name, since several of his relatives were also called as such, and Alexianus his actual given name, which was later converted to Alexander.[6] historian Cassius Dio thought Alexianus was the son of Marcus Julius Gessius Marcianus, but Icks disputes this, saying the latter could not have married the emperor's mother before 212 and that Alexianus must've been fathered by his mother's first husband, who is of unknown name but of certain existence.[7] Alexander became emperor when he was around 14 years old, making him the youngest emperor in Rome's history, until the ascension of Gordian III. Alexander's grandmother Maesa believed that he had more potential to rule and gain support from the Praetorian Guard than her other grandson, the increasingly unpopular emperor Elagabalus.[8] Thus, to preserve her own position, she had Elagabalus adopt the young Alexander and then arranged for Elagabalus' assassination, securing the throne for Alexander.[9] The Roman army hailed Alexander as emperor on 13 March 222, immediately conferring on him the titles of Augustus, pater patriae and pontifex maximus.[10] his life, Alexander relied heavily on guidance from his grandmother, Maesa, before her death in 224, and mother, Julia Mamaea.[11] As a young, immature, and inexperienced adolescent, Alexander knew little about government, warcraft, or the role of ruling over an empire. In time, however, the army came to admire what Jasper Burns refers to as "his simple virtues and moderate behavior, so different from [Elagabalus]".[12] achievements[edit] of Alexander Severus, Louvre. the influence of his mother, Alexander did much to improve the morals and condition of the people, and to enhance the dignity of the state.[13] He employed noted jurists, such as Ulpian, to oversee the administration of justice.[citation needed] His advisers were men like the senator and historian Cassius Dio, and it is claimed that he created a select board of 16 senators,[14] although this claim is disputed.[15] He also created a municipal council of 14 who assisted the urban prefect in administering the affairs of the 14 districts of Rome.[16] Excessive luxury and extravagance at the imperial court were diminished,[17] and he restored the Baths of Nero in 227 or 229; consequently, they are sometimes also known as the Baths of Alexander after him. his accession he reduced the silver purity of the denarius from 46.5% to 43%—the actual silver weight dropped from 1.41 grams to 1.30 grams; however, in 229 he revalued the denarius, increasing the silver purity and weight to 45% and 1.46 grams. The following year he decreased the amount of base metal in the denarius while adding more silver, raising the silver purity and weight again to 50.5% and 1.50 grams.[18] Additionally, during his reign taxes were lightened; literature, art and science were encouraged;[19] and, for the convenience of the people, loan offices were instituted for lending money at a moderate rate of interest.[20] religious matters, Alexander preserved an open mind. According to the Historia Augusta, he wished to erect a temple to Jesus but was dissuaded by the pagan priests; however, this claim is deemed unreliable due to the book's many untrustworthy information and falsifications.[21][22] He allowed a synagogue to be built in Rome, and he gave as a gift to this synagogue a scroll of the Torah known as the Severus Scroll.[23] legal matters, Alexander did much to aid the rights of his soldiers. He confirmed that soldiers could name anyone as heirs in their will, whereas civilians had strict restrictions over who could become heirs or receive a legacy.[24] He also confirmed that soldiers could free their slaves in their wills,[25] protected the rights of soldiers to their property when they were on campaign,[26] and reasserted that a soldier's property acquired in or because of military service (his castrense peculium) could be claimed by no one else, not even the soldier's father.[27] War[edit] the whole, Alexander's reign was prosperous until the rise of the Sassanids[28] under Ardashir I.[29] In 231 AD, Ardeshir invaded the Roman provinces of the east, overrunning Mesopotamia and penetrating possibly as far as Syria and Cappadocia, forcing from the young Alexander a vigorous response.[30] Of the war that followed there are various accounts. According to the most detailed authority, Herodian, the Roman armies suffered a number of humiliating setbacks and defeats,[31] while according to the Historia Augusta[32] as well as Alexander's own dispatch to the Roman Senate, he gained great victories.[33] Making Antioch his base, he organized in 233 a three-fold invasion of the Sassanian Empire; at the head of the main body he himself advanced to recapture northern Mesopotamia, while another army invaded Media through the mountains of Armenia, and a third advanced from the south in the direction of Babylon. The northernmost army gained some success, fighting in mountainous territory favorable to the Roman infantry, but the southern army was surrounded and destroyed by Ardashir's skilful horse-archers, and Alexander himself retreated after an indecisive campaign, his army wracked by indiscipline and disease.[34][35] Further losses were incurred by the retreating northern army in the inclement cold of Armenia as it retired into winter quarters, due to an incompetent failure to establish adequate supply lines.[36][37] Still, Mesopotamia was retaken, and Ardashir was not thereafter able to extend his conquests, though his son, Shapur, would obtain some success later in the century.[38] the Sassanids were checked for the time,[33] the conduct of the Roman army showed an extraordinary lack of discipline. In 232, there was a mutiny in the Syrian legion, which proclaimed Taurinus emperor.[39] Alexander managed to suppress the uprising, and Taurinus drowned while attempting to flee across the Euphrates.[40] The emperor returned to Rome and celebrated a triumph in 233.[33] discipline[edit] ALEXANDER PIVS AVG. ALEXANDER PIVS AVG. of Severus Alexander reign was also characterized by a significant breakdown of military discipline.[41] In 228, the Praetorian Guard murdered their prefect, Ulpian,[41] in Alexander's presence. Alexander could not openly punish the ringleader of the riot, and instead removed him to nominal post of honor in Egypt and then Crete, where he was "quietly put out of the way" sometime after the excitement had abated.[42] The soldiers then fought a three-day battle against the populace of Rome, and this battle ended after several parts of the city were set on fire.[43] was among those who gave a highly critical account of military discipline during the time, saying that the soldiers would rather just surrender to the enemy.[43] Different reasons are given for this issue; Campbell points to the decline in the prestige of the Severan dynasty, the feeble nature of Alexander himself, who appeared to be no soldier and to be completely dominated by his mother's advice, and lack of real military success at a time during which the empire was coming under increasing pressure."[ 43] on the other hand, was convinced that "the emperor's miserliness (partly the result of his mother's greed) and slowness to bestow donatives" were instrumental in the fall of military discipline under Alexander.[43] War[edit] the Persian war, Alexander returned to Antioch with Origen, one of the Fathers of the Christian Church. Alexander's mother, Julia Mamaea, asked for Origen to tutor Alexander in Christianity.[44] Alexander was being educated in the Christian doctrines, the northern portion of his empire was being invaded by Germanic and Sarmatian tribes. A new and menacing enemy started to emerge directly after Alexander's success in the Persian war. In 234, the barbarians crossed the Rhine and Danube in hordes that caused alarm as far as Rome. The soldiers serving under Alexander, already demoralized after their costly war against the Persians, were further discontented with their emperor when their homes were destroyed by the barbarian invaders.[45] word of the invasion spread, the emperor took the front line and went to battle against the Germanic invaders. The Romans prepared heavily for the war, building a fleet to carry the entire army across. However, at this point in Alexander's career, he still knew little about being a general. Because of this, he hoped the mere threat of his armies would be sufficient to persuade the hostile tribes to surrender.[46] Severus enforced a strict military discipline in his men that sparked a rebellion among his legions.[47] Due to incurring heavy losses against the Persians, and on the advice of his mother, Alexander attempted to buy the Germanic tribes off, so as to gain time.[48] was this decision that resulted in the legionaries looking down upon Alexander. They considered him dishonorable and feared he was unfit to be Emperor. Under these circumstances the army swiftly looked to replace Alexander.[49] Iulius Verus Maximinus was the next best option. He was a soldier from Thrace who had a golden reputation and was working hard to increase his military status.[47] He was also a man with superior personal strength, who rose to his present position from a peasant background. With the Thracian's hailing came the end of the Severan Dynasty,[50] and, with the growing animosity of Severus' army towards him, the path for his assassination was paved. was forced to face his German enemies in the early months of 235. By the time he and his mother arrived, the situation had settled, and so his mother convinced him that to avoid violence, trying to bribe the German army to surrender was the more sensible course of action.[citation needed] According to historians, it was this tactic combined with insubordination from his own men that destroyed his reputation and popularity. Pusillanimity was responsible for the revolt of Alexander's army, resulting in Severus falling victim to the swords of his own men,[51] following the nomination of Maximinus as emperor. was assassinated on 19 March 235, together with his mother, in a mutiny of the Legio XXII Primigenia at Moguntiacum (Mainz) while at a meeting with his generals.[52] These assassinations secured the throne for Maximinus.[13] documents two theories that elaborate on Severus's assassination. The first claims that the disaffection of Mamaea was the main motive behind the homicide. However, Lampridius makes it clear that he is more supportive of an alternative theory, that Alexander was murdered in Sicilia (located in Britain).[53] theory has it that, in an open tent after his lunch, Alexander was consulting with his insubordinate troops, who compared him to his cousin Elagabalus, the divisive and unpopular Emperor whose own assassination paved the way for Alexander's reign. A German servant entered the tent and initiated the call for Alexander's assassination, at which point many of the troops joined in the attack. Alexander's attendants fought against the other troops but could not hold off the combined might of those seeking the Emperor's assassination. Within minutes, Alexander was dead. His mother Julia Mamaea was in the same tent with Alexander and soon fell victim to the same group of assassins.[51] ’s body was buried together with the body of his mother Julia Manaea in a mausoleum in Rome. The actual mausoleum, called Monte di Grano, is the third in size in Rome after the ones of Hadrian and of Augustus. It is still visible in Piazza dei Tribuni, in the Quadraro area in Rome, where it resembles a large earth mound. The large sarcophagus found inside the tomb in the 16th century, and which contained the emperor’s remains, is in the Palazzo dei Conservatori Museum in Rome. According to some sources inside the same sarcophagus in 1582 a precious glass urn was found, the Portland Vase, currently on display at the British Museum in London. Martyr Pontius, Commemorated on August 5; Martyr Theodota at Nicea, Commemorated on September 17 ; St Alexander the Bishop at Adrianopolis, Commemorated on October 22; CECILIA OF ROME, MARTYR AT ROME, c. 280, Commemorated November 22; Martyr Cecilia at Rome, Commemorated on November 22; Martyr Myrope of Chios, Commemorated on December 2; Nun-Martyr Eugenia of Rome, Commemorated on December 24; Martyr Tatiana of Rome, and those who suffered with Her, Commemorated on January 12; Martyr Babylas of Sicily, Commemorated on January 24; Nun-Martyr Eugenia of Rome, Commemorated on December 24; Hieromartyr Hippolytus the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on January 30; Hieromartyr Artemon the Presbyter of Laodicea in Syria, Commemorated on April 13;

Rome, 233-270, Gregory Thaumaturgus, the Wonderworker of Cappadocia, not the illuminator
Cappadocia, 233-270, Gregory Thaumaturgus, the Wonderworker ; St. Gregory the Wonderworker of Neocaesarea, Commemorated on November 17; St. Basil the Great, Archbishop of Casarea in Cappadocia, Commemorated on January 1;

Rome, 233-270, St Gregory the Wonderworker of Neocaesarea, from John the Thelogian, Symbol of Faith Mystery, Foundational
Armenia, 233-270, St Gregory the Wonderworker of Neocaesarea, Alexandrian Catechetical School, where the presbyter Origen taught, demonic woman story, back to N, wilderness, gifts, L willed otherwise, absent ordination, acceptance, heresy, John t T, Symbol of Faith Mystery, Foundational Neocaesarea; St Gregory the Wonderworker of Neocaesarea, Commemorated on November 17; Gregory the Wonderworker, Bishop of Neocaesarea, was born in the city of Neocaesarea (northern Asia Minor) into a pagan family. received a fine education, from his youth he strived for Truth, but the thinkers of antiquity were not able to quench his thirst for knowledge. Truth was revealed to him only in the Holy Gospel, and the youth became a Christian. the continuation of his studies Saint Gregory went to Alexandria, known then as a center for pagan and Christian learning. The youth, eager for knowledge, went to the Alexandrian Catechetical School, where the presbyter Origen taught. Origen was a famous teacher, possessing a great strength of mind and profound knowledge. Saint Gregory became a student of Origen. Afterwards, the saint wrote about his mentor: “This man received from God a sublime gift, to be an interpreter of the Word of God for people, to apprehend the Word of God, as God Himself did use it, and to explain it to people, insofar as they were able to understand it.” Saint Gregory studied for eight years with Origen, and was baptized by him. ascetic life of Saint Gregory, his continence, purity and lack of covetousness aroused envy among his conceited and sin-loving peers, pagans that they were, and they decided to slander Saint Gregory. when he was conversing with philosophers and teachers in the city square, a notorious harlot came up to him and demanded payment for the sin he had supposedly committed with her. At first Saint Gregory gently remonstrated with her, saying that she perhaps mistook him for someone else. But the profligate woman would not be quieted. He then asked a friend to give her the money. as the woman took the unjust payment, she immediately fell to the ground in a demonic fit, and the fraud became evident. Saint Gregory said a prayer over her, and the devil left her. This was the beginning of Saint Gregory’s miracles. returned to Neocaesarea, the saint fled from the worldly affairs into which influential townsmen persistently sought to push him. He went into the desert, where by fasting and prayer he attained to high spiritual accomplishment and the gifts of clairvoyance and prophecy. Saint Gregory loved life in the wilderness and wanted to remain in solitude until the end of his days, but the Lord willed otherwise. bishop of the Cappadocian city of Amasea, Thedimos, having learned of Saint Gregory’s ascetic life, decided to have him made Bishop of Neocaesarea. having foreseen in spirit the intent of Bishop Thedimos, the saint hid himself from the messengers of the bishop who were entrusted to find him. Then Bishop Thedimos ordained the absent saint as Bishop of Neocaesarea, beseeching the Lord that He Himself would sanctify the unusual ordination. Gregory perceived the extraordinary event as a manifestation of the will of God and he did not dare to protest. This episode in the life of Saint Gregory was recorded by Saint Gregory of Nyssa (January 10). He relates that Saint Gregory of Neocaesarea received the episcopal dignity only after Bishop Thedimos of Amasea performed all the canonical rites over him. this time, the heresy of Sabellius and Paul of Samosata began to spread. They taught falsely concerning the Holy Trinity. Saint Gregory prayed fervently and diligently imploring God and His most pure Mother to reveal to him the true faith. All-Holy Virgin Mary appeared to him, radiant like the sun, and with Her was the Apostle John the Theologian dressed in archepiscopal vestments. the command of the Mother of God, the Apostle John taught the saint how to correctly and properly confess the Mystery of the Most Holy Trinity. Gregory wrote down everything that Saint John the Theologian revealed to him. Mystery of the Symbol of the Faith, written down by Saint Gregory of Neocaesarea, is a great divine revelation in the history of the Church. teaching about the Holy Trinity in Orthodox Theology is based on it. it was used by the holy Fathers of the Church: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and Gregory of Nyssa. Symbol of Saint Gregory of Neocaesarea was later examined and affirmed in the year 325 by the First Ecumenical Council, showing his enduring significance for Orthodoxy. become a bishop, Saint Gregory set off to Neocaesarea. Along the way from Amasea he expelled devils from a pagan temple, the priest of which he converted to Christ. The convert was witness to still another miracle of the saint, at his word a large stone shifted from its place. preaching of the saint was direct, lively and fruitful. He taught and worked miracles in the name of Christ: he healed the sick, he helped the needy, he settled quarrels and complaints. Two brothers sharing an inheritance were not able to agree over the property of their dead father. There was a large lake over which they argued, for each of the brothers wanted the lake for himself. They both gathered their friends together, and were ready to come to blows. Saint Gregory persuaded them to delay their fight until the following day, and he himself prayed all night long at the shore of the lake which sparked the quarrel. When dawn broke, everyone saw that the lake had dried up or gone underground. Through the intense prayer of the saint, now there was only a stream, and its course defined the boundary line. Another time, during the construction of a church, he commanded a hill to move and make room at the place of the foundation. a persecution against Christians began under the emperor Decius (249-251), Saint Gregory led his flock to a faraway mountain. A certain pagan, knowing about the hiding place of the Christians, informed the persecutors. Soldiers surrounded the mountain. The saint went out into an open place, raised up his hands to heaven and ordered to his deacon to do the same. The soldiers searched the whole mountain, and they went several times right past those praying, but not seeing them, they gave up and went away. In the city they reported that there was nowhere to hide on the mountain: no one was there, and only two trees stood beside each other. The informer was struck with amazement, he repented of his ways and became a fervent Christian. Gregory returned to Neocaesarea after the end of the persecution. By his blessing church Feasts were established in honor of the martyrs who had suffered for Christ. his saintly life, his effective preaching, working of miracles and graced guiding of his flock, the saint steadily increased the number of converts to Christ. When Saint Gregory first ascended his cathedra, there were only seventeen Christians in Neocaesarea. At his death, only seventeen pagans remained in the city.

Rome, 235-238, Emperor, Maximinus Thrax, impious Maximnus, barracs emperor, year of 6 emperors
Roman Emperor, 235-238, Maximinus Thrax; Hieromartyr Antherus (Antheros) Pope of Rome, Commemorated on August 5; Martyr Pontius, Commemorated on August 5; St Alexander the Bishop at Adrianopolis, Commemorated on October 22; Martyr Myrope of Chios, Commemorated on December 2; Nun-Martyr Eugenia of Rome, Commemorated on December 24; FABIAN, BISHOP AND MARTYR (20 JANUARY 250); Martyr Babylas of Sicily, Commemorated on January 24; Nun-Martyr Eugenia of Rome, Commemorated on December 24; Hieromartyr Artemon the Presbyter of Laodicea in Syria, Commemorated on April 13;

Rome, 235-236, Hieromartyr Antherus (Antheros) Pope of Rome, martyr
Roman Pope, 235-236, Hieromartyr Antherus (Antheros) Pope of Rome; Hieromartyr Antherus (Antheros) Pope of Rome, Commemorated on August 5; Antherus was elected Bishop of Rome in place of Saint Pontian, and he too soon accepted suffering and death for Christ in the year 236. FABIAN, BISHOP AND MARTYR (20 JANUARY 250);

Rome, 236-250, Pope and Saint Fabian, chosen because dove descended on his head, successful, died as marytr
Roman Pope, 236-250, Saint Fabian ; Fabian was the bishop of Rome from 10 January 236 to his death on 20 January 250,[4] succeeding Anterus. A dove is said to have descended on his head to mark him as the Holy Spirit's unexpected choice to become the next pope.[5] He was succeeded by Cornelius. of his papacy was characterized by amicable relations with the imperial government, and the schism between the Roman congregations of Pontian and Hippolytus was ended. He divided Rome into diaconates and appointed secretaries to collect the records of the martyrs. He sent out seven "apostles to the Gauls" as missionaries, but probably did not baptize Emperor Philip the Arab as is alleged. He died a martyr at the beginning of the Decian persecution and is venerated as a saint by the Catholic Church.[4][5] Hieromartyr Antherus (Antheros) Pope of Rome, Commemorated on August 5; FABIAN, BISHOP AND MARTYR (20 JANUARY 250);

Rome, 238-244, Emperor, Gordian III, Christian
Roman Emperor, 238-244, Gordian III ; Hieromartyr Polychronius the Bishop of Babylon, Commemorated on July 30; Hieromartyr Antherus (Antheros) Pope of Rome, Commemorated on August 5 ; St Alexander the Bishop at Adrianopolis, Commemorated on October 22; Martyr Eutropia of Alexandria, Commemorated on October 30; Martyr Myrope of Chios, Commemorated on December 2; Nun-Martyr Eugenia of Rome, Commemorated on December 24; FABIAN, BISHOP AND MARTYR (20 JANUARY 250); Martyr Babylas of Sicily, Commemorated on January 24; Nun-Martyr Eugenia of Rome, Commemorated on December 24; Martyr Tryphon of Campsada Near Apamea in Syria, Commemorated on February 1; Martyr Nikon in Sicily, Commemorated on March 23; Hieromartyr Artemon the Presbyter of Laodicea in Syria, Commemorated on April 13; Martyr Heliconis of Thessalonica, Commemorated on May 28 ;

Rome, 243, Battle of Resaena, Romans defeat Persians, take Babylon
Rome, 243, Battle of Resaena, Romans defeat Persians; Hieromartyr Polychronius the Bishop of Babylon, Commemorated on July 30;

Rome, 244-249, Emperor, Philip the Arab, Christian
Roman Emperor, 244-249, Philip the Arab; Hieromartyr Polychronius the Bishop of Babylon, Commemorated on July 30; Hieromartyr Antherus (Antheros) Pope of Rome, Commemorated on August 5; Hieromartyr Cyprian the Bishop of Carthage, Commemorated on August 31; St Alexander the Bishop at Adrianopolis, Commemorated on October 22; Martyr Eutropia of Alexandria, Commemorated on October 30; Apostle Epimachus of Alexandria, Commemorated on October 31; Martyr Myrope of Chios, Commemorated on December 2; Nun-Martyr Eugenia of Rome, Commemorated on December 24; FABIAN, BISHOP AND MARTYR (20 JANUARY 250); Martyr Babylas of Sicily, Commemorated on January 24; Nun-Martyr Eugenia of Rome, Commemorated on December 24; Martyr Tryphon of Campsada Near Apamea in Syria, Commemorated on February 1; Martyr Nikon in Sicily, Commemorated on March 23; Hieromartyr Artemon the Presbyter of Laodicea in Syria, Commemorated on April 13; Martyr Heliconis of Thessalonica, Commemorated on May 28 ;

Rome, 249-251, Emperor, Decius, Pagan, revered by troups, k by goths
Roman Emperor, 249-251, Decius ; Decius (atin: Gaius Messius Quintus Traianus Decius; c. 201 -June 251) was Roman emperor from 249 to 251. A distinguished politician during the reign of Philip the Arab, Decius was proclaimed emperor by his troops after putting down a rebellion in Moesia. In 249, he defeated and killed Philip near Verona and was recognized as emperor by the Senate afterwards. During his reign, he attempted to strengthen the Roman state and its religion, leading to the Decian persecution, where a number of prominent Christians (including Pope Fabian) were put to death. In the last year of his reign, Decius co-ruled with his son Herennius Etruscus, until they were both killed by the Goths in the Battle of Abritus. Martyr Apollonius of Sardis, Commemorated on July 10; Hieromartyr Polychronius the Bishop of Babylon, Commemorated July 30 ; 7 Holy Youths "Seven Sleepers" of Ephesus, Commemorated August 4; Hieromartyr Antherus (Antheros) Pope of Rome, Commemorated on August 5 ; Hieromartyr Alexander the Bishop of Comana, Commemorated on August 12; Martyr Hippolytus of Rome, Commemorated on August 13; Martyr Myron the Presbyter of Cyzicus, Commemorated on August 17; Martyr Thyrsus at Caesarea, in Bithynia, Commemorated August 17 ; Hieromartyr Cyprian the Bishop of Carthage, Commemorated on August 31 ; Martyr Cyriacus and 11 others at Alexandria, Commemorated September 6 ; St Coronatus the Bishop of Nicomedia, Commemorated September 12 ; Uncovering of the relics St Acacius the Bishop of Melitene, Commemorated on September 15; CYPRIAN OF CARTHAGE, BISHOP AND MARTYR (15 SEP 258) ; Venerable Paul the Simple of Egypt, Commemorated on October 4; Hieromartyr Dionysius the Bishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on October 5 ; Hieromartyr Dionysius of Paris, Bishop, Commemorated on October 9; Martyr Carpus at Pergamum, Commemorated on October 13 ; 7 Holy Youths "œSeven Sleepers"Â of Ephesus, Commemorated on October 22; St Alexander the Bishop at Adrianopolis, Commemorated on October 22; Greatmartyr Parasceva of Iconium, Commemorated on October 28; Martyr Anastasia the Roman, Commemorated on October 29; Martyr Anastasia of Thessalonica, Commemorated on October 30; Martyr Eutropia of Alexandria, Commemorated on October 30; Apostle Epimachus of Alexandria, Commemorated on October 31; St Gregory the Wonderworker of Neocaesarea, Commemorated on November 17; Martyr Menignus at Parium, Commemorated on November 22; Greatmartyr Mercurius of Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated on November 24; Martyr Paramon in Bithynia, Commemorated on November 29; Martyr Myrope of Chios, Commemorated on December 2; Hieromartyr Alexander the Bishop of Jerusalem, Commemorated on December 12; Martyr Thyrsus of Apollonia, Commemorated on December 14; Martyr Themistocles of Myra in Lycia, Commemorated on December 21; 10 Holy Martyrs of Crete, Commemorated on December 23; Nun-Martyr Eugenia of Rome, Commemorated on December 24; Martyr Polyeuctus of Melitene, in Armenia, Commemorated on January 9; Venerable Pansophius of Alexandria, the Martyr, Commemorated on January 15; Venerable Paul of Thebes, Commemorated on January 15; FABIAN, BISHOP AND MARTYR (20 JANUARY 250); St Fructuosis of Tarragona, Spain, Commemorated on January 21; Martyr Babylas of Sicily, Commemorated on January 24; Nun-Martyr Eugenia of Rome, Commemorated on December 24; Martyr Victorinus of Egypt, Commemorated on January 31; Martyr Tryphon of Campsada Near Apamea in Syria, Commemorated on February 1; Martyr Blaise of Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated on February 3; Martyr Agatha of Palermo in Sicily, Commemorated on February 5; Martyr Agatha of Palermo in Sicily, Commemorated on February 5; Virginmartyr Apollonia, Commemorated on February 9; Martyr Julian of Alexandria, Commemorated on February 27 ; Hieromartyr Nestor the Bishop of Magydos in Pamphylia, Commemorated on February 28; Martyr Julian of Alexandria, Commemorated on February 27 ; Hieromartyr Nestor the Bishop of Magydos in Pamphylia, Commemorated on February 28 ; Martyr Nestor, Commemorated on March 1 ; Martyr Troadius of Neocaesarea, Commemorated on March 2 ; Virginmartyr Euthalia of Sicily, Commemorated on March 2 ; Martyr Conon the Gardener of Pamphylia, Commemorated on March 5; Martyr Quadratus and the rest of Nicomedia, Commemorated on March 10; Martyr Quadratus and the rest of Nicomedia, Commemorated on March 10; Hieromartyr Pionius of Smyrna and those with him, Commemorated on March 11; Translation of the relics of the Martyr Epimachus of Pelusium, Commemorated on March 11; Martyr Nikon in Sicily, Commemorated on March 23; St Acacius the Confessor, Commemorated on March 31; Martyr Terence and 40 others beheaded at Carthage, Commemorated on April 10; Hieromartyr Artemon the Presbyter of Laodicea in Syria, Commemorated on April 13; Martyr Adrian of Corinth, Commemorated on April 17; Martyr Callinike of Lycia, Commemorated on May 9; Martyr Christopher of Lycia, Commemorated on May 9; Martyr Philadelphus and 18 others in Sicily, Commemorated on May 10; Martyr Peter of Ancyra, who suffered under Decius, Commemorated on May 18; Martyr Theodotus of Ancyra, who suffered under Decius, Commemorated on May 18; Virginmartyr Christina of Ancyra, who suffered under Decius, Commemorated on May 18; Martyr Philosophus at Alexandria, Commemorated on May 31 ; Martyrs of Niculitsel, Commemorated on June 4; Venerable Anubius the Confessor and Anchorite of Egypt, Commemorated on June 5; St Alban the Protomartyr of Britain, Commemorated on June 22; Hieromartyr Cyril the Bishop of Gortyna in Crete, Commemorated on July 9 ;

Rome, 249-251, Myrope of Chios, Myrrhr f Hermione's grave in Ephesus, r Isidore's body, midnight prayer, d light, I w angels
Ephesus, 249-251, Myrope of Chios, Myrrhr f Hermione's grave in Ephesus, r Isidore's body, guards sentenced, her confession, fierce beating, midnight prayer, d light, I w angels, M d, sweet fragrance, guard's report to priest confession and martyrdom; City of Chios; Martyr Myrope of Chios, Commemorated on December 2 ; Holy Martyr Myrope was born in the city of Ephesus at the beginning of the third century. She lost her father at an early age, and her mother raised her in the Christian Faith. Myrope frequently visited the grave of the Martyr Hermione (September 4), daughter of the holy Apostle Philip, took myrrh from her relics, and healed the sick with it. the persecution by Decius (249-251), Myrope went with her mother to the island of Chios, where they spent their time in fasting and prayer. by order of the cruel governor of the island, the soldier Isidore (May 14), a man of deep faith and great piety, was martyred. Saint Myrope secretly removed the body of the martyr and buried it. soldiers, who had been ordered not to allow the Christians to take Isidore’s body, were sentenced to death. Myrope took pity on the condemned, and she told the soldiers and then the governor what she had done. the trial she confessed herself a Christian. For this they gave her a fierce beating and then threw her in prison. midnight, while she was praying, a light shone in the prison. Saint Isidore appeared surrounded by angels, and Saint Myrope surrendered her soul to God. The prison was immediately filled with a sweet fragrance. pagan guard, trembling at the vision, told this to a priest. Later, he accepted Baptism and a martyric death for his confession of Christ.

Rome, 249-251, Monastic Martyr Anastasia, great ascetic, very beautiful, horrible tortures, Angel, animals
Rome, 249-251, Monastic Martyr Anastasia; Roman Emperor, 249-251, Decius ; Martyr Anastasia the Roman, Commemorated on October 29; Monastic Martyr Anastasia the Roman lost her parents when she was three years old, was taken to be raised by the Igoumeness of a women’s monastery, whose name was Sophia, a nun who had attained a high degree of spiritual perfection. She raised Anastasia in fervent faith, in the fear of God, and obedience. After seventeen years, Anastasia became known as a great ascetic, and she was very beautiful. Emperor Decius (249-251) began his persecution of Christians at that time. The city administrator, Probus, following the Emperor's orders, commanded that Anastasia be brought to him. by her Igoumeness to suffer for Christ, the young martyr Anastasia went out to meet the armed soldiers. Seeing her youth and beauty, Probus first tried flattery to make her deny Christ. “Why do you waste your youth deprived of pleasure?" he asked. "What is to be gained by enduring tortures and death for the Crucified? Worship our gods, marry a handsome husband, and live with glory and honor.” Saint Anastasia stood before the ruler, her mind stood before Christ, and with her spiritual eyes, she beheld the comeliness of her Bridegroom. Saint replied, “My spouse, my riches, my life and my happiness are my Lord Jesus Christ, and you cannot turn me away from Him by your deceit!” had her stripped of her clothing, in order to humiliate her. She told him, "You can have me whipped, beaten, and cut to pieces, and then my nakedness will be hidden by my wounds, and my blood will cover my shame." subjected Anastasia to horrible tortures. The holy martyr bravely endured all of them, glorifying and praising God. When she became thirsty she asked for some water, and a Christian named Cyril gave her a drink. She thanked him, but Probus had him beheaded. her tormentors cut off her breasts and ripped out her tongue, while an Angel held her upright. When the people witnessed the inhuman and disgusting treatment the Saint received, they became indignant, and Probus was forced to end the tortures by having her beheaded. In this manner, Saint Anastasia received the unfading crown of martyrdom. Anastasia's body was thrown outside the city limits to be eaten by wild animals, but the Lord did not permit her holy relics to be dishonored. By the instructions of a holy Angel, Igoumeness Sophia found Saint Anastasia’s mutilated body. With the help of two Christians, she buried it in the earth. Anastasia the Roman should not be confused with Saint Anastasia Pharmakolytria, who is commemorated on December 22.

Rome, 250, Seven Sleepers, 250-450, wealthy, m belts, hid in cave, entrance sealed, sleep, owner resurection
Ephesus, 250, Seven Sleepers; 7 Holy Youths œSeven Sleepers of Ephesus, Commemorated on August 4; Seven Youths of Ephesus: Maximilian, Iamblicus, Martinian, John, Dionysius, Exacustodianus (Constantine) and Antoninus, lived in the third century. Saint Maximilian was the son of the Ephesus city administrator, and the other six youths were sons of illustrious citizens of Ephesus. The youths were friends from childhood, and all were in military service together. the emperor Decius (249-251) arrived in Ephesus, he commanded all the citizens to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods. Torture and death awaited anyone who disobeyed. The seven youths were denounced by informants, and were summoned to reply to the charges. Appearing before the emperor, the young men confessed their faith in Christ. military belts and insignia were quickly taken from them. Decius permitted them to go free, however, hoping that they would change their minds while he was off on a military campaign. The youths fled from the city and hid in a cave on Mount Ochlon, where they passed their time in prayer, preparing for martyrdom. youngest of them, Saint Iamblicus, dressed as a beggar and went into the city to buy bread. On one of his excursions into the city, he heard that the emperor had returned and was looking for them. Saint Maximilian urged his companions to come out of the cave and present themselves for trial. where the young men were hidden, the emperor ordered that the entrance of the cave be sealed with stones so that the saints would perish from hunger and thirst. Two of the dignitaries at the blocked entrance to the cave were secret Christians. Desiring to preserve the memory of the saints, they placed in the cave a sealed container containing two metal plaques. On them were inscribed the names of the seven youths and the details of their suffering and death. Lord placed the youths into a miraculous sleep lasting almost two centuries. In the meantime, the persecutions against Christians had ceased. During the reign of the holy emperor Theodosius the Younger (408-450) there were heretics who denied that there would be a general resurrection of the dead at the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Some of them said, “How can there be a resurrection of the dead when there will be neither soul nor body, since they are disintegrated?” Others affirmed, “The souls alone will have a restoration, since it would be impossible for bodies to arise and live after a thousand years, when even their dust would not remain.” Therefore, the Lord revealed the mystery of the Resurrection of the Dead and of the future life through His seven saints. owner of the land on which Mount Ochlon was situated, discovered the stone construction, and his workers opened up the entrance to the cave. The Lord had kept the youths alive, and they awoke from their sleep, unaware that almost two hundred years had passed. Their bodies and clothing were completely undecayed. to accept torture, the youths once again asked Saint Iamblicus to buy bread for them in the city. Going toward the city, the youth was astonished to see a cross on the gates. Hearing the name of Jesus Christ freely spoken, he began to doubt that he was approaching his own city. he paid for the bread, Iamblicus gave the merchant coins with the image of the emperor Decius on it. He was detained, as someone who might be concealing a horde of old money. They took Saint Iamblicus to the city administrator, who also happened to be the Bishop of Ephesus. Hearing the bewildering answers of the young man, the bishop perceived that God was revealing some sort of mystery through him, and went with other people to the cave. the entrance to the cave the bishop found the sealed container and opened it. He read upon the metal plaques the names of the seven youths and the details of the sealing of the cave on the orders of the emperor Decius. Going into the cave and seeing the saints alive, everyone rejoiced and perceived that the Lord, by waking them from their long sleep, was demonstrating to the Church the mystery of the Resurrection of the Dead. the emperor himself arrived in Ephesus and spoke with the young men in the cave. Then the holy youths, in sight of everyone, lay their heads upon the ground and fell asleep again, this time until the General Resurrection. emperor wanted to place each of the youths into a jeweled coffin, but they appeared to him in a dream and said that their bodies were to be left upon the ground in the cave. In the twelfth century the Russian pilgrim Igumen Daniel saw the holy relics of the seven youths in the cave. is a second commemoration of the seven youths on October 22. According to one tradition, which entered into the Russian Prologue (of Saints’ Lives), the youths fell asleep for the second time on this day. The Greek Menaion of 1870 says that they first fell asleep on August 4, and woke up on October 22. is a prayer of the Seven Sleepers of Ephesus in the Great Book of Needs (Trebnik) for those who are ill and cannot sleep. The Seven Sleepers are also mentioned in the service for the Church New Year, September 1.

Rome, 250, Epimachus of Pelusium, Apostle Epimachus of Alexandria, drop of his blood healed woman's eye
Egypt, 250, Epimachus of Pelusium, Apostle Epimachus of Alexandria; Pelusium; Venerable Isidore of Pelusium, Commemorated February 4 ; Apostle Epimachus of Alexandria, Commemorated on October 31 ; Holy Martyr Epimachus of Alexandria was a native of Egypt. For a long time he lived in seclusion on Mount Peleusium. During a persecution against Christians at Alexandria (about the year 250), Saint Epimachus in his fervent zeal came into the city, destroyed pagan idols, and fearlessly confessed Christ. For this the saint was put to torture. Among the people watching the torture was a woman who was blind in one eye. A drop of blood from the martyr healed her infirmity. fierce tortures, the saint was beheaded by the sword. Epimachus is also commemorated on March 11. Translation of the relics of the Martyr Epimachus of Pelusium, Commemorated on March 11; Venerable Bessarion the Wonderworker of Egypt, Commemorated on June 6; Venerable Paisius the Great, Commemorated on June 19;

Rome, 250, Apostle Epimachus of Alexandria, Mt Peleusium, came to city, destroyed idols and confessed
Egypt, 30-1st Century, Apostle Epimachus of Alexandria; Alexandria; Apostle Epimachus of Alexandria, Commemorated on October 31 ; Holy Martyr Epimachus of Alexandria was a native of Egypt. For a long time he lived in seclusion on Mount Peleusium. a persecution against Christians at Alexandria (about the year 250), Saint Epimachus in his fervent zeal came into the city, destroyed pagan idols, and fearlessly confessed Christ. this the saint was put to torture. Among the people watching the torture was a woman who was blind in one eye. A drop of blood from the martyr healed her infirmity. fierce tortures, the saint was beheaded by the sword. Epimachus is also commemorated on March 11.

Rome, 250 3rd Century, Greatmartyr Parasceva of Iconium, celibate, confessor, torment, to the bone, miraculously healed, martyred
Lyconia, 250, Greatmartyr Parasceva of Iconium; Iconium; Greatmartyr Parasceva of Iconium, Commemorated on October 28 ; Great Martyr Paraskeva of Iconium, lived during the third century in a rich and pious family. The parents of the saint especially reverenced Friday, the day of the Passion of the Lord, and therefore they called their daughter Paraskeva. This name, Paraskeva, also means Friday. Paraskeva with all her heart loved purity and the loftiness of the virginal life, and she took a vow of celibacy. She wanted to devote all her life to God and to enlighten pagans with the light of Christ. of her confession of the Orthodox Faith, the pagans in a frenzy seized her and brought her to the city prefect. They demanded that she offer unholy sacrifice to the pagan idols. With a steady heart, and trusting on God, the saint refused this demand. For this she underwent great torments: after stripping her, they tied her to a tree and beat her with rods. Then the torturers raked her pure body with iron claws. Finally, they threw her into prison, exhausted by the torture and lacerated to the bone. But God did not forsake the holy sufferer, and miraculously healed her wounds. Not heeding this divine miracle, the executioners continued with their torture of Saint Paraskevḗ, and finally, they cut off her head. Paraskeva has always enjoyed a special love and veneration among the Orthodox people. Many pious customs and observances are associated with her. In the ancient Russian accounts of the Saints’ Lives, the name of the Great Martyr is inscribed as: Saint Paraskeva, also called Piatnitsa (in Russian: Friday). Churches dedicated to Saint Paraskeva in antiquity were given the name Piatnitsa. Small wayside chapels in Rus received the name Piatnitsa. The simple Russian people called the Martyr Paraskeva variously Piatnitsa, Piatina, Petka. of Saint Paraskeva were especially venerated and embellished by the faithful. Russian iconographers usually depicted the martyr as an austere ascetic, tall of stature, with a radiant crown upon her head. Icons of the saint guard pious and happy households. By Church belief, Saint Paraskevḗ is protectress of fields and cattle. Therefore, on her Feastday it was the custom to bring fruit to church to be blessed. These blessed objects were kept until the following year. Moreover, Saint Paraskeva is invoked for protection of cattle from disease. She is also a healer of people from grievous illness of both body and soul.

Rome, 250 3rd Century, Dorostolum, chosen to imitate and die as Saturn, he rejected indulgence, and confessed Christ
Bulgaria, 250 or 3rd Century, Dorostolum, Bulgaria, chosen to imitate and die as Saturn, he rejected the indulgence, immoral pleasures, and confessed Christ, many saved, he tortured cruelly and beheaded; Dorostolum (Dorostorum); Martyr Dasius of Dorostorum, Commemorated November 20 ; Holy Martyr Dasius lived during the third century in the city of Dorostorum on the Danube River. inhabitants of the city were preparing for a festival in honor of the pagan god Saturn. custom, thirty days before the celebration they selected a handsome youth, dressed him in fine clothing, accorded him royal honors, and he would go forth in public made up like Saturn. thirty days, he would indulge in wicked deeds and immoral pleasures. On the day of the feast he was brought before the idols and put to the sword as a sacrifice to Saturn. choice of his compatriots fell upon Saint Dasius, since in the city there was not a more handsome youth. of this, the saint said, “If I am fated to die, then it’s better to die for Christ as a Christian.” He openly confessed his faith in Christ before his fellow citizens and refused to take part in the shameful ritual. He denounced the impiety and error of the idolaters and converted many of them to Christ. on the orders of the emperors Diocletian (284-305) and Maximian (305-311), he was beheaded after cruel tortures.

Rome, 250 3rd Century, Barbara and Juliana at Heliopolis, B's Bathhouse, trinity of light, traced cross miraculously etched
Syria, 250 3rd Century, Barbara and Juliana at Heliopolis, in Syria, tower, pagan teachers, beauty, first cause questions, idols human hands w, not able to make, desire to know god life' goal, virginity, fame her beauty, refused marriage, warned father of split, permitted freedom, christian maidens, priest disguised merchant, baptism, Barbara's bathhouse, trinity of light, traced cross, miraculously etched, footprints too, healing water, many B miracles, father's rage, escape, hill opens up, crevice, shepherds, torture, Jesus, Juliana's sympathetic loud voice, torture, angel c nakedness w robe, beheaded by f and perfect, both killed by lightning; Barbara, known in the Eastern Orthodox Church as the Great Martyr Barbara, was an early Christian Lebanese and Greek saint and martyr. Accounts place her in the 3rd century in Heliopolis Phoenicia, present-day Baalbek, Lebanon.[1][2] There is no reference to her in the authentic early Christian writings nor in the original recension of Saint Jerome's martyrology. Despite the legends detailing her story, the earliest references to her supposed 3rd-century life do not appear until the 7th century, and veneration of her was common, especially in the East, from the 9th century.[3] of doubts about the historicity of her legend,[4] she was removed from the General Roman Calendar in the 1969 revision, though not from the Catholic Church's list of saints.[5] Barbara is often portrayed with miniature chains and a tower. As one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, Barbara continues to be a popular saint in modern times, perhaps best known as the patron saint of armourers, artillerymen, military engineers, miners and others who work with explosives because of her legend's association with lightning, and also of mathematicians. A 15th-century French version of her story credits her with thirteen miracles, many of which reflect the security she offered that her devotees would not die before getting to make confession and receiving extreme unction.[3] Heliopolis, in Syria (Baalbeck, Lebanon); Greatmartyr Barbara at Heliopolis, in Syria, Commemorated December 4 ; Holy Great Martyr Barbara lived and suffered during the reign of the emperor Maximian (305-311). Her father, the pagan Dioscorus, was a rich and illustrious man in the Syrian city of Heliopolis. After the death of his wife, he devoted himself to his only daughter. Barbara’s extraordinary beauty, Dioscorus decided to hide her from the eyes of strangers. Therefore, he built a tower for Barbara, where only her pagan teachers were allowed to see her. From the tower there was a view of hills stretching into the distance. By day she was able to gaze upon the wooded hills, the swiftly flowing rivers, and the meadows covered with a mottled blanket of flowers; by night the harmonious and majestic vault of the heavens twinkled and provided a spectacle of inexpressible beauty. the virgin began to ask herself questions about the First Cause and Creator of so harmonious and splendid a world. she became convinced that the souless idols were merely the work of human hands. her father and teachers offered them worship, she realized that the idols could not have made the surrounding world. desire to know the true God so consumed her soul that Barbara decided to devote all her life to this goal, to spend her life in virginity. fame of her beauty spread throughout the city, and many sought her hand in marriage. But despite the entreaties of her father, she refused all of them. warned her father that his persistence might end tragically and separate them forever. Dioscorus decided that the temperament of his daughter had been affected by her life of seclusion. therefore permitted her to leave the tower and gave her full freedom in her choice of friends and acquaintances. Barbara met young Christian maidens in the city, and they taught her about the Creator of the world, about the Trinity, and about the Divine Logos. the Providence of God, a priest arrived in Heliopolis from Alexandria disguised as a merchant. After instructing her in the mysteries of the Christian Faith, he baptized Barbara, then returned to his own country. this time a luxurious bathhouse was being built at the house of Dioscorus. By his orders the workers prepared to put two windows on the south side. But Barbara, taking advantage of her father’s absence, asked them to make a third window, thereby forming a Trinity of light. one of the walls of the bath-house Barbara traced a cross with her finger. The cross was deeply etched into the marble, as if by an iron instrument. her footprints were imprinted on the stone steps of the bathhouse. water of the bathhouse had great healing power. Simeon Metaphrastes (November 9) compared the bathhouse to the stream of Jordan and the Pool of Siloam, because by God’s power, many miracles took place there. Dioscorus returned and expressed dissatisfaction about the change in his building plans, his daughter told him about how she had come to know the Triune God, about the saving power of the Son of God, and about the futility of worshipping idols. went into a rage, grabbed a sword and was on the point of striking her with it. The holy virgin fled from her father, and he rushed after her in pursuit. His way became blocked by a hill, which opened up and concealed the saint in a crevice. the other side of the crevice was an entrance leading upwards. Saint Barbara managed then to conceal herself in a cave on the opposite slope of the hill. a long and fruitless search for his daughter, Dioscorus saw two shepherds on the hill. One of them showed him the cave where the saint had hidden. Dioscorus beat his daughter terribly, and then placed her under guard and tried to wear her down with hunger. he handed her over to the prefect of the city, named Martianus. They beat Saint Barbara fiercely: they struck her with rawhide, and rubbed her wounds with a hair cloth to increase her pain. By night Saint Barbara prayed fervently to her Heavenly Bridegroom, and the Savior Himself appeared and healed her wounds. Then they subjected the saint to new, and even more frightful torments. the crowd where the martyr was tortured was the virtuous Christian woman Juliana, an inhabitant of Heliopolis. Her heart was filled with sympathy for the voluntary martyrdom of the beautiful and illustrious maiden. Juliana also wanted to suffer for Christ. She began to denounce the torturers in a loud voice, and they seized her. martyrs were tortured for a long time. Their bodies were raked and wounded with hooks, and then they were led naked through the city amidst derision and jeers. Through the prayers of Saint Barbara the Lord sent an angel who covered the nakedness of the holy martyrs with a splendid robe. Then the steadfast confessors of Christ, Saints Barbara and Juliana, were beheaded. Dioscorus himself executed Saint Barbara. The wrath of God was not slow to punish both torturers, Martianus and Dioscorus. They were killed after being struck by lightning. the sixth century the relics of the holy Great Martyr Barbara were transferred to Constantinople. Six hundred years later, they were transferred to Kiev (July 11) by Barbara, the daughter of the Byzantine Emperor Alexius Comnenos, Barbara, wife of the Russian prince Michael Izyaslavich. They rest even now at Kiev’s Saint Vladimir cathedral, where an Akathist to the saint is served each Tuesday. pious Orthodox Christians are in the habit of chanting the Troparion of Saint Barbara each day, recalling the Savior’s promise to her that those who remembered her and her sufferings would be preserved from a sudden, unexpected death, and would not depart this life without benefit of the Holy Mysteries of Christ.

Rome, 251-253, Pope, Cornelius, supported lapsed members return to communion, martyred
Roman Pope, 251-253, Cornelius; CYPRIAN OF CARTHAGE, BISHOP AND MARTYR (15 SEP 258) ; Venerable Paul the Simple of Egypt, Commemorated on October 4;

Rome, 251-253, Emperor, Volusian, Pagan, f and b d in plague, k by troups
Roman Emperor, 251-253, Volusian; Hieromartyr Cyprian the Bishop of Carthage, Commemorated on August 31; St Coronatus the Bishop of Nicomedia, Commemorated September 12 ; Hieromartyr Dionysius the Bishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on October 5; Hieromartyr Dionysius of Paris, Bishop, Commemorated on October 9; St Alexander the Bishop at Adrianopolis, Commemorated on October 22; Martyr Anastasia of Thessalonica, Commemorated on October 30; Apostle Epimachus of Alexandria, Commemorated on October 31; Nun-Martyr Eugenia of Rome, Commemorated on December 24; Venerable Paul of Thebes, Commemorated on January 15; St Fructuosis of Tarragona, Spain, Commemorated on January 21; Nun-Martyr Eugenia of Rome, Commemorated on December 24; Martyr Quadratus and the rest of Nicomedia, Commemorated on March 10; Hieromartyr Artemon the Presbyter of Laodicea in Syria, Commemorated on April 13; Martyr Apollonius of Sardis, Commemorated on July 10; Martyr Aquilina of Byblos in Syria, Commemorated on June 13 ;

Rome, 253-257, Pope, Stephen, anti novatian, converted many, martyrdom destroyed pagan temple
Roman Pope, 253-257, St Stephen of Rome; Hieromartyr Stephen the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on August 2 ; Hieromartyr Stephen, Pope of Rome, suffered in the year 257 during the reign of the emperor Valerian (253-259). Stephen, occupying the throne (253-257) of the holy First Bishop of Rome, zealously contended against the heresy of Novatus, which taught that it is not proper to receive back those returning from heresy. hiding during a persecution against Christians, Saint Stephen baptized many pagans, including the military tribune Nemesius. He converted to Christ after the saint healed his daughter Lucilla. Nemesius, who was ordained as a deacon, was beheaded along with his daughter. steward Symphronius was brought by the tribune Olympius into the temple of Mars for torture. His prayer shattered the golden idol, after which the tribune with his wife Exuperia and his son Theodolus believed and were baptized. They were all burned alive, and their remains were buried by holy Pope Stephen. twelve of his clergy were beheaded: Bonus, Faustus, Maurus, Primitivus, Calumniosus, John, Exuperantus, Cyril, Theodore, Basil, Castelus, Honoratus and Tertullinus, all converted by Saint Stephen. Finally, Saint Stephen himself was led before the emperor Valerian (253-259) , who condemned him to beheading with a sword in the temple of Mars. the prayers of the saint, a large part of the pagan temple was destroyed, and the soldiers fled. The saint concealed himself in the catacombs (the resting place of Saint Lucina or Lucy), where he was later killed by soldiers while he was teaching Christians. Martyr and Archdeacon Laurence of Rome, Commemorated on August 10;

Rome, 253-259, Emperor, Valerian the Elder, Christian suppoter, then Pagan
Roman Emperor, 253-259, Valerian the Elder ; Martyr Apollonius of Sardis, Commemorated on July 10; Martyr Marcian of Iconium, Commemorated on July 13 ; Hieromartyr Stephen the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on August 2 ; Hieromartyr Antherus (Antheros) Pope of Rome, Commemorated on August 5; Martyr Marinus the Soldier at Caesarea in Palestine, Commemorated on August 7; Martyr Hippolytus of Rome, Commemorated on August 13; LAURENCE, DEACON AND MARTYR (10 AUGUST 258); Martyr and Archdeacon Laurence of Rome, Commemorated on August 10; Hieromartyr Cyprian the Bishop of Carthage, Commemorated on August 31 ; St Coronatus the Bishop of Nicomedia, Commemorated September 12 ; CYPRIAN OF CARTHAGE, BISHOP AND MARTYR (15 SEP 258) ; Hieromartyr Dionysius the Bishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on October 5 ; Hieromartyr Dionysius of Paris, Bishop, Commemorated on October 9; Martyr Anastasia of Thessalonica, Commemorated on October 30; Martyr Quadratus and the rest of Nicomedia, Commemorated on March 10 ; St Alexander the Bishop at Adrianopolis, Commemorated on October 22; Greatmartyr Mercurius of Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated on November 24; Nun-Martyr Eugenia of Rome, Commemorated on December 24; Martyr Polyeuctus of Melitene, in Armenia, Commemorated on January 9; Venerable Paul of Thebes, Commemorated on January 15; St Fructuosis of Tarragona, Spain, Commemorated on January 21; Nun-Martyr Eugenia of Rome, Commemorated on December 24; Martyr Nicephorus of Antioch, in Syria, Commemorated on February 9; Martyr Quadratus and the rest of Nicomedia, Commemorated on March 10; Hieromartyr Artemon the Presbyter of Laodicea in Syria, Commemorated on April 13; Martyr Leonidas of Corinth, Commemorated on April 16; St Alban the Protomartyr of Britain, Commemorated on June 22; Martyr Agrippina of Rome, Commemorated on June 23;

Rome, 257-258, Pope Sixtus II, martyred by Valerian
Roman Pope, 257-258, Pope Sixtus II; Sixtus II was bishop of Rome from 31 August 257 until his death on 6 August 258. He was martyred along with seven deacons, including Lawrence of Rome, during the persecution of Christians by the Emperor Valerian.[1] Hieromartyr Stephen the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on August 2 ; Martyr and Archdeacon Laurence of Rome, Commemorated on August 10;

Rome, 257-275, Synetus, Reader, Rome (Aniene River, Tiber River 5), Tortured and beheaded for his confession
Rome, 257-275, Synetus, Reader, Rome (Aniene River, Tiber River 5), Tortured and beheaded for his confession; Rome; Martyr Synetus of Rome, Commemorated on December 12; Holy Martyr Synetus (the name is derived from the Greek word meaning “man of reason”) was a Roman by birth, and was a reader in the Roman Church under Pope Sixtus (257-258). He was subjected to torture, and was beheaded for his brave confession of faith in the time of the emperor Aurelian (270-275).

Rome, 259-268, Emperor, Gallienus, C Supporter then Pagan, Third Century Crisis, successions, k in conspiracy
Roman Emperor, 259-268, Gallienus ; ( c. 218 -“ September 268) was Roman emperor with his father Valerian from 22 October 253 to spring 260 and alone from spring 260 to September 268. He ruled during the Crisis of the Third Century that nearly caused the collapse of the empire. While he won a number of military victories, he was unable to prevent the secession of important provinces. His 15-year reign was the longest in half a century. into a wealthy and traditional senatorial family, Gallienus was the son of Valerian and Mariniana. Valerian became Emperor on 22 October 253 and had the Roman senate elevate Gallienus to the ranks of Caesar and Augustus. Valerian divided the empire between him and his son, with Valerian ruling the east and his son the west. Gallienus defeated the usurper Ingenuus in 258 and destroyed an Alemanni army at Mediolanum in 259. defeat and capture of Valerian at Edessa in 260 by the Sasanian Empire threw the Roman Empire into the chaos of civil war. Control of the whole empire passed to Gallienus. He defeated the eastern usurpers Macrianus Major and Lucius Mussius Aemilianus in 261-“262 but failed to stop the formation of the breakaway Gallic Empire under general Postumus. Aureolus, another usurper, proclaimed himself emperor in Mediolanum in 268 but was defeated outside the city by Gallienus and besieged inside. While the siege was ongoing, Gallienus was stabbed to death by the officer Cecropius as part of a conspiracy. Martyr Marinus the Soldier at Caesarea in Palestine, Commemorated on August 7; St Alexander the Bishop at Adrianopolis, Commemorated on October 22; Martyr Anastasia of Thessalonica, Commemorated on October 30; Nun-Martyr Eugenia of Rome, Commemorated on December 24; Nun-Martyr Eugenia of Rome, Commemorated on December 24; Venerable Paul of Thebes, Commemorated on January 15 ; Martyr Nicephorus of Antioch, in Syria, Commemorated on February 9; Hieromartyr Artemon the Presbyter of Laodicea in Syria, Commemorated on April 13;

Rome, 268-270, Emperor, Claudius II, Pagan, success against Goths and Alemanni Germans, died from Cyprian Plague
Roman Emperor, 268-270, Claudius Gothicus; Aurelius Claudius 'Gothicus' (10 May 214 -January 270), also known as Claudius II, was Roman emperor from 268 to 270. his reign he fought successfully against the Alemanni and decisively defeated the Goths at the Battle of Naissus. He died after succumbing to "pestilence", possibly the Plague of Cyprian that had ravaged the provinces of the Empire. Martyr Marinus and his wife and children and those with them at Rome, Commemorated on July 6; Hieromartyr Valentine the Bishop of Interamna, Terni in Italy, Commemorated on July 30; Venerable Ammon, Commemorated on October 4; St Alexander the Bishop at Adrianopolis, Commemorated on October 22; Martyr Anastasia of Thessalonica, Commemorated on October 30; Martyr Marinus of Rome, Commemorated on December 16; Venerable Paul of Thebes, Commemorated on January 15 ; Hieromartyr Artemon the Presbyter of Laodicea in Syria, Commemorated on April 13;

Rome, 269, Saint Valentine of Terni, healed child's contorted spine
Roman Saint, 269, Saint Valentine of Terni; Hieromartyr Valentine the Bishop of Interamna, Terni in Italy, Commemorated on July 30; Hieromartyr Bishop Valentine and his three disciples, Proculus, Ephebus and Apollonius, and the righteous Abundius lived during the third century. Saint Valentine was a bishop in Umbria (Italy), in the city of Interamna. He received from God the gift of healing various maladies. this time three pagan youths, Proculus, Ephebus and Apollonius, came from Athens to Rome to study.They found a tutor named Craton, and lived in his home. Craton’s son Cherimon fell grievously ill, and his spine was so contorted that his head was bent down to his knees. Craton asked Bishop Valentine to help his sick son. holy bishop went into the sick child’s room and prayed fervently all night. When day came, the happy parents saw their son had been healed. They believed in Christ and were baptized with all their household. ’s students, Proculus, Ephebus and Apollonius were also baptized and became devoted disciples of Saint Valentine. The bishop’s fame quickly spread, and many were converted to Christ. Among them was the city prefect’s son, Abundius, who openly confessed himself a Christian. This was a bold thing to do, since paganism prevailed in the world, and Christianity was persecuted. wrath of the prefect and other city leaders fell upon Bishop Valentine, the teacher of the youths. They demanded that he renounce Christ and worship the idols. much torture they threw him into prison, where his followers visited him. Learning of this, the prefect gave orders to take Valentine out of the prison and behead him. Saint Valentine’s students Proculus, Ephebus, and Apollonius took the body of their teacher and carried it to the city of Interamnum, where they buried it. believers and pagans were drawn to them, and they converted many idolaters to the true Faith. When the authorities heard about this, they arrested the youths and threw them in prison. Fearing that people might break the sufferers out of prison, the executioners beheaded them by night. learning that his friends had been locked in prison, hastened to see them, but found that they had already been executed. He buried their bodies near the grave of holy Bishop Valentine.

Rome, 270-275, Emperor, Aurelian, unprecedntd series of v, reunited E, Restorer of World
Roman Emperor, 270-275, Aurelian ; Martyr Patroclus of Troyes, Commemorated August 17 ; Martyr Paul of Syria, Commemorated August 17 ; Hieromartyr Athanasius the Bishop of Tarsus in Cilicia, Commemorated on August 22 ; Venerable Anthusa the Nun, Commemorated August 22 ; Martyr Mamas of Caesarea in Cappadocia, Commemorated on September 2 ; Martyr Theodotus of Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated on September 2 ; St Alexander the Bishop at Adrianopolis, Commemorated on October 22; Martyr Anastasia of Thessalonica, Commemorated on October 30; Martyr Heliodorus in Pamphylia, Commemorated on November 19; Martyr Philoumenus of Ancyra, Commemorated on November 29; Martyr Synetus of Rome, Commemorated on December 12; Martyr Boniface at Tarsus, in Cilicia, Commemorated on December 19; Righteous Aglaida (Aglae) of Rome, Commemorated on December 19; Venerable Paul of Thebes, Commemorated on January 15; Venerable and God-bearing Father Anthony the Great, Commemorated on January 17; Martyr Paul and his sister, Commemorated on March 4 ; Martyr Paul and his sister, Commemorated on March 4 ; Monkmartyr Conon and his son of Iconium, Commemorated on March 6; Hieromartyr Alexander of Side, in Pamphylia, Commemorated on March 15; Hieromartyr Alexander of Side, in Pamphylia, Commemorated on March 15; GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR, APOSTLE TO ARMENIA (23 March 332); Hieromartyr Artemon the Presbyter of Laodicea in Syria, Commemorated on April 13; Martyr Sava Stratelates œthe GeneralÂ of Rome, Commemorated on April 24; Martyr Lucillian and those who suffered with him at Byzantium Commemorated on June 3;

Rome, 270-275, Heliodorus in Magidum, Pamphylia, Lykaonia, Martyr, fierce tortures, beheaded
Lykaonia, 270-275, Heliodorus in Magidum, Pamphylia, Lykaonia; Magydos, half way between Perge and Antalya; Martyr Heliodorus in Pamphylia, Commemorated on November 19 ; Holy Martyr Heliodorus lived during the reign of the emperor Aurelian (270-275) in the city of Magidum (Pamphylia). ruler of the city, Aetius, subjected the saint to fierce tortures for his faith in Christ and had him beheaded. Hieromartyr Nestor the Bishop of Magydos in Pamphylia, Commemorated on February 28 ;

Rome, 276-282, Emperor, Marcus Aurelius Probus, Pagan, successful g, prosperity, Senate facade, d Germans, re fort
Roman Emperor, 276-282, Probus, Marcus Aurelius Probus; Aurelius Probus (19 August 232 -September 282) was Roman emperor from 276 to 282. Probus was an active and successful general as well as a conscientious administrator, and in his reign of six years he secured prosperity for the inner provinces while withstanding repeated invasions of barbarian tribes on almost every sector of the frontier.[6] repelling the foreign enemies of the empire Probus was forced to handle several internal revolts, but demonstrated leniency and moderation to the vanquished wherever possible.[7] In his reign the facade of the constitutional authority of the Roman Senate was fastidiously maintained, and the conqueror, who had carried his army to victory over the Rhine, professed himself dependent on the sanction of the Senate.[8] defeating the Germans, Probus re-erected the ancient fortifications of emperor Hadrian between the Rhine and Danube rivers, protecting the Agri Decumates,[9] and exacted from the vanquished a tribute of manpower to resettle depopulated provinces within the empire and provide for adequate defense of the frontiers.[10] Despite his widespread popularity, Probus was killed in a mutiny of the soldiers while in the middle of preparations for the Persian war, which would be carried out under his successor Carus.[11] St Alexander the Bishop at Adrianopolis, Commemorated on October 22; Martyr Anastasia of Thessalonica, Commemorated on October 30; Venerable Paul of Thebes, Commemorated on January 15; Venerable and God-bearing Father Anthony the Great, Commemorated on January 17; GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR, APOSTLE TO ARMENIA (23 March 332); Hieromartyr Artemon the Presbyter of Laodicea in Syria, Commemorated on April 13; St Metrophanes the first Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 4;

Rome, 277-331, Gregory the Illuminator, Bishop of Greater Armenia
Armenia, 277-331, Gregory the Illuminator, Bishop of Greater Armenia; Hieromartyr Gregory the Bishop of Greater Armenia, Equal of the Apostles and Enlightener of Armenia, Commemorated on September 30;

Rome, 280-290, Rhipsime or Hripsime, beautiful and modest, wanted by diocledian&tridates, she suffered for virginity
Armenia, 280-290, Rhipsime orHripsime; Martyr Rhipsime of Armenia, Commemorated on September 30; Ripsimia suffered martyrdom in the year 292, during the reign of Diocletian (284-304). was very beautiful in terms of her outward appearance, and modest in her In those days, Diocletian sent men throughout the Empire to find a maiden fairer than all others for him to marry. They found Saint Ripsimia, who had consecrated her virginity to Christ, and was living in a community of women in Asia Minor, of which Saint Gaiane was the Superior. The messengers had a portrait of Ripsimia made and sent it to Diocletian. Emperor was captivated by her beauty, and he sent her a letter, asking her to be his wife. Ripsimia, who had Christ as her heavenly Bridegroom, did not want to marry anyone else. Therefore, the nuns decided to take refuge in Arnenia. On the way, they endured hunger, thirst, and many other trials. settled in a vineyard on the slopes of Mount Ararat, and the stronger women would go into the city to work for people in order to earn money to purchase food and other necessities. All the women were willing to endure exile, and to bear every burden and sorrow for the sake of purity. Diocletian was informed that Ripsimia had fled to Armenia, he wrote to his friend King Tiridates saying, "If you find her, send her to me, or, if you wish, marry her yourself." sent his men to search for Ripsimia, and when they found her they surrounded the area so that she could not escape. When he learned how beautiful she was, Tiridates sent her presents and raiment worthy of a queen, so that she might appear before him in a suitable fashion. however, acting in accordance with the instructions of Saint Gaiane, who had raised her from childhood, rejected these gifts and refused to go to the King. Saint Gaiane told the messengers that these virgins were already betrothed to Christ, and that it was impossible for them to enter into an earthly marriage. the messengers told Tiridates what had happened, he became very angry. He sent one of his princes and an army of soldiers to kill all the virgins and to bring Ripsimia to him by force. she saw the soldiers approach the virgins with drawn swords, Saint Ripsimia told the Prince, "Take me to your King, but do not harm these virgins." Ripsimia was taken to the royal bedchamber, weeping and praying that God would preserve her virginity. Recalling how He had helped His servants in the past, how He saved Israel from Pharoah's hands, keeping Jonah in the belly of the whale for three days, and how He protected the Three Holy Youths in the fiery furnace, she believed that He would also rescue her from Tiridates. the King entered the chamber he attempted to rape her, but with God's help she became stronger than Tiridates, and he was not able to harm her. the chamber, the King commanded that Saint Gaiane be brought to him, since he had discovered that she had raised Ripsimia. The King told her to persuade Ripsimia to submit to him, but when the Eldress spoke to her she counseled her to preserve her virginity, which she had dedicated to Christ, and to remember the crown which her Bridegroom had prepared for her. Finally, she said that if the King should put her to death, she would enjoy even greater favor from Christ. that he had accomplished nothing, even though he had struggled with Ripsimia for a long time, the King began to tremble and roll around on the floor. night, Saint Ripsimia escaped and fled from the city. She found the sisters and told them how she had remained undefiled. next morning some soldiers found Ripsimia and arranged a cruel death for her. First they cut out her tongue, stripped her, tied her hands and feet to columns, and burned her with candles. Then they tore her stomach open with a sharp stone, so that her entrails fell out. Finally, they plucked her eyes out and cut off her members. Having completed her contest, she departed to Christ, the bestower of crowns. Eldress Gaiane and two other virgins suffered even greater torments. The pagans drilled through their legs, suspended them upside down, and skinned them alive. Cutting their necks from behind, they pulled their tongues out and cut them off. Next, their stomachs were cut with sharp stones so that their entrails fell to the ground. Finally, they were beheaded. other Virgin Martyrs (some sources say there were thirty-five) suffered horrible tortures, and died by the sword, then their bodies were thrown to the wild animals. addition to these holy women, seventy men who were hiding in that area also suffered martyrdom. St Nino (Nina), Equal of the Apostles and Enlightener of Georgia, Commemorated on January 14;

Rome, 282-283, Emperor, Carus, success against Germans and Sarmatians, Lightning strike while against Sassanids
Roman Emperor, 282-283, Carus ; Aurelius Carus (c. 222 – July or August 283) was Roman emperor from 282 to 283, and was 60 at ascension. During his short reign, Carus fought the Germanic tribes and Sarmatians along the Danube frontier with success. died while campaigning against the Sassanid Empire and is believed to have died of unnatural causes, as it was reported that he had been struck by lightning.[3] He was succeeded by his sons Carinus and Numerian, creating a dynasty which, though short-lived, provided further stability to the resurgent empire. Martyr Andrew Stratelates in Cilicia, Commemorated on August 19; St Alexander the Bishop at Adrianopolis, Commemorated on October 22; Martyr Anastasia of Thessalonica, Commemorated on October 30; Venerable Paul of Thebes, Commemorated on January 15; Venerable and God-bearing Father Anthony the Great, Commemorated on January 17; GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR, APOSTLE TO ARMENIA (23 March 332) ; Hieromartyr Artemon the Presbyter of Laodicea in Syria, Commemorated on April 13;

Rome, 283-284, Emperor, Carinus, Pagan then Christian after healing
Roman Emperor, 282-284, Carinus ; St Alexander the Bishop at Adrianopolis, Commemorated on October 22; Martyr Anastasia of Thessalonica, Commemorated on October 30; Venerable Paul of Thebes, Commemorated on January 15; Venerable and God-bearing Father Anthony the Great, Commemorated on January 17; GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR, APOSTLE TO ARMENIA (23 March 332); Hieromartyr Artemon the Presbyter of Laodicea in Syria, Commemorated on April 13; Holy Wonderworking Unmercenary Physicians Cosmas and Damian at Rome, Commemorated on July 1 ;

Rome, 283-284, Emperor, Numerian, died after sharing power with his brother Carinus
Roman Emperor, 283-284, Numerian ; (3] died 20 November 284) was Roman emperor from 283 to 284 with his older brother Carinus. They were sons of Carus, a general raised to the office of praetorian prefect under Emperor Probus in 282.[4] 1 Early life and Carus' reign 1.1 Numerian and Carinus as Augusti 1.2 After Numerian's death 2 Character 3 Family tree 4 Citations 5 References 5.1 Primary sources 5.2 Secondary sources 6 External links life and Carus' reign[edit] was the younger son of Carus.[4] In 282, the legions of the upper Danube in Raetia and Noricum proclaimed as emperor Numerian's father, the praetorian prefect Marcus Aurelius Carus, after a mutiny against the emperor Probus, in which the latter was killed.[5][6] By one account, Carus had himself rebelled against the emperor, and Probus' army, stationed in Sirmium (Sremska Mitrovica, Serbia), decided they did not wish to fight Carus and assassinated their emperor instead.[7] According to the Historia Augusta and the view accepted by Gibbon, Carus was not responsible for Probus's death, and inflicted severe punishment upon the murderers.[8] Carus, already sixty, wished to establish a dynasty[9] and immediately elevated Carinus and Numerian to the rank of Caesar.[10] 283, Carus left Carinus in charge of the West and moved with Numerian and his praetorian prefect Arrius Aper to the East to wage war against the Sassanid Empire. The Sassanids had been embroiled in a succession dispute since the death of Shapur and were in no position to oppose Carus' advance.[11][12] to Zonaras, Eutropius, and Festus, Carus won a major victory against the Persians, taking Seleucia and the Sassanid capital of Ctesiphon (near modern Al-Mada'in, Iraq), cities on opposite banks of the Tigris.[13] In celebration, Numerian, Carus, and Carinus all took the title Persici maximi.[14] Carus died in July or early August of 283,[4] allegedly due to a strike of lightning.[15] and Carinus as Augusti[edit] death of Carus left Numerian and Carinus as the new Augusti. Carinus quickly made his way to Rome from Gaul, arriving in January 284, while Numerian lingered in the East.[16] The Roman retreat from Persia was orderly and unopposed, for the Persian King, Bahram II, was still struggling to establish his authority.[17] March 284, Numerian had only reached Emesa (Homs) in Syria; by November, only Asia Minor.[18] In Emesa he was apparently still alive and in good health, as he issued the only extant rescript in his name there.[19] Coins were issued in his name in Cyzicus at some time before the end of 284, but it is impossible to know whether he was still in the public eye by that point.[20] Emesa, Numerian's staff, including the prefect Aper, reported that Numerian suffered from an inflammation of the eyes and had to travel in a closed coach.[21] When the army reached Bithynia,[16] or Thrace,[22] some of Numerian's soldiers smelled an odor reminiscent of a decaying corpse emanating from the coach.[17] They opened its curtains and found Numerian dead.[23] Gibbon, however, dismisses with derision the report of the stench of Numerian's decay: "Could no aromatics be found in the Imperial house-hold?"[24] Numerian's death[edit] officially broke the news of Numerian's death in Nicomedia (Ä°zmit) in November 284,[25] though Gibbon represents the occurrence of this event at Heraclea, in Thrace, and the discovery, which the prefect attempted to conceal, as due to the forwardness of the soldiery, who forced open the Imperial tent to investigate for themselves the situation of their invisible monarch.[26] Numerian's generals and tribunes called a council for the succession, which met at Chalcedon across the Bosphorus, where they chose as emperor Diocletian, commander of the cavalry arm of the imperial bodyguard,[27] despite Aper's attempts to garner support.[25] The army of the east unanimously saluted their new Augustus. Diocletian accepted the purple imperial vestments and raised his sword to the light of the sun, swearing an oath denying responsibility for Numerian's death. He asserted that Aper had killed Numerian and concealed the deed. In full view of the army, Diocletian then turned and killed Aper, who had been hauled bound before the assembly.[28][29] to the Historia Augusta, Numerian was a man of considerable literary attainments, remarkably amiable, and known as a great orator and poet. Allegedly, the senate raised him a statue, inscribed To the most powerful of orators.[30] St Alexander the Bishop at Adrianopolis, Commemorated on October 22; Martyr Anastasia of Thessalonica, Commemorated on October 30; Venerable Paul of Thebes, Commemorated on January 15; Venerable and God-bearing Father Anthony the Great, Commemorated on January 17; Martyr Chrysanthus and those with him at Rome, Commemorated on March 19; GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR, APOSTLE TO ARMENIA (23 March 332); Hieromartyr Artemon the Presbyter of Laodicea in Syria, Commemorated on April 13; Martyr Thallelaeus at Aegae in Cilicia, Commemorated on May 20; ALBAN, FIRST MARTYR OF BRITAIN (22 JUNE 304); Holy Wonderworking Unmercenary Physicians Cosmas and Damian at Rome, Commemorated on July 1; Martyr Felix of Apollonia in Macedonia, Commemorated July 6 ;

Rome, 284-305, Emperor, Maximian Hercules, Western Half
Roman Emperor, 284-305, Maximian ; Martyr Bianor of Pisidia, Commemorated on July 10; Greatmartyr Euphemia the All-praised, Commemorated on July 11 ; Greatmartyr Marina (Margaret) of Antioch in Pisidia, Commemorated July 17 ; Hieromartyr Hermolaus at Nicomedia, Commemorated July 26 ; Greatmartyr and Healer Panteleimon, Commemorated July 27 ; Martyr Eusignius of Antioch, Commemorated on August 5; Martyr and Archdeacon Euplus of Catania, Commemorated on August 11; Hieromartyr Emilian, Commemorated on August 18 ; Martyr Andrew Stratelates in Cilicia, Commemorated on August 19; Martyr Timothy of Palestine, Commemorated on August 19; Martyr Agathonicus of Nicomedia, and others who suffered under Maximian, Commemorated on August 22; Martyr Lupus the Slave of St Demetrius of Thessalonica, Commemorated on August 23 ; Martyr Tation (Tatio) of Claudiopolis, Commemorated on August 24; Hieromartyr Anthimus the Bishop of Nicomedia, Commemorated on September 3; Martyr Basilissa of Nicomedia, Commemorated on September 3; Martyr Theophilus the Deacon of Nicomedia, Commemorated September 3 ; Martyr Theodore of Nicomedia, Commemorated September 4 ; Hieromartyr Cyril the Bishop of Gortyna, Commemorated September 6 ; Martyr Sozon of Cilicia, Commemorated September 7 ; Hieromartyr Autonomus the Bishop in Italy, Commemorated September 12 ; Greatmartyr Euphemia the All-praised, Commemorated on September 16 ; Martyr Epicharis of Rome, Commemorated on September 27; Martyr Rhipsime of Armenia, Commemorated on September 30 ; Martyr Dasius at Nicomedia, Commemorated on October 2; Hieromartyr Cyprian of Nicomedia, Commemorated on October 2 ; Martyr Sergius in Syria, Commemorated on October 7; Venerable Thais of Egypt, Commemorated on October 8; Martyr Eulampius at Nicomedia, Commemorated on October 10 ; Martyr Domnina of Anazarbus, Commemorated on October 12 ; Martyr Tarachus at Tarsus, in Cilicia, Commemorated on October 12; Hieromartyr Silvanus of Gaza, Commemorated on October 14; Martyr Lucian the Presbyter of Antioch, Commemorated on October 15; Martyr Marinus the Elder at Anazarbus, Commemorated on October 18; Blessed Cleopatra with her son in Egypt, Commemorated on October 19; Martyr Varus, Commemorated on October 19; Venerable Hilarion the Great, Commemorated on October 21; St Alexander the Bishop at Adrianopolis, Commemorated on October 22; Martyr Anastasius the Fuller at Salona in Dalmatia, Commemorated on October 25; Holy, Glorious Demetrius the Myrrh-gusher of Thessalonica, Commemorated on October 26; Martyr Lupus, Commemorated on October 26; Martyr Nestor of Thessalonica, Commemorated on October 27; Martyr Anastasia of Thessalonica, Commemorated on October 30; Hieromartyr Zenobius of Aegae in Cilicia, Commemorated on October 30; 33 Holy Martyrs of Melitene, Commemorated on November 7; Martyr Alexander of Thessalonica, Commemorated on November 9; Martyr Onesiphorus of Ephesus, Commemorated on November 9; Martyr Orestes of Cappadocia, Commemorated on November 10; Martyr Menas of Egypt, Commemorated on November 11; Martyr Vincent of Spain, Commemorated on November 11; Martyr Antoninus of Caesarea in Palestine, Commemorated on November 13 ; Martyr and Confessor Gurias of Edessa, Commemorated on November 15; Martyr Zacchaeus the Deacon of Caesarea in Palestine, Commemorated on November 18; Martyr Azes of Isauria, Commemorated on November 19; Martyr Dasius of Dorostorum, Commemorated on November 20; Martyr Eustathius of Nicea, Commemorated on November 20; Martyr Sisinius the Bishop of Cyzicus, Commemorated on November 23; Hieromartyr Peter the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on November 25; Martyr Irenarchus at Sebaste, Commemorated on November 28; Martyr Anastasius the Fuller of Salona in Dalmatia, Commemorated on December 5 ; St Crispina, Commemorated on December 5; NICHOLAS OF MYRA, FRIEND OF CHILDREN, GIVER OF GIFTS, CLIMBER OF CHIMNEYS, ETC. (6 DEC 326) ; St Nicholas the Wonderworker and Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, Commemorated on December 6; Martyr Athenodorus of Mesopotamia, Commemorated on December 7; LUCY, VIRGIN AND MARTYR, abt. 304, Commemorated December 13; Martyr Eustratius at Sebaste, Commemorated on December 13; Virginmartyr Lucy of Syracuse, Commemorated on December 13; Martyr Apollonius of Alexandria, Commemorated on December 14; Martyr Sebastian at Rome, and his companions, Commemorated on December 18; Martyr Boniface at Tarsus, in Cilicia, Commemorated on December 19; Righteous Aglaida (Aglae) of Rome, Commemorated on December 19; St Philogonius the Bishop of Antioch, Commemorated on December 20; Virginmartyr Juliana of Nicomedia, Commemorated on December 21; Greatmartyr Anastasia the œDeliverer from PotionsÂ, Commemorated on December 22; Martyr Chrysogonus the Teacher of the Greatmartyr Anastasia, Commemorated on December 22; Martyr Theodota who suffered under Diocletian, Commemorated on December 22; 20,000 Martyrs of Nicomedia, Commemorated on December 28; Martyr Philetairus of Nicomedia, Commemorated on December 30; Virginmartyr Anysia at Thessalonica, Commemorated on December 30; St. Basil the Great, Archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia, Commemorated on January 1; Zisimus of Martyrs Zosimus the Hermit and Athanasius the Commentarisius (Superintendent of Prisoners), Anchorites, of Cilicia, Commemorated on January 4; Hieromartyr Theopemptus the Bishop of Nicomedia, Commemorated on January 5; Martyr Julian at Antinoe in Egypt, Commemorated on January 8; St Carterius of Caesarea in Cappadocia, Commemorated on January 8; Martyr Mertius of Mauretania, Commemorated on January 12; Martyr Peter Apselamus of Palestine, Commemorated on January 12; St James the Bishop of Nisibis, Commemorated on January 13; St Nino (Nina), Equal of the Apostles and Enlightener of Georgia, Commemorated on January 14; Venerable Paul of Thebes, Commemorated on January 15; Venerable and God-bearing Father Anthony the Great, Commemorated on January 17; Virginmartyr Euphrasia of Nicomedia, Commemorated on January 19; Martyr Bassus at Nicomedia, Commemorated on January 20; AGNES OF ROME, MARTYR (21 JAN 304) ; Martyr Neophytus of Nicea, Commemorated on January 21; Virginmartyr Agnes of Rome, Commemorated on January 21; VINCENT OF SARAGOSSA, DEACON AND MARTYR (22 JAN 304); Hieromartyr Clement the Bishop of Ancyra, Commemorated on January 23; Martyr Agathangelus, Commemorated on January 23 ; Presbyter Ananias in Phoenicia, Commemorated on January 26; Martyr Romanus at Samosata, Commemorated on January 29; Martyr Athanasia and her daughters at Canopus in Egypt, Commemorated on January 31 ; Wonderworker and Unmercenary Cyrus, Commemorated on January 31; Martyr Helladius in Cilicia, Commemorated on February 5; Martyr Helladius in Cilicia, Commemorated on February 5; Martyr Theodula of Anazarbus in Cilicia, Commemorated on February 5; Virginmarty Fausta at Cyzicus, Commemorated on February 6 ; Virginmartyr Dorothy at Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated on February 6; 1,003 Martyrs of Nicomedia, Commemorated on February 7 ; Martyr Aule, Commemorated on February 7; Hieromartyr Blaise the Bishop of Sebaste, Commemorated on February 11; Venerable Paphnutius of Alexandria, Commemorated on February 15; Martyr Pamphilius the Presbyter at Caesarea, in Palestine, Commemorated on February 16 ; Martyr Victor of Phrygia, Commemorated on February 18 ; St Agapitus the Confessor the Bishop of Synnada in Phrygia, Commemorated on February 18; Martyr Antonina of Nicea, in Bithynia, Commemorated on March 1; Martyr Eudokia of Heliopolis, Commemorated on March 1; Martyr Agapius at Caesarea, in Palestine, Commemorated on March 15; Martyr Nicander of Egypt, Commemorated on March 15 ; Hieromartyr Trophimus of Laodicea, Commemorated on March 16 ; Martyr Sabinus of Egypt, Commemorated on March 16; Martyr Trophimus of Nicomedia, Commemorated on March 18 ; GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR, APOSTLE TO ARMENIA (23 March 332); Hieromartyr Irenaeus the Bishop of Sirmium in Hungary, Commemorated on March 26; Martyr Manuel, Commemorated on March 27; Martyr Matrona of Thessalonica, Commemorated on March 27; Martyr Agathopodes the Deacon, and those with him, at Thessalonica, Commemorated on April 5; St Platonida (Platonis) of Nisibis, Syria, Commemorated on April 6; Martyr Calliopius at Pompeiopolis in Cilicia, Commemorated on April 7 ; Hieromartyr Artemon the Presbyter of Laodicea in Syria, Commemorated on April 13; Virginmartyr Agape in Thessalonica, Commemorated on April 16 ; Martyr Victor of Nicomedia, Commemorated on April 18; Hieromartyr Paphnutius of Jerusalem, Commemorated on April 19; Martyr Christopher at Nicomedia, Commemorated on April 19; Hieromartyr Januarius the Bishop of Benevento, and his companions, at Pozzuoli, Commemorated on April 21; Martyr Isaac of Nicomedia, Commemorated on April 21; GEORGE, SOLDIER and MARTYR, 23 APRIL 303; Greatmartyr, Victory-bearer and Wonderworker George, Commemorated on April 23; Martyr Eusebius and Others, at Nicomedia, Commemorated on April 24; Martyr Pasikrates in Moesia, Bulgaria, Commemorated on April 24; Martyr Dada at Dorostolum, Commemorated on April 28 ; Martyr Diodorus the Deacon at Aphrodisias in Anatolia, Commemorated on April 29; Martyr Theognes at Cyzicus, Commemorated on April 29; Hieromartyr Albian the Bishop of Anaea in Asia Minor, Commemorated on May 4; Hieromartyr Erasmus the Bishop of Formia in Campania, Commemorated on May 4; Martyr Acacius the Centurion at Byzantium, Commemorated on May 7; Martyr Alexander of Rome, Commemorated on May 13; Martyr Solochon at Chalcedon, Commemorated on May 17 ; Martyr Caluf of Egypt, Commemorated on May 19; Martyr Asclas of Egypt, Commemorated on May 20; Martyrs of Niculitsel, Commemorated on June 4; Hieromartyr Theodotus the Bishop of Ancyra, Commemorated on June 7; Martyr Eustochius of Ancyra, Commemorated on June 23; Martyr Orentius, one of the seven martyred brothers in Georgia, Commemorated on June 24; Virginmartyr Febronia of Nisibis, Commemorated on June 25; Greatmartyr Procopius of Caesarea, in Palestine, Commemorated on July 8; Martyr Epictetus the Presbyter at Halmyris, Commemorated on July 8; Hieromartyr Cyril the Bishop of Gortyna in Crete, Commemorated on July 9 ;

Rome, 284-305, Emperor, Diocletian, Eastern Half
Rome, 284-305, Emperor Diocletian ; Martyr Bianor of Pisidia, Commemorated on July 10; Greatmartyr Euphemia the All-praised, Commemorated on July 11 ; Hieromartyr Cindeus the Presbyter of Pamphylia, Commemorated on July 11; Martyr Julita (Ulita) of Tarsus, Commemorated on July 15 ; Greatmartyr Marina (Margaret) of Antioch in Pisidia, Commemorated July 17 ; Martyr Trophimus and 14 Others in Lycia, Commemorated on July 23; Hieromartyr Hermolaus at Nicomedia, Commemorated July 26 ; Greatmartyr and Healer Panteleimon, Commemorated July 27 ; Martyr Theodota in Bithynia, Commemorated on July 29; Martyr Julitta at Caesarea, Commemorated July 31 ; Martyr Leontius of Perge in Pamphylia, Commemorated on August 1; Martyr Eusignius of Antioch, Commemorated on August 5; Martyr and Archdeacon Euplus of Catania, Commemorated on August 11; Martyr Anicetus of Nicomedia, Commemorated on August 12 ; Martyr Diomedes the Physician of Tarsus, in Cilicia, Commemorated on August 16; Hieromartyr Emilian, Commemorated on August 18 ; Martyr Andrew Stratelates in Cilicia, Commemorated on August 19; Martyr Timothy of Palestine, Commemorated on August 19; Martyr Severus and 38 Soldiers in Thrace, Commemorated on August 20; Martyr Agathonicus of Nicomedia, and others who suffered under Maximian, Commemorated on August 22; St Felix of Spain, Commemorated August 22 ; Virginmartyr Eulalia of Barcelona, Commemorated on August 22; Martyr Lupus the Slave of St Demetrius of Thessalonica, Commemorated on August 23 ; Martyr Tation (Tatio) of Claudiopolis, Commemorated on August 24; 3,628 Martyrs who suffered at Nicomedia, Commemorated on September 2 ; Hieromartyr Anthimus the Bishop of Nicomedia, Commemorated on September 3; Martyr Basilissa of Nicomedia, Commemorated on September 3; Martyr Theophilus the Deacon of Nicomedia, Commemorated September 3 ; Martyr Theodore of Nicomedia, Commemorated September 4 ; Hieromartyr Cyril the Bishop of Gortyna, Commemorated September 6 ; Martyr Sozon of Cilicia, Commemorated September 7 ; Hieromartyr Autonomus the Bishop in Italy, Commemorated September 12 ; Greatmartyr Euphemia the All-praised, Commemorated on September 16 ; Martyr Epicharis of Rome, Commemorated on September 27; Martyr Rhipsime of Armenia, Commemorated on September 30 ; Martyr Dasius at Nicomedia, Commemorated on October 2 ; Hieromartyr Cyprian of Nicomedia, Commemorated on October 2 ; Martyr Charitina of Amisus, Commemorated on October 5; Martyr Sergius in Syria, Commemorated on October 7; Martyr Pelagia of Tarsus, Commemorated on October 7; Venerable Thais of Egypt, Commemorated on October 8; Virginmartyr Pelagia of Antioch, Commemorated on October 8; Martyr Eulampius at Nicomedia, Commemorated on October 10 ; Martyr Tarachus at Tarsus, in Cilicia, Commemorated on October 12; Hieromartyr Silvanus of Gaza, Commemorated on October 14; Martyr Lucian the Presbyter of Antioch, Commemorated on October 15; Martyr Marinus the Elder at Anazarbus, Commemorated on October 18; Blessed Cleopatra with her son in Egypt, Commemorated on October 19; Martyr Varus, Commemorated on October 19; Venerable Hilarion the Great, Commemorated on October 21; St Alexander the Bishop at Adrianopolis, Commemorated on October 22; Martyr Anastasius the Fuller at Salona in Dalmatia, Commemorated on October 25; Holy, Glorious Demetrius the Myrrh-gusher of Thessalonica, Commemorated on October 26; Martyr Lupus, Commemorated on October 26; Greatmartyr Parasceva of Iconium, Commemorated on October 28; Martyr Anastasia of Thessalonica, Commemorated on October 30; Hieromartyr Zenobius of Aegae in Cilicia, Commemorated on October 30; 33 Holy Martyrs of Melitene, Commemorated on November 7; Martyr Alexander of Thessalonica, Commemorated on November 9; Martyr Onesiphorus of Ephesus, Commemorated on November 9; Martyr Orestes of Cappadocia, Commemorated on November 10; Martyr Menas of Egypt, Commemorated on November 11; Martyr Vincent of Spain, Commemorated on November 11; Martyr Antoninus of Casarea in Palestine, Commemorated on November 13 ; Martyr and Confessor Gurias of Edessa, Commemorated on November 15; Martyr Zacchaeus the Deacon of Caesarea in Palestine, Commemorated on November 18; Martyr Azes of Isauria, Commemorated on November 19; Martyr Dasius of Dorostorum, Commemorated on November 20; Martyr Eustathius of Nicea, Commemorated on November 20; Martyr Sisinius the Bishop of Cyzicus, Commemorated on November 23; Hieromartyr Peter the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on November 25; Martyr Irenarchus at Sebaste, Commemorated on November 28; Martyr Anastasius the Fuller of Salona in Dalmatia, Commemorated on December 5 ; St Crispina, Commemorated on December 5; NICHOLAS OF MYRA, FRIEND OF CHILDREN, GIVER OF GIFTS, CLIMBER OF CHIMNEYS, ETC. (6 DEC 326) ; St Nicholas the Wonderworker and Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, Commemorated on December 6; Martyr Athenodorus of Mesopotamia, Commemorated on December 7; LUCY, VIRGIN AND MARTYR, abt. 304, Commemorated December 13; Martyr Eustratius at Sebaste, Commemorated on December 13; Virginmartyr Lucy of Syracuse, Commemorated on December 13; Martyr Apollonius of Alexandria, Commemorated on December 14; Martyr Sebastian at Rome, and his companions, Commemorated on December 18; Martyr Boniface at Tarsus, in Cilicia, Commemorated on December 19; Righteous Aglaida (Aglae) of Rome, Commemorated on December 19; St Philogonius the Bishop of Antioch, Commemorated on December 20; Virginmartyr Juliana of Nicomedia, Commemorated on December 21; Greatmartyr Anastasia the œDeliverer from Potions, Commemorated on December 22; Martyr Chrysogonus the Teacher of the Greatmartyr Anastasia, Commemorated on December 22; Martyr Theodota who suffered under Diocletian, Commemorated on December 22; 20,000 Martyrs of Nicomedia, Commemorated on December 28; Martyr Philetairus of Nicomedia, Commemorated on December 30; Virginmartyr Anysia at Thessalonica, Commemorated on December 30; St. Basil the Great, Archbishop of Casarea in Cappadocia, Commemorated on January 1; Zisimus of Martyrs Zosimus the Hermit and Athanasius the Commentarisius (Superintendent of Prisoners), Anchorites, of Cilicia, Commemorated on January 4; Hieromartyr Theopemptus the Bishop of Nicomedia, Commemorated on January 5; Martyr Julian at Antinoe in Egypt, Commemorated on January 8; St Carterius of Caesarea in Cappadocia, Commemorated on January 8; Martyr Mertius of Mauretania, Commemorated on January 12; Martyr Peter Apselamus of Palestine, Commemorated on January 12; St James the Bishop of Nisibis, Commemorated on January 13; St Nino (Nina), Equal of the Apostles and Enlightener of Georgia, Commemorated on January 14; Venerable Paul of Thebes, Commemorated on January 15; Venerable and God-bearing Father Anthony the Great, Commemorated on January 17; Virginmartyr Euphrasia of Nicomedia, Commemorated on January 19; Martyr Bassus at Nicomedia, Commemorated on January 20; AGNES OF ROME, MARTYR (21 JAN 304) ; Virginmartyr Agnes of Rome, Commemorated on January 21; Martyr Neophytus of Nicea, Commemorated on January 21; VINCENT OF SARAGOSSA, DEACON AND MARTYR (22 JAN 304); Hieromartyr Clement the Bishop of Ancyra, Commemorated on January 23; Martyr Agathangelus, Commemorated on January 23 ; Martyr Theodotion of Egypt, Commemorated on January 24; Presbyter Ananias in Phoenicia, Commemorated on January 26; Martyr Romanus at Samosata, Commemorated on January 29; Martyr Athanasia and her daughters at Canopus in Egypt, Commemorated on January 31 ; Wonderworker and Unmercenary Cyrus, Commemorated on January 31; Martyr Helladius in Cilicia, Commemorated on February 5 ; Martyr Theodula of Anazarbus in Cilicia, Commemorated on February 5; Virginmarty Fausta at Cyzicus, Commemorated on February 6; Virginmartyr Dorothy at Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated on February 6; 1,003 Martyrs of Nicomedia, Commemorated on February 7 ; Martyr Aule, Commemorated on February 7; Hieromartyr Blaise the Bishop of Sebaste, Commemorated on February 11; Venerable Paphnutius of Alexandria, Commemorated on February 15; Martyr Pamphilius the Presbyter at Caesarea, in Palestine, Commemorated on February 16 ; Martyr Victor of Phrygia, Commemorated on February 18 ; St Agapitus the Confessor the Bishop of Synnada in Phrygia, Commemorated on February 18; Martyr Antonina of Nicea, in Bithynia, Commemorated on March 1; Hieromartyr Capiton of Cherson, Commemorated on March 7; Martyr Agapius at Caesarea, in Palestine, Commemorated on March 15; Martyr Nicander of Egypt, Commemorated on March 15 ; Hieromartyr Trophimus of Laodicea, Commemorated on March 16 ; Martyr Sabinus of Egypt, Commemorated on March 16; Martyr Trophimus of Nicomedia, Commemorated on March 18 ; Martyr Pancharius at Nicomedia, Commemorated on March 19; GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR, APOSTLE TO ARMENIA (23 March 332); Hieromartyr Irenaeus the Bishop of Sirmium in Hungary, Commemorated on March 26; Martyr Manuel, Commemorated on March 27; Martyr Matrona of Thessalonica, Commemorated on March 27; Martyr Agathopodes the Deacon, and those with him, at Thessalonica, Commemorated on April 5; St Platonida (Platonis) of Nisibis, Syria, Commemorated on April 6; Martyr Calliopius at Pompeiopolis in Cilicia, Commemorated on April 7 ; Martyr Crescens of Myra in Lycia, Commemorated on April 13; Hieromartyr Artemon the Presbyter of Laodicea in Syria, Commemorated on April 13; Virginmartyr Agape in Thessalonica, Commemorated on April 16 ; Martyr Victor of Nicomedia, Commemorated on April 18; Hieromartyr Paphnutius of Jerusalem, Commemorated on April 19; Martyr Anthony at Rome, Commemorated on April 19; Martyr Christopher at Nicomedia, Commemorated on April 19; Hieromartyr Januarius the Bishop of Benevento, and his companions, at Pozzuoli, Commemorated on April 21; Martyr Isaac of Nicomedia, Commemorated on April 21; GEORGE, SOLDIER and MARTYR, 23 APRIL 303; Greatmartyr, Victory-bearer and Wonderworker George, Commemorated on April 23; Martyr Eusebius and Others, at Nicomedia, Commemorated on April 24; Martyr Pasikrates in Moesia, Bulgaria, Commemorated on April 24; Martyr Dada at Dorostolum, Commemorated on April 28 ; Martyr Diodorus the Deacon at Aphrodisias in Anatolia, Commemorated on April 29; Martyr Theognes at Cyzicus, Commemorated on April 29; Martyr Timothy the Reader and his wife in Egypt, Commemorated on May 3; Hieromartyr Albian the Bishop of Anaea in Asia Minor, Commemorated on May 4; Hieromartyr Erasmus the Bishop of Formia in Campania, Commemorated on May 4; Hieromartyr Silvanus the Bishop of Gaza, and with him 40 Martyrs, Commemorated on May 4 ; Virginmartyr Pelagia of Tarsus, in Asia Minor, Commemorated on May 4; Hieromartyr Mocius the Presbyter of Amphipolis in Macedonia, Commemorated on May 11; Martyr Pancratius, Commemorated on May 12; Martyr Vitus at Lucania, Commemorated on May 16; Martyr Caluf of Egypt, Commemorated on May 19; Glorification of the Venerable Zabulon, the father of St Nino Enlightener of Georgia, Commemorated on May 20; Martyr Asclas of Egypt, Commemorated on May 20; Hieromartyr Therapon the Bishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on May 25; Virginmartyr Theodora of Alexandria, Commemorated on May 27 ; Hieromartyr Dorotheus the Bishop of Tyre, Commemorated on June 5; Virginmartyr Archelais Beheaded at Salerno, Commemorated on June 6; Hieromartyr Marcellinus the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on June 7; Hieromartyr Sisinius the Deacon of Rome, Commemorated on June 7; Hieromartyr Theodotus the Bishop of Ancyra, Commemorated on June 7; Martyr Kyriake of Caesarea, in Palestine, Commemorated on June 7; Martyr Priscilla of Rome, Commemorated on June 7; Venerable Onuphrius the Great, Commemorated on June 12; Martyr Antonina of Nicea, Commemorated on June 13; Martyr Aquilina of Byblos in Syria, Commemorated on June 13 ; Martyr Modestus at Lucania, Commemorated on June 15; Hieromartyr Methodius the Bishop of Patara, Commemorated on June 20; Martyr Julian of Tarsus, in Cilicia, Commemorated on June 21 ; ALBAN, FIRST MARTYR OF BRITAIN (22 JUNE 304); Martyr Zeno of Philadelphia, Commemorated on June 22 ; Virginmartyr Febronia of Nisibis, Commemorated on June 25; Hieromartyr Theodore the Bishop of Cyrene in Libya, Commemorated July 4 ; Martyr Lucy at Rome, Commemorated on July 6; Martyrs at Rome, Commemorated on July 6; Martyr Evangelicus the Bishop of Tomis, Constanta in Romania, Commemorated on July 7 ; Martyr Kyriake of Nicomedia, Commemorated on July 7; Greatmartyr Procopius of Caesarea, in Palestine, Commemorated on July 8; Martyr Epictetus the Presbyter at Halmyris, Commemorated on July 8; Hieromartyr Cyril the Bishop of Gortyna in Crete, Commemorated on July 9 ;

Rome, 284-305, Azes of Isauria, Lykaonia, 150 Arresting Soldiers baptised after water sprung forth
Lykaonia, 284-305, Azes of Isauria, Lykaonia, 150 Arresting Soldiers baptised after water sprung forth; Isauria; Martyr Azes of Isauria, Commemorated November 19 ; Holy Martyr Azes and with him 150 Soldiers suffered at Isauria, in Asia Minor, under the emperor Diocletian (284-305). his confession of the Christian Faith, the saint was arrested and brought to trial before the eparch, Aquilinus. hundred and fifty soldiers had been sent to arrest the saint, but they were converted to the path of salvation and they accepted holy Baptism with water that sprang forth through the prayer of Saint Azes. martyr persuaded them to fulfill the commandment to obey those in authority, and therefore to bring him before the eparch. soldiers and the saint confessed their Christian faith before Aquilinus, and for this they were all beheaded. With them the eparch executed his own wife and daughter, who had come to believe in Christ, seeing the steadfastness of Saint Azes under torture.

Rome, 284-305, Zacchaeus of Caesarea, Palestine, tortured with Alphaeus, Diocletian Persecution
Martyr Zacchaeus the Deacon of Caesarea in Palestine, Commemorated on November 18 ; Caesarea, Palestine ; Martyr Martyr Zacchaeus the Deacon of Caesarea in Palestine, Commemorated on November 18 ; Holy Martyrs Zacchaeus, Deacon of Gadara, and Alphaeus, Reader of Caesarea, suffered under the emperor Diocletian (284-305). those arrested during the most fierce persecution against Christians was Saint Zacchaeus, a deacon of the Gadara church, who openly confessed his faith and did not renounce Christ under torture. Diocletian persecution was so fierce that many did not endure, and frightened of the tortures, they agreed to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods. Alphaeus, a reader of the church of Caesarea, zealous for the glory of God, approached a crowd of those fallen away from Christ on their way to offer pagan sacrifice. He urged them not to defile themselves with the impious sacrifices. arrested Saint Alphaeus and after tortures and torments they shackled him together with Saint Zacchaeus. They threw the martyrs into prison for the night, where they prayed continually, supporting one another in their resolve to endure all the sufferings for the name of Christ and thereby gain eternal life. The next morning, the holy Martyrs Zacchaeus and Alphaeus were beheaded for confessing Christ. The youth Barulus, Commemorated on November 18; Martyr Procopius the Reader at Caesarea, in Palestine, Commemorated on November 22 ;

Rome, 284-305, Onesiphorus and Porphyrius, Ephesus martyrs during Diocletian Persecution, beat, burned, dragged over stones
Rome, 284-305, Onesiphorus and Porphyrius, Ephesus Martyrs ; Ephesus; Martyr Onesiphorus of Ephesus, Commemorated on November 9 ; Holy Martyrs Onesiphorus and Porphyrius of Ephesus suffered during the persecution against Christians by the emperor Diocletian (284-305). They beat them and burned them. After this, they tied the saints to wild horses, which dragged them over the stones, after which the Martyrs Onesiphorus and Porphyrius died. Believers gathered the remains of the saints and reverently buried them.

Rome, 284-305, Martyr Alexander of Thessalonica, when told to offer he overturned idols, Angel came forth
Greece, 284-305, Martyr Alexander of Thessalonica; Thessalonica; Martyr Alexander of Thessalonica, Commemorated on November 9 ; Martyr Alexander of Thessalonica was arrested by pagans for confessing the Christian Faith. Under the emperor Maximian (284-305) he not only admitted being a Christian, but when told to offer sacrifice to the gods, he overturned the idolatrous sacrifice in indignation. The emperor gave orders to behead the saint. the execution was done, the emperor and the executioner saw how an angel came forth bearing the soul of the holy Martyr Alexander up to the heavens. The emperor permitted Christians to bury the body of the saint with honor in the city of Thessalonica, which they did with joy.

Rome, 284-305, Hieron, M Melitene, pious, conscripted, physical strength, dexterity, resist, not r, beheaded, incorrupt r
Armenia, 284-305, Hieron and Martyrs of Melitene, Armenia; Malatya; 33 Holy Martyrs of Melitene, Commemorated on November 7; holy martyr Hieron was born in the city of Tiana in great Cappadocia. Raised by a pious mother, he was a kindly and good Christian. co-ruling emperors Diocletian (284-305) and Maximian (284-305) sent a large military detachment headed by Lysias to Cappadocia to eradicate Christianity there, and also to conscript healthy and strong men into the imperial army. Among those pressed into service, Lysias also ordered his men to draft Hieron, who was distinguished by his great physical strength and dexterity. But Hieron refused to servebe emperors who persecuted Christians. When they attempted to seize him by force and bring him to Lysias, he took a stick and started beating the soldiers who had been sent to bring him. The soldiers scattered, ashamed of being defeated by a single man. Hieron then hid himself in a cave with eighteen other Christians. Lysias would not risk losing his soldiers by storming the cave. the advice of Cyriacus, one of Hieron’s friends, Lysias lifted the siege of the cave and withdrew his detachment. Then Cyriacus persuaded Hieron not to offer resistance to the authorities. He and the other new conscripts and accompanying soldiers were sent to the nearby city of Melitene. Hieron had a vision in his sleep, in which his impending martyrdom was foretold. Lysias told the soldiers gathered at Melitene to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods. Hieron and another thirty-two soldiers refused to do this, and openly confessed their faith in Christ. Then the persecutor gave orders to beat the martyrs, and to cut off Hieron’s arm at the elbow. After cruel tortures they threw the martyrs into prison barely alive, and they beheaded them four days later. certain rich and illustrious Christian by the name of Chrysanthus ransomed Hieron’s head from Lysias. When the persecutions finally ceased, he built a church on the place where they executed the holy martyrs, and he placed the venerable head in it. The bodies of all the executed saints were secretly buried by Christians. In reign of the emperor Justinian, during the construction of the church of Hagia Eirene (Holy Peace), the venerable relics were uncovered and found incorrupt. other martyrs are: Hesychius, Nicander, Athanasius, Mamas, Barachius, Callinicus, Theogenes, Nikon, Longinus, Theodore, Valerius, Xanthius, Theodoulus, Callimachus, Eugene, Theodochus, Ostrychius, Epiphanius, Maximian, Ducitius, Claudian, Theophilus, Gigantius, Dorotheus, Theodotus, Castrichius, Anicletus, Themelius, Eutychius, Hilarion, Diodotus and Amonitus.

Rome, 284-304, Saints, Cyprian and Justina, Pagan Priest Magician, Virgin bridegroom of Christ
Bithynia, 284-304, Saints, Cyprian and Justina; Cyprian and Justina are honored in the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church and Oriental Orthodoxy as Christians of Antioch, who in 304, during the persecution of Diocletian, suffered martyrdom at Nicomedia (modern-day İzmit, Turkey) on September 26. According to Roman Catholic sources, no Bishop of Antioch bore the name of Cyprian.[1] story must have arisen as early as the 4th century, as it is mentioned by both St. Gregory Nazianzen and Prudentius; both, nevertheless, have conflated Cyprian with St. Cyprian of Carthage, a mistake often repeated. The attempt has been made to find in Cyprian a mystical prototype of the Faustian legend. The legend is given in Greek and Latin in Acta SS. September, VII. Ancient Syriac and Ethiopic versions of it have been published.[1] Their story is told in the Golden Legend. outline of the legend or allegory is found with diffuse descriptions and dialogues in the unreliable "Symeon Metaphrastes" and was made the subject of a poem by Empress Aelia Eudocia.[1] Saint Cyprian and the demon, 14th-century manuscript of the Golden Legend. known by the title of "the Magician", to distinguish him from Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage, received a liberal education in his youth, and particularly applied himself to astrology; after which he traveled for improvement through Greece, Egypt, India, etc.[2] Cyprian was a magician in Antioch and dealt in sorcery. is known for converting Cyprian,[3] and is said to have been a young woman who took private vows of chastity. She was killed during the persecutions of the Roman emperor Diocletian in the year 304 AD. would-be suitor sought the aid of Cyprian's magic to induce Justina into marrying him. The charms and spells had no effect on Justina, who spent her time in prayer and fasting. Brought to despair, Cyprian made the Sign of the cross himself and in this way was freed from the toils of Satan. He was received into the Church, was made pre-eminent by miraculous gifts, and became in succession deacon, priest and, finally, bishop, while Justina became abbess of a convent.[4] the Diocletian Persecution, both were seized and taken to Damascus, where they were tortured. As their faith never wavered, they were brought before Diocletian at Nicomedia, where at his command they were beheaded[4] on the bank of the Gallus River, a tributary of the Sakarya River. The same fate befell a man named Theoctistus, who upon observing Cyprian's faith, declared himself a Christian.[4] After the bodies of the saints had lain unburied for six days, they were taken by Christian sailors to Rome, where they were interred on the estate of a noble lady named Rufina and later entombed in Constantine's basilica. is mentioned in Foxe's Book of Martyrs. It was under the 10th Persecution in 303 AD while Diocletian was Emperor of Rome. It says: " In the course of time he [Cyprian] became acquainted with Justina, a young lady of Antioch, whose birth, beauty, and accomplishments, rendered her the admiration of all who knew her. A pagan gentleman applied to Cyprian, to promote his suit with the beautiful Justina; this he undertook, but soon himself converted, burnt his books of astrology and magic, received baptism, and felt animated with a powerful spirit of grace. The conversion of Cyprian had a great effect on the pagan gentleman who paid his addresses to Justina, and he in a short time embraced Christianity. During the persecutions of Diocletian, Cyprian and Justina were seized upon as Christians, the former was torn with pincers, and the latter chastised; and, after suffering other torments, both were beheaded."[citation needed] and liturgical celebration feast day appeared in the General Roman Calendar of Roman Rite from the thirteenth century until it was deleted in 1969 because of the lack of historical evidence of their existence.[5] Their names were also removed from the 2001 revision of the Roman Martyrology, the official but professedly incomplete list of saints recognized by the Roman Catholic Church. The Roman Martyrology, however, includes five other saints called Cyprian and two named Justina. Some traditionalist Catholics continue to observe their feast based on pre-1970 versions of the Roman Calendar. popular culture Spanish author, Pedro Calderón de la Barca, took the story as the basis of a drama: El mágico prodigioso. In 2005, American author Tono Rondone published a novel, The Martyrs, which is a continuation of this tradition. [6] Great Book of Saint Cyprian is full of prayers and spells, and is widely sold in the Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking world. is a popular name for a grimoire in Scandinavian folklore. Nicomedia; Hieromartyr Cyprian, Virgin Martyr Justina, and Martyr Theoctistus, of Nicomedia, Commemorated on October 2; Cyprian was a pagan and a native of Antioch. From his early childhood his misguided parents dedicated him to the service of the pagan gods. From the age seven until he was thirty, Cyprian studied at the leading centers of paganism: on Mount Olympus; in the cities of Argos and Tauropolis; in the Egyptian city of Memphis; and at Babylon. Once he attained eminent wisdom in pagan philosophy and the sorcerer’s craft, he was initiated into the pagan priesthood on Mount Olympus. Having discovered great power by summoning unclean spirits, he beheld the Prince of Darkness himself, speaking with him and receiving from him a host of demons to serve him. returning to Antioch, Cyprian was revered by the pagans as a prominent pagan priest, amazing people with his ability to cast spells, to summon pestilence and plagues, and to conjure up the dead. He brought many people to ruin, teaching them to serve the demons, and how to cast magic spells. holy virgin Justina lived in Antioch. After turning her own father and mother away from the error of paganism and leading them to faith in Christ, she dedicated herself to the Heavenly Bridegroom and spent her time in fasting and prayer. When the young man Aglaidas proposed marriage to her, the saint refused, for she wished to remain a virgin. sought Cyprian’s help. He said that he would arrange for Justina's heart to become filled with lust for the young man. No matter what Cyprian tried, he accomplished nothing, since the Saint overcame all the wiles of the devil by prayer and fasting. sent an unclean spirit to attack the holy virgin, and to arouse carnal passions in her, but she overcame them by the power of the Sign of the Cross, and by fervent prayer to the Lord. though one of the demons, and Cyprian himself, assumed various guises by the power of sorcery, they were unable to influence Saint Justina, who was guarded by her firm faith in Christ. All the spells were dissipated, and the demons fled at the mention of Justina's name. in his rage, sent down pestilence and plague upon Justina’s family and upon the entire city, but this was thwarted by her prayer. The sorcerer brought tribulation not only upon Justina and her family, but upon the entire city as well. Rumors spread that the city was being punished because Justina would not wed Aglaias. Several people went to her and demanded that she marry Aglaias so that Cyprian would not punish them with more afflictions. Justina calmed them and assured them that soon the misfortunes which Cyprian caused with the help of the demons would end. Saint Justina prayed to God, the power of the demons was destroyed, and everyone was healed of their illnesses and afflictions. began to praise Christ, and to mock Cyprian and his sorcery. Convinced that the devil was powerless against the Sign of the Cross, and trembled at the name of Christ, Cyprian came to his senses and realized that he had been corrupted by becoming a sorcerer, and participating in every sort of wickedness, doing harm to others and deceiving them. He killed many with his spells and potions, and he murdered many men and women as sacrificial offerings to the demons. He was already a partaker of the portion of the demons, and if he had died at that moment, he would have been cast into the depths of Hell. The Lord, however, in His infinite compassion, saved him from the abyss. Cyprian saw that the devil whom he served was afraid of Christ. The Evil One admitted that he was unable to conquer the maiden because he was afraid of "a certain sign" upon her. “If you take fright at even the mere shadow of the Cross and if the mere name of Christ makes you tremble,” said Cyprian, “then what will you do when Christ Himself stands before you?” devil then threw himself upon the pagan priest and attempted to beat and strangle him. For the first time, Saint Cyrian tested the power of the Sign of the Cross and the name of Christ, guarding himself from the fury of the Enemy. Afterward, he went to the local bishop Anthimos in profound repentance, and threw all of his books into the flames. The very next day, he went into the church, and did not want to leave it, even though he had not yet been baptized. his efforts to follow after righteousness, Saint Cyprian understood the great power of faith in Christ, making up for more than thirty years of service to Satan. Seven days after his Baptism he was tonsured as a reader, on the twelfth day, subdeacon, on the thirtieth, deacon. After a year, he was ordained as a priest. Shortly after this, Saint Cyprian was elevated to the rank of bishop. Cyprian converted so many pagans to Christ that in his diocese no one was left to offer sacrifice to idols, and the pagan temples fell into disuse. Saint Justina withdrew to a monastery and was chosen as its Superior. the persecution against Christians under Enperor Diocletian, Bishop Cyprian and Saint Justina were arrested and brought to Nicomedia, where after horrible tortures they were beheaded with the sword. Saint Cyprian, fearful that the holy virgin’s courage might falter if she saw him put to death, asked for time to pray. Saint Justina inclined her neck and was beheaded first. seeing the torments of Saint Justina, a soldier named Theoktistos fell at Cyprian’s feet and declared himself a Christian, and he was beheaded with them. Hieromartyr Cyprian, the Virgin Martyr Justina, and the Martyr Theoktistos suffered for Christ at Nicomedia in the year 304. relics of Saints Cyprian and Justina are to be found in various places around the world. One of Saint Cyprian's feet is at Iviron Monastery on Mount Athos. A piece of Saint Cyprian's skull is in the church named for these Saints at Menikos Nicosia. A small piece of Saint Justina's skull is there as well. Fragments of the Holy Relics of Saints Cyprian and Justina are in the Monastery which is dedicated to them at Phylḗ, Attica. The head of Saint Justina is located in the Monastery of Panagia Panachrantou (the All-Holy Theotokos) on the Greek island if Andros. Part of the hand of Saint Cyprian is located in the Zlătari church (Calea Victoriei 14, Bucharest Romania)

Rome, 284-305, Chrysogonus, Anastasia's teach, prophet, beheaded & thrown into sea, Zolius found them, he appeared
Roman Saint, 284-305, 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, 284-305, Pelagia, Tarsus, beautiful, holy, virgin, Problem w Diocletian&son, visions, baptism, 3 crowns, Myhrr, Lions
Cilicia, 284-305, Martyr Pelagia of Tarsus; Tarsus; Martyr Pelagia of Tarsus, Commemorated October 7 ; Pelagia of Tarsus in Cilicia (southeastern Asia Minor) lived in the third century, during the reign of Diocletian (284-305), and was the daughter of illustrious pagans. When she heard about Jesus Christ from her Christian friends, she believed in Him and desired to preserve her virginity, dedicating her whole life to the Lord. Diocletian’s heir (a boy he adopted), saw the maiden Pelagia, was captivated by her beauty and wanted her to be his wife. The holy virgin told the youth that she was betrothed to Christ the Immortal Bridegroom, and had renounced earthly marriage. ’s reply greatly angered the young man, but he decided to leave her in peace for awhile, hoping that she would change her mind. At the same time, Pelagia convinced her mother to let her visit the nurse who had raised her in childhood. She secretly hoped to find Bishop Linus of Tarsus, who had fled to a mountain during a persecution against Christians, and to be baptized by him. She had seen the face of Bishop Linus in a dream, which made a profound impression upon her. The holy bishop told her to be baptized. Saint Pelagia traveled in a chariot to visit her nurse, dressed in rich clothes and accompanied by a whole retinue of servants, as her mother wished. the way Saint Pelagia, by the grace of God, met Bishop Linus. Pelagia immediately recognized the bishop who had appeared to her in the dream. She fell at his feet, requesting Baptism. At the bishop’s prayer a spring of water flowed from the ground. Linus made the Sign of the Cross over Saint Pelagia, and during the Mystery of Baptism, angels appeared and covered the chosen one of God with a bright mantle. After giving the pious virgin Holy Communion, Bishop Linus offered a prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord with her, and then sent her to continue her journey. She then exchanged her expensive clothing for a simple white garment, and distributed her possessions to the poor. Returning to her servants, Saint Pelagia told them about Christ, and many of them were converted and believed. tried to convert her own mother to Christ, but the obdurate woman sent a message to Diocletian’s son that Pelagia was a Christian and did not wish to be his wife. The youth realized that Pelagia was lost to him, and he fell upon his sword in his despair. Pelagia’s mother feared the emperor’s wrath, so she tied her daughter up and led her to Diocletian’s court as a Christian who was also responsible for the death of the heir to the throne. The emperor was captivated by the unusual beauty of the virgin and tried to turn her from her faith in Christ, promising her every earthly blessing if she would become his wife. holy virgin refused the emperor’s offer with contempt and said, “You are insane, Emperor, saying such things to me. I will not do your bidding, and I loathe your vile marriage, since I have Christ, the King of Heaven, as my Bridegroom. I do not desire your worldly crowns which last only a short while. The Lord in His heavenly Kingdom has prepared three imperishable crowns for me. The first is for faith, since I have believed in the true God with all my heart; the second is for purity, because I have dedicated my virginity to Him; the third is for martyrdom, since I want to accept every suffering for Him and offer up my soul because of my love for Him.” sentenced Pelagia to be burned in a red-hot bronze bull. Not permitting the executioners to touch her body, the holy martyr signed herself with the Sign of the Cross, and went into the brazen bull and her flesh melted like myrrh, filling the whole city with fragrance. Saint Pelagia’s bones remained unharmed and were removed by the pagans to a place outside the city. Four lions then came out of the wilderness and sat around the bones letting neither bird nor wild beast get at them. The lions protected the relics of the saint until Bishop Linus came to that place. He gathered them up and buried them with honor. Later, a church was built over her holy relics. Service to the holy Virgin Martyr Pelagia of Tarsus says that she was “deemed worthy of most strange and divine visions.” She is also commemorated on May 4. Virginmartyr Pelagia of Tarsus, in Asia Minor, Commemorated on May 4; story as Oct 7th

Rome, 284-305 , Martyr Anastasius the Fuller at Salona in Dalmatia, boldly confessed Christ, even painted Cross on door
Croatia, 284-305 , Martyr Anastasius the Fuller at Salona in Dalmatia; Salona in Dalmatia; 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). 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. Definition of Fuller; Martyr Anastasius the Fuller of Salona in Dalmatia, Commemorated December 5 ; Story

Rome, 284-303, Italian and Bithynian Saint Autonomus, 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, 284-314, Empress, Alexandra, Prisca, Christian Saint, killed w daughter Valeria by Licinius
Rome, 284-314, Emperess Alexandra, Prisca Rome, 284-305, Emperor Diocletian ; Martyr Alexandra the Empress, wife of Diocletian, Commemorated on April 23; Holy Empress Alexandra was the wife of Diocletian (284-305). Her supposed death was described in the Martyrdom of Saint George, which was written immediately after his death. The empress, however, received the crown of martyrdom several years later, in 314. events occurred during these years. In 305 the emperor Diocletian resigned the throne and power passed to his co-ruler Maximian Galerius (305-311), a fanatic pagan, as well as a coarse and fierce soldier. His wife was Saint Valeria, the daughter of the holy Empress Alexandra, whom Diocletian had given in marriage against her will. Alexandra raised her daughter in Christian piety. When Galerius died, the emperor Maximinus sought her hand in marriage. When he was refused, he banished Saint Valeria to Syria, where she lived with her mother. the death of Maximinus in 311 the mother and daughter arrived in Nicomedia, trusting in the mercy of the emperor Licinius (311-324). Together with Saint Constantine, he had subscribed to the Edict of Milan, which gave Christians the freedom of religion, but secretly he remained an enemy of Christianity. Licinius gave orders to execute the holy Empress Alexandra and her daughter Valeria. They were beheaded, and their bodies thrown into the sea. Great Martyr Catherine of Alexandria, Commemorated on November 24;

Rome, 284-303, Roman Saint, Autonomus the Bishop in Italy and Bithynia, martyred by Diocletian, because large church
Roman Saint, 284-303, Autonomus the Bishop in Italy and Bithynia; 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), Saint 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, 284-305, Saint Zoilus, recovered Chrysognus' relics from sea, Martyred in Cordoba Spain by Diocletian
Roman Saint, 284-305, 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, 285-476, Western Roman Empire
Rome, 285-476, Western Roman Empire;

Rome, 291-568, Goths, Ostrogoths in Italy (absorbed by Lombards)
Ostrogoths; BENEDICT, FOUNDER OF WESTERN MONASTICISM (11 JULY 540); Totila the Goth; Battle of Taginae; Greatmartyr Nicetas the Goth, Commemorated on September 15 ;

Rome, 293-343, Nicholas, St Nick, Lycian Saint, Bishop of Myra, Wonderworker
Lycian Saint, 293-343, Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra; Translation of the relics of St Nicholas the Wonderworker from Myra to Bari, Commemorated on May 9 ; Icon of the Mother of God œthe ConverserÂ, Commemorated on August 14;

Rome, 293-343, NICHOLAS of Myra, childless parents dedicate, d light early, d inheritance, saved 3 daughters, myrrh relics
Lycia, 293-343, NICHOLAS of Myra, Bishop, from Patara, wealthy childless parents dedicate him, d light revealed in youth, mother healed, stood 3 hours, fasting from birth, r scripptures, d inheritance to poor, saved daughters from prostitution w 3 sacks of gold, to holy land, saw devil on ship, calmed the waves, restored sailor from mast fall, divine voice to return, monastery, divine voice return to world, chosen bishop by God, at 1st E council, slapped Arius, under guard, restored by same vision to several Fathers, angel face, face relieves opression, grabbed executioners sword for 3 men unjustly condemned by Gov, who repented, appeared to merchant to bring grain for 3 gold pieces, myrrh from his relics; Saint Nicholas of Myra[a] (traditionally 15 March 270 – 6 December 343),[3][4][b] also known as Nicholas of Bari, was an early Christian bishop of Greek descent from the maritime city of Myra in Asia Minor during the time of the Roman Empire.[7][8] of the many miracles attributed to his intercession, he is also known as Nicholas the Wonderworker.[c] Nicholas is the patron saint of sailors, merchants, archers, repentant thieves, prostitutes, children, brewers, pawnbrokers, unmarried people, and students in various cities and countries around Europe. reputation evolved among the pious, as was common for early Christian saints, and his legendary habit of secret gift-giving gave rise to the traditional model of Santa Claus ("Saint Nick") through Sinterklaas. little is known about the historical Saint Nicholas. The earliest accounts of his life were written centuries after his death and contain many legendary elaborations. He is said to have been born in the Greek seaport of Patara, Lycia in Asia Minor to wealthy Christian parents.[9] In one of the earliest attested and most famous incidents from his life, he is said to have rescued three girls from being forced into prostitution by dropping a sack of gold coins through the window of their house each night for three nights so their father could pay a dowry for each of them. early stories tell of him calming a storm at sea, saving three innocent soldiers from wrongful execution, and chopping down a tree possessed by a demon. his youth, he is said to have made a pilgrimage to Egypt and Palestine. after his return, he became Bishop of Myra. He was later cast into prison during the persecution of Diocletian, but was released after the accession of Constantine. early list makes him an attendee at the First Council of Nicaea in 325, but he is never mentioned in any writings by people who were actually at the council. unsubstantiated legends claim that he was temporarily defrocked and imprisoned during the council for slapping the heretic Arius. famous late legend tells how he resurrected three children, who had been murdered and pickled in brine by a butcher planning to sell them as pork during a famine. than 200 years after Nicholas's death, the St. Nicholas Church was built in Myra under the orders of Theodosius II over the site of the church where he had served as bishop, and his remains were moved to a sarcophagus in that church. In 1087, while the Greek Christian inhabitants of the region were subjugated by the newly arrived Muslim Seljuk Turks, and soon after their church was declared to be in schism by the Catholic church, a group of merchants from the Italian city of Bari removed the major bones of Nicholas's skeleton from his sarcophagus in the church without authorization and brought them to their hometown, where they are now enshrined in the Basilica di San Nicola. remaining bone fragments from the sarcophagus were later removed by Venetian sailors and taken to Venice during the First Crusade. Icon of the Mother of God œthe Converser, Commemorated on August 14; Converser Icon of the Mother of God is so named since it depicts the Mother of God and Saint Nicholas of Myra conversing with the sacristan George. event occurred soon after the appearance of the Tikhvin Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos in 1383, when the Most Holy Theotokos Herself commanded sacristan George to say that they should replace the metal cross on the newly-constructed temple in Her honor at Tikhvin with a wooden one. the place of this vision a chapel was built in honor of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker. The chapel burned several times (the first time was in 1390 at the same time as the church of the Tikhvin Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos). In 1515, a wooden church was built and a monastery founded in honor of this holy icon. Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, Commemorated on December 6; Nicholas, the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia is famed as a great saint pleasing unto God. was born in the city of Patara in the region of Lycia (on the south coast of the Asia Minor peninsula), and was the only son of pious parents Theophanes and Nonna, who had vowed to dedicate him to God. the fruit of the prayer of his childless parents, the infant Nicholas from the very day of his birth revealed to people the light of his future glory as a wonderworker. mother, Nonna, after giving birth was immediately healed from illness. The newborn infant, while still in the baptismal font, stood on his feet three hours, without support from anyone, thereby honoring the Most Holy Trinity. Saint Nicholas from his infancy began a life of fasting, and on Wednesdays and Fridays he would not accept milk from his mother until after his parents had finished their evening prayers. his childhood Nicholas thrived on the study of Divine Scripture; by day he would not leave church, and by night he prayed and read books, making himself a worthy dwelling place for the Holy Spirit. Nicholas of Patara rejoiced at the spiritual success and deep piety of his nephew. He ordained him a reader, and then elevated Nicholas to the priesthood, making him his assistant and entrusting him to instruct the flock. serving the Lord the youth was fervent of spirit, and in his proficiency with questions of faith he was like an Elder, who aroused the wonder and deep respect of believers. Constantly at work and vivacious, in unceasing prayer, the priest Nicholas displayed great kind-heartedness towards the flock, and towards the afflicted who came to him for help, and he distributed all his inheritance to the poor. was a certain formerly rich inhabitant of Patara, whom Saint Nicholas saved from great sin. The man had three grown daughters, and in desperation he planned to sell their bodies so they would have money for food. The saint, learning of the man'™s poverty and of his wicked intention, secretly visited him one night and threw a sack of gold through the window. With the money the man arranged an honorable marriage for his daughter. Saint Nicholas also provided gold for the other daughters, thereby saving the family from falling into spiritual destruction. In bestowing charity, Saint Nicholas always strove to do this secretly and to conceal his good deeds. Bishop of Patara decided to go on pilgrimage to the holy places at Jerusalem, and entrusted the guidance of his flock to Saint Nicholas, who fulfilled this obedience carefully and with love. the bishop returned, Nicholas asked his blessing for a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Along the way the saint predicted a storm would arise and threaten the ship. Saint Nicholas saw the devil get on the ship, intending to sink it and kill all the passengers. At the entreaty of the despairing pilgrims, he calmed the waves of the sea by his prayers. his prayer a certain sailor of the ship, who had fallen from the mast and was mortally injured, was also restored to health. he reached the ancient city of Jerusalem and came to Golgotha, Saint Nicholas gave thanks to the Savior. He went to all the holy places, worshiping at each one. One night on Mount Sion, the closed doors of the church opened by themselves for the great pilgrim. Going round the holy places connected with the earthly service of the Son of God, Saint Nicholas decided to withdraw into the desert, but he was stopped by a divine voice urging him to return to his native country. returned to Lycia, and yearning for a life of quietude, the saint entered into the brotherhood of a monastery named Holy Sion, which had been founded by his uncle. But the Lord again indicated another path for him, œNicholas, this is not the vineyard where you shall bear fruit for Me. Return to the world, and glorify My Name there. So he left Patara and went to Myra in Lycia. Upon the death of Archbishop John, Nicholas was chosen as Bishop of Myra after one of the bishops of the Council said that a new archbishop should be revealed by God, not chosen by men. of the elder bishops had a vision of a radiant Man, Who told him that the one who came to the church that night and was first to enter should be made archbishop. He would be named Nicholas. The bishop went to the church at night to await Nicholas. The saint, always the first to arrive at church, was stopped by the bishop. œWhat is your name, child? he asked. God'™s chosen one replied, œMy name is Nicholas, Master, and I am your servant. his consecration as archbishop, Saint Nicholas remained a great ascetic, appearing to his flock as an image of gentleness, kindness and love for people. was particularly precious for the Lycian Church during the persecution of Christians under the emperor Diocletian (284-305). Nicholas, locked up in prison together with other Christians for refusing to worship idols, sustained them and exhorted them to endure the fetters, punishment and torture. The Lord preserved him unharmed. Upon the accession of Saint Constantine (May 21) as emperor, Saint Nicholas was restored to his flock, which joyfully received their guide and intercessor. his great gentleness of spirit and purity of heart, Saint Nicholas was a zealous and ardent warrior of the Church of Christ. Fighting evil spirits, the saint made the rounds of the pagan temples and shrines in the city of Myra and its surroundings, shattering the idols and turning the temples to dust. the year 325 Saint Nicholas was a participant in the First Ecumenical Council. This Council proclaimed the Nicean Symbol of Faith, and he stood up against the heretic Arius with the likes of Saints Sylvester the Bishop of Rome (January 2), Alexander of Alexandria (May 29), Spyridon of Trimythontos (December 12) and other Fathers of the Council. Nicholas, fired with zeal for the Lord, assailed the heretic Arius with his words, and also struck him upon the face. For this reason, he was deprived of the emblems of his episcopal rank and placed under guard. But several of the holy Fathers had the same vision, seeing the Lord Himself and the Mother of God returning to him the Gospel and omophorion. The Fathers of the Council agreed that the audacity of the saint was pleasing to God, and restored the saint to the office of bishop. returned to his own diocese, the saint brought it peace and blessings, sowing the word of Truth, uprooting heresy, nourishing his flock with sound doctrine, and also providing food for their bodies. face of Saint Nicholas resembled that of an Angel, resplendent with divine grace. A brilliant ray shone from his face, like that which shone from the face of Moses (Exodus 34:29), so that those who looked at him were astonished. was oppressed by some affliction or passion of the soul had only to behold the Saint, and his sorrow was eased at once. for those who conversed with him, they soon found themselves advancing on the path of virtue. Not only were the faithful moved to compassion, but unbelievers as well, and they directed their steps on the path of salvation when they heard him speak. The evil of unbelief which had been implanted in their hearts since childhood was uprooted, and in its place, the word of truth was sown. during his life the saint worked many miracles. One of the greatest was the deliverance from death of three men unjustly condemned by the Governor, who had been bribed. saint boldly went up to the executioner and took his sword, already suspended over the heads of the condemned. The Governor, denounced by Saint Nicholas for his wrong doing, repented and begged for forgiveness. this remarkable event were three military officers, who were sent to Phrygia by the emperor Constantine to put down a rebellion. They did not suspect that soon they would also be compelled to seek the intercession of Saint Nicholas. Evil men slandered them before the emperor, and the officers were sentenced to death. Appearing to Saint Constantine in a dream, Saint Nicholas called on him to overturn the unjust sentence of the military officers. worked many other miracles, and struggled many long years at his labor. Through the prayers of the saint, the city of Myra was rescued from a terrible famine. He appeared to a certain Italian merchant and left him three gold pieces as a pledge of payment. He requested him to sail to Myra and deliver grain there. More than once, the saint saved those drowning in the sea, and provided release from captivity and imprisonment. reached old age, Saint Nicholas peacefully fell asleep in the Lord. His venerable relics were preserved incorrupt in the local cathedral church and flowed with curative myrrh, from which many received healing. In the year 1087, his relics were transferred to the Italian city of Bari, where they rest even now (See May 9). name of the great saint of God, the hierarch and wonderworker Nicholas, a speedy helper and suppliant for all hastening to him, is famed in every corner of the earth, in many lands and among many peoples. In Russia there are a multitude of cathedrals, monasteries and churches consecrated in his name. There is, perhaps, not a single city without a church dedicated to him. first Russian Christian prince Askold (+ 882) was baptized in 866 by Patriarch Photius (February 6) with the name Nicholas. Over the grave of Askold, Saint Olga (July 11) built the first temple of Saint Nicholas in the Russian Church at Kiev. Primary cathedrals were dedicated to Saint Nicholas at Izborsk, Ostrov, Mozhaisk, and Zaraisk. At Novgorod the Great, one of the main churches of the city, the Nikolo-Dvorischensk church, later became a cathedral. and venerable churches and monasteries dedicated to Saint Nicholas are found at Kiev, Smolensk, Pskov, Toropetsa, Galich, Archangelsk, Great Ustiug, Tobolsk. Moscow had dozens of churches named for the saint, and also three monasteries in the Moscow diocese: the Nikolo-Greek (Staryi) in the Chinese-quarter, the Nikolo-Perervinsk and the Nikolo-Ugreshsk. One of the chief towers of the Kremlin was named the Nikolsk. of the churches devoted to the saint were those established at market squares by Russian merchants, sea-farers and those who traveled by land, venerating the wonderworker Nicholas as a protector of all those journeying on dry land and sea. They sometimes received the name among the people of “Nicholas soaked.â€ village churches in Russia were dedicated to the wonderworker Nicholas, venerated by peasants as a merciful intercessor before the Lord for all the people in their work. And in the Russian land Saint Nicholas did not cease his intercession. Ancient Kiev preserves the memory about the miraculous rescue of a drowning infant by the saint. The great wonderworker, hearing the grief-filled prayers of the parents for the loss of their only child, took the infant from the waters, revived him and placed him in the choir-loft of the church of Holy Wisdom (Hagia Sophia) before his wonderworking icon. In the morning the infant was found safe by his thrilled parents, praising Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker. wonderworking icons of Saint Nicholas appeared in Russia and came also from other lands. There is the ancient Byzantine embroidered image of the saint, brought to Moscow from Novgorod, and the large icon painted in the thirteenth century by a Novgorod master. depictions of the wonderworker are especially numerous in the Russian Church: Saint Nicholas of Zaraisk, portrayed in full-length, with his right hand raised in blessing and with a Gospel (this image was brought to Ryazan in 1225 by the future wife of Prince Theodore, the Byzantine Princess Eupraxia, who perished in 1237 with her husband and infant son during the incursion of Batu); and Saint Nicholas of Mozhaisk, also in full stature, with a sword in his right hand and a city in his left. This recalls the miraculous rescue of the city of Mozhaisk from an invasion of enemies, through the prayers of the saint. It is impossible to list all the grace-filled icons of Saint Nicholas, or to enumerate all his miracles. Nicholas is the patron of travelers, and we pray to him for deliverance from floods, poverty, or any misfortunes. He has promised to help those who remember his parents, Theophanes and Nonna. Nicholas is also commemorated on May 9 (The transfer of his relics) and on July 29 (his nativity). Italy, the relics of Saint Nicholas are in the Roman Catholic Basilica of Saint Nicholas in Bari; and his left arm is in Saint Nicholas Roman Catholic Church of Rimini. Russia, relics of Saint Nicholas are to be found in Christ the Savior Cathedral in Moscow, and in the Saint Alexander Nevsky Lavra in St. Petersburg. right hand of Saint Nicholas is in the church of Saint George the New in Bucharest, Romania. Greece, portions of the Saint's relics are in the Monasteries of Saint Nicholas Apo Bathia in Euboia, and PhaneromenÄ“ in Salaminos. A piece of the Saint's left arm is in the Metropolitan church of Volos. One of the Saint's teeth is at Kalabryta Monastery in the PeloponnÄ“sos. NICHOLAS OF MYRA, FRIEND OF CHILDREN, GIVER OF GIFTS, CLIMBER OF CHIMNEYS, ETC. (6 DEC 326) , Commemorated December 6; story of St. Nicholas offers a possible way of dealing with the "Santa Claus" problem, to parents who do not want to lie to their children, even in fun, but do not want to say simply: "Bah, humbug! There is no such thing as Santa. Forget about him." was a native of the western part of what is now Asiatic Turkey. He became Bishop of Myra in the fourth century, and there are many stories of his love for God and for his neighbor. best-known story involves a man with three unmarried daughters, and not enough money to provide them with suitable dowries. This meant that they could not marry, and were likely to end up as prostitutes. Nicholas walked by the man's house on three successive nights, and each time threw a bag of gold in through a window (or, when the story came to be told in colder climates, down the chimney). Thus, the daughters were saved from a life of shame, and all got married and lived happily ever after. of this and similar stories, Nicholas became a symbol of anonymous gift-giving. Hence, if we give a gift to someone today without saying whom it is from, it can be called "a present from Saint Nicholas (or Santa Claus)." Some parents explain this to their children and invite the child to join them in wrapping a toy (either something purchased for that purpose, at least partly with the child's allowance, or else a toy that the child has outgrown but that is still serviceable) or an outgrown but not shabby item of the child's clothing, or a package of food, and then going along to donate it to a suitable shelter that will give it to someone who will welcome it. This gift is then called "a present from Santa," so that the child understands that this is another name for an anonymous gift given to someone whom we do not know, but whom we love anyway because God does. (Presents within the family can be "From Santa" or "From Santa and...") fresco of St. NicholasPictures of Nicholas often show three bags of gold next to him, and often these bags have become simply three disks or balls. Nicholas became the patron of an Italian city (I think Bari, which is where his body is now buried) that was a center of the pawnbroking business, and hence a pawnbroking shop traditionally advertises by displaying three gold balls over its front. It is thought that some persons looking at pictures of Nicholas confused the three round objects with human heads. Hence there is a story of a wicked innkeeper who murdered three boys and salted their bodies to serve to his guests, to save on the butcher's bill. Nicholas visited the inn and confronted the innkeeper, who confessed his crime, whereupon Nicholas prayed over the brine-tub and the three boys leaped out unharmed. Other stories have him saving the lives of three innocent men who had been condemned to death. Still other stories have him coming to the rescue of drowning sailors (could this be related to the brine-tub incident?). Nicholas has always been popular with children, mariners, pawnbrokers, the Dutch, the Russians, and recently, the department-store owners. (American readers may remember the story of the brine-tub through reading it as children in the book The Dutch Twins, by Lucy Fitch Perkins, author of The Spanish Twins, The Italian Twins, and many similar books, all children's favorites in the middle of this century. They may now be banned as politically incorrect -- I have no idea. If your children know the brine-tub story, from this book or elsewhere, they may be interested to know how it may have originated.) many countries, Nicholas visits children on his feast day, 6 December, and brings them gifts then. In these countries, there is usually no exchange of Christmas presents, but there may be gifts again on January 6, the feast of the coming of the Wise Men, who brought gifts to the Holy Child of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. In America, it may be thought necessary to yield to outside pressure and let Nicholas distribute gifts on December 25. you want to show your children (or yourself) how Nicholas is remembered by Christians with a background different from your own (unless, of course, this IS your background), you might want to attend an East Orthodox service at this time. Many Eastern Orthodox congregations have services on the evening before 6 December that feature "visits from Saint Nicholas." He appears as a bishop, with no red suit. The faithful leave their shoes outside the church door, and find in them afterwards gold coins (actually chocolate wrapped in gold foil) representing the gold dowries of the three daughters. To find a service and inquire what it is likely to be like, look up CHURCHES, ORTHODOX in the Yellow Pages. For an English-language service, "Orthodox Church in America" or "Antiochan Orthodox" parishes are likely choices, but do not overlook other possibilities. are told, but it is uncertain, that Nicholas was imprisoned for his faith before the accession of Constantine, and that he was present at the Council of Nicea in 325. We may note in passing that the picture of him as roly-poly is a late development. Early stories indicate that he was generous to others, but not given to self-indulgence. Indeed, even as an unweaned infant, he fasted regularly on Wednesdays and Fridays. by James Kiefer

Rome, 293-306, Emperor, Constantius Chlorus, Caesar in 293 then Emperor in 305, Constantine's father
Roman Emperor, 293-306, Constantius Chlorus; Valerius Constantius "Chlorus" (c. 250 - 25 July 306), also called Constantius I, was a Roman emperor as one of the four original members the "Tetrarchy" established by Diocletian in 293. He was a junior-ranking emperor, or Caesar, from 293 to 305, and senior emperor, Augustus, from 305 to 306. Constantius was also the father of Constantine the Great, the first Christian emperor of Rome. The nickname Chlorus (Greek: Î§Î»Ï‰ÏÏŒÏ‚, lit. "the Green") was first popularized by Byzantine-era historians and was not used during the emperor's lifetime.[2] Illyrian and probably humble origin, Constantius had a distinguished military career and rose to the top ranks of the army. Around 289 he set aside Helena, Constantine's mother, to marry a daughter of Emperor Maximian, and in 293 was added to the imperial college by Maximian's colleague, Diocletian. Assigned to rule Gaul, Constantius defeated the usurper Carausius there and his successor Allectus in Britain, and campaigned extensively along the Rhine frontier, defeating the Alamanni and Franks. When the Diocletianic Persecution was announced in 303, Constantius ordered the demolition of churches but did not actively hunt down Christians in his domain.[2] Upon becoming senior emperor in May 305, Constantius launched a successful punitive campaign against the Picts beyond the Antonine Wall.[3] He died suddenly at Eboracum (York) in July the following year. Constantius's death, the army, perhaps at his own instigation, immediately acclaimed his son Constantine as emperor. This act contributed to the collapse of the Diocletianic tetrarchy, sparking a series civil wars which only ended when Constantine finally united the whole Roman Empire under his rule in 324. According to the Oxford Classical Dictionary, "Constantinian propaganda bedevils assessment of Constantius, yet he appears to have been an able general and a generous ruler".[4] His descendants, the Constantinian dynasty, ruled the Empire until the death of his grandson Julian in 363. Martyr Eusignius of Antioch, Commemorated on August 5; The Universal Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross, Commemorated on September 14; Hieromartyr Cyprian of Nicomedia, Commemorated on October 2 ; Martyr Tarachus at Tarsus, in Cilicia, Commemorated on October 12; Blessed Cleopatra with her son in Egypt, Commemorated on October 19; Martyr Varus, Commemorated on October 19; St Alexander the Bishop at Adrianopolis, Commemorated on October 22; St Crispina, Commemorated on December 5; NICHOLAS OF MYRA, FRIEND OF CHILDREN, GIVER OF GIFTS, CLIMBER OF CHIMNEYS, ETC. (6 DEC 326) ; St Nicholas the Wonderworker and Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, Commemorated on December 6; LUCY, VIRGIN AND MARTYR, abt. 304, Commemorated December 13; Venerable Syncletica of Alexandria, Commemorated on January 5; Venerable Paul of Thebes, Commemorated on January 15; Venerable and God-bearing Father Anthony the Great, Commemorated on January 17; Virginmartyr Euphrasia of Nicomedia, Commemorated on January 19; AGNES OF ROME, MARTYR (21 JAN 304) ; Virginmartyr Agnes of Rome, Commemorated on January 21; VINCENT OF SARAGOSSA, DEACON AND MARTYR (22 JAN 304); Presbyter Ananias in Phoenicia, Commemorated on January 26; Martyr Neophytus of Nicea, Commemorated on January 21; GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR, APOSTLE TO ARMENIA (23 March 332); Martyr Manuel, Commemorated on March 27; Martyr Matrona of Thessalonica, Commemorated on March 27; Hieromartyr Artemon the Presbyter of Laodicea in Syria, Commemorated on April 13; Martyr Victor of Nicomedia, Commemorated on April 18 ;

Rome, 293-306, Constantius Chlorus, Roman Britain and Gaul Caesar, Father of Constantine the Great
England, 293-306, Roman Britain and Gaul Caesar, Constantius Chlorus, Father of Constantine the Great; Equal of the Apostles and Emperor Constantine with his Mother Helen, Commemorated on May 21;

Rome, 296-304, Pope Marcellinus, cowardice, humbled himself, repented, martyred
Roman Pope, 296-304, Pope Marcellinus; Greatmartyr Euphemia the All-praised, Commemorated on July 11 ; 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), when 17,000 men were martyred a single month. During 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. Although 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). Saint 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. The Fathers of the Council said, “Judge yourself! From your lips this sin came forth, from your lips let judgment be pronounced. We know that even Saint Peter denied Christ out of fear, but he wept bitterly for his sin, and received forgiveness from the Lord.â€ 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.â€ 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?â€ “I fear his curse,â€ replied Saint Marcellus. “Perhaps you do not remember,â€ said the Apostle Peter, “that it is written: ‘He that humbles himself shall be exalted.’ Therefore, go bury his body with reverence.â€ 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. Martyr Priscilla of Rome, Commemorated on June 7;