December 26

Papylus of Thyatira (c. 95)
Early Deacon; Accused of Spreading Forbidden Writings

Early Christian Deacon
Papylus of Thyatira is remembered as one of the earliest deacons in Asia Minor, serving the church in the late 1st century. He belonged to the community of believers in Thyatira, a city mentioned in the Book of Revelation as home to one of the seven churches of Asia

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Accused of Christian Writings
According to early accounts, Papylus was accused by hostile neighbors of spreading “forbidden writings,” understood to be Christian Scriptures and teachings. At a time when the church was still young and often harassed, such accusations could lead to arrest, trial, or worse.

Defense of the Faith
Brought before authorities, Papylus openly admitted that he kept and shared the writings of the apostles. His boldness showed the determination of the earliest Christians to preserve and spread the word of God despite imperial hostility.

Martyrdom for Christ
Tradition holds that Papylus was executed for his faith and for refusing to renounce the Scriptures. Though the details of his death are sparse, his steadfastness made him one of the early martyrs of Asia Minor, sealing his ministry with blood.

Legacy in Thyatira
Papylus’s story was preserved in local memory as an example of courage in defending the apostolic writings. His witness testifies to the importance of Scripture in the earliest Christian communities, and his martyrdom highlights how dangerous it was to be a custodian of the gospel in the Roman Empire.

Euphrasia of Nicomedia (d. 3rd c.)
Wealthy Woman Who Gave All to the Persecuted

Christian Matron in Bithynia
Euphrasia was a wealthy Christian woman of Nicomedia in the 3rd century, remembered for her generosity and courage during times of persecution. Living in one of the empire’s prominent cities, she used her means to care for those who suffered for confessing Christ.

Giver to the Imprisoned
When Christians were arrested and thrown into prison, Euphrasia devoted her fortune to supplying their needs. She brought food, clothing, and comfort to the captives, quietly sustaining the faithful who endured trials for the gospel.

Exposure and Arrest
Her works of mercy did not remain hidden for long. Authorities discovered her acts of charity and accused her of aiding the enemies of Rome. Arrested and interrogated, she openly confessed that she was a Christian and that her gifts were offerings of love in Christ’s name.

Martyrdom in Nicomedia
Refusing to renounce her faith, Euphrasia was condemned to death and executed in Nicomedia. Her martyrdom sealed a life of generosity, showing that her commitment to Christ was greater than wealth, status, or survival.

Legacy of Charity and Courage
Euphrasia is remembered in early tradition as a woman whose wealth was turned into a weapon of mercy for the persecuted. Her life illustrates the role of women benefactors in strengthening the church, and her death placed her among the honored martyrs of Bithynia.

Eustratius of Armenia (d. 3rd c.)
Soldier Who Defended Christians, Burned Alive

Christian Soldier in Armenia
Eustratius was a soldier from Armenia who openly defended fellow Christians during a time of persecution in the 3rd century. His courage in confessing Christ set him apart among his peers, as he placed loyalty to his faith above loyalty to imperial orders.

Defender of Believers
When Christians were accused and condemned, Eustratius intervened on their behalf. His defense of the innocent quickly exposed his own faith, leading to his arrest. His willingness to risk his life to shield others displayed both compassion and boldness.

Interrogation and Confession
Brought before the authorities, he refused to deny Christ or perform sacrifices to the Roman gods. His confession enraged his persecutors, who subjected him to threats and harsh treatment in an effort to break his resolve.

Martyrdom by Fire
Eustratius was condemned to be burned alive, a punishment intended to terrify others. He faced the flames with unshaken faith, praying and encouraging the believers who witnessed his death. His martyrdom became a powerful testimony of strength and sacrifice.

Legacy of a Soldier-Martyr
The memory of Eustratius was preserved in Armenian and wider church tradition as one of the soldier-martyrs of the early centuries. His story highlights how military service did not prevent Christians from bearing faithful witness, and how courage in defense of others could lead to the crown of martyrdom.

Felicity of Carthage (d. 203)
Slave and Young Mother Martyred for Her Faith

Christian Slave in North Africa
Felicity was a young slave woman in Carthage who became one of the most celebrated martyrs of the early church. She lived at the beginning of the 3rd century and was imprisoned during the persecutions under Emperor Septimius Severus.

Companion of Perpetua
Felicity was arrested with the noblewoman Perpetua and several other catechumens preparing for baptism. Despite the vast difference in their social status, the two women were united as sisters in Christ, facing suffering together in prison.

Motherhood in Prison
At the time of her imprisonment, Felicity was pregnant. Fearing she might be spared execution if she had not yet given birth, she prayed fervently that she might deliver her child before the day of martyrdom. Her prayers were answered, and she gave birth to a daughter just days before her execution.

Martyrdom in the Arena
On March 7, 203, Felicity was led with Perpetua and their companions into the amphitheater of Carthage. There they faced wild beasts and were eventually put to death by the sword. Their courage and unity became one of the most powerful testimonies of early Christianity.

Firmus of Nicomedia (d. 3rd c.)
Christian Merchant Who Lost His Life Defending Believers

Merchant in Bithynia
Firmus was a Christian merchant from Nicomedia in Bithynia, remembered for his devotion to Christ and his defense of fellow believers during persecution. As a man of trade and means, he used his resources to support the Christian community at a time when open faith carried grave risks.

Defender of the Church
When local Christians were accused and harassed, Firmus is said to have spoken out publicly in their defense. He used his influence to protect vulnerable believers, an act of courage that quickly drew the attention of Roman officials.

Arrest and Trial
Accused of being a Christian himself, Firmus was brought before the authorities. Refusing to deny his faith or to sacrifice to the Roman gods, he openly confessed his allegiance to Christ, even under threat of death.

Martyrdom in Nicomedia
Firmus was condemned and executed in Nicomedia in the 3rd century. Accounts vary on the method of his death, but tradition preserves him as one who willingly gave up his life rather than abandon Christ or his fellow Christians.

Legacy of a Merchant-Martyr
Firmus’s witness became a reminder that merchants and laypeople, not only clergy, bore the weight of martyrdom. His courage and advocacy showed how Christians of every station could become defenders of the faith, sealing their confession with blood.

Glycerius of Antioch (d. 3rd c.)
Postal Courier Executed for Delivering Christian Letters

Christian in Antioch
Glycerius was a postal courier in Antioch who became known for his service to the persecuted church during the 3rd century. As an imperial courier, he held a position of trust, but he used his role to assist fellow believers by carrying Christian correspondence.

Service Through Letters
In a time when the church depended on secret communication, Glycerius risked his life by transporting letters between Christian communities. These letters included encouragement from imprisoned confessors, instructions from bishops, and reports of persecution. His faithful service quietly strengthened the bonds of the early church.

Arrest and Interrogation
Glycerius was discovered carrying Christian letters and was arrested by Roman officials. When interrogated, he did not deny his faith or his service to other believers. His confession revealed both his loyalty to Christ and his willingness to risk his life for the gospel.

Martyrdom in Antioch
Condemned as a Christian sympathizer, Glycerius was executed, sealing his testimony with blood. His death demonstrated that even those without public office in the church, by small acts of faithfulness, could share in the crown of martyrdom.

Legacy of a Faithful Courier
The name of Glycerius was preserved in early martyrologies as one who carried the lifeblood of the church through letters. His witness reminds the faithful that communication, encouragement, and perseverance were essential to the survival of Christianity during persecution.