Holy Nine Martyrs of Cyzicus: Theognes, Rufus, Antipater, Theostichus, Artemas, Magnus, Theodoritus, Thaumasius and Philemon (III)

The holy Nine Martyrs of Cyzicus: Theognes, Rufus, Antipater, Theostichus, Artemas, Magnus, Theodoritus, Thaumasius and Philemon (III). The city of Cyzicus lies in Asia Minor, on the shore of the Dardanelles strait. Christianity was first preached here by the Apostle Paul himself, but because of the persecution by the pagans some of the Christians fled the city, while others confessed the true God in secret, and so by the end of the third century Cyzicus was mainly a pagan city, although there was a Christian church there too. This state of affairs grieved the true Christians. Among them were Saints Theognes, Rufus, Antipater, Theostichus, Artemas, Magnus, Theodoritus, Thaumasius and Philemon. They were of different ages and held different positions in society, but all were united by the love of Christ.

Having come to Cyzicus, the saints publicly confessed the true God and fearlessly denounced paganism. They were seized and brought before the governor of the city. The soldiers of Christ endured terrible torments, and at last were put to the sword (+c. 284–292). The saints were buried near the city.

In 324 the eastern part of the empire was ruled by the Emperor Constantine the Great (306–337, commemorated 21 May). After the persecution of Christians had ended, the Christians opened the saints’ tomb, took up the incorrupt bodies of the nine martyrs, and laid them in a church built in their name.

Many miracles took place at the holy relics.