Holy Martyrs Thalelaeus, Alexander and Asterius (+284)

The holy Martyrs Thalelaeus, Alexander and Asterius (+284). In the reign of Numerian (283–284) the ruler of the city of Aegae sent soldiers to seek out Christians; the eighteen-year-old Thalelaeus was brought to him. Under questioning the young man said: “I am a Christian, from Lebanon. My father Berucius was a commander; my mother’s name is Rhomylia. I have a brother who is a subdeacon. I learned medicine from the physician Macarius. In the time of Tiberius I was already seized once for confessing Christ, but escaped punishment. Now do with me what you will. I am ready to suffer death with joy for the name of my Lord Jesus Christ.”

The enraged ruler ordered two executioners, Alexander and Asterius, to pierce the martyr’s limbs and hang him on a tree. By God’s providence the executioners took pity on the young Thalelaeus, refused to carry out the order, and declared themselves Christians. The ruler ordered them to be beheaded, and Saint Thalelaeus was thrown into the sea.

After the sentence had been carried out, to everyone’s surprise, Saint Thalelaeus, clothed in radiant garments, stood up again before the ruler and his servants. One of the nobles, the sorcerer Urbicianus, advised the ruler to throw the saint to the beasts, but neither the raging bear nor the hungry lion touched him. The people, astounded at what they had seen, cried aloud: “Great is the God of the Christians; Lord of Thalelaeus, have mercy on us!” The crowd seized Urbicianus and threw him to the beasts, while Saint Thalelaeus, by the ruler’s order, was put to the sword. The martyr’s holy relics rest in the church of Agathonike in Constantinople and work many miracles.

Saint Thalelaeus is numbered by the Church among the unmercenary healers. Prayer is offered to him at the blessing of oil and at the blessing of water.