Holy Martyr Solochon, and the Soldiers Pamphamir and Pamphalon (284–305)

The holy Martyr Solochon, and the soldiers Pamphamir and Pamphalon (284–305). Saint Solochon was an Egyptian by origin; he suffered for Christ in the time of the Emperor Maximian (284–305). With him Pamphamir and Pamphalon met a martyr’s end. They served in the emperor’s army, in the regiment of the tribune Campanus. During the persecution of Christians Campanus’s regiment was sent to the city of Chalcedon, and all the soldiers were required to perform the rite of sacrifice. Three soldiers, Solochon, Pamphamir and Pamphalon, refused to worship the pagan idols and confessed the true God, the Lord Jesus Christ. By Campanus’s order they were cruelly tortured. Saints Pamphamir and Pamphalon died under the torture. The enraged tribune ordered Saint Solochon, who was still alive, to have his mouth forced open with a sword and the blood of a sacrifice poured into it. But the saint clenched his teeth so hard that the sword bent. He broke his fetters and again glorified the Lord. After long tortures Solochon was hung up by one arm, with a heavy stone tied to his foot. For three hours the saint hung like this, and then the rope was cut. Saint Solochon rose to his feet safe and sound. Campanus, beside himself with rage, struck the holy martyr on the head with his staff. Saint Solochon fell senseless, while Campanus and the soldiers went to the palace. Christians carried the martyr to the house of a pious widow, where he regained his breath, talked with the Christians about the faith, and encouraged them. Then Saint Solochon prayed and gave up his spirit.