Holy Martyr Euplus the Archdeacon (+304)

The holy Martyr Euplus the archdeacon suffered in 304, in the reign of the Emperors Diocletian and Maximian (284–305). He served in the Sicilian city of Catania. The blessed Euplus always carried the Gospel with him and fearlessly preached the teaching of Christ among the idol-worshippers. Once, as the saint was reading the Gospel to people gathered in a poor hut, he was seized and brought to Calvisian, the head of the city. Euplus fearlessly confessed Christ and denounced the lawlessness of the pagans, for which cruel torments were brought upon him, and then, his body lacerated, he was thrown into prison. The Lord brought forth a cool spring for His chosen one in the cell. Standing before the judge a second time, the strengthened archdeacon again boldly confessed the true faith and denounced the tormentor for shedding the blood of innocent Christians. The judge ordered the lamb of Christ’s ears to be cut off first, and then his head as well. Before he was led out to execution the Gospel was hung round the blessed one’s neck. Asking for time to pray, he opened the Gospel and began to preach again. That day many pagans believed in Christ the Saviour. Suddenly a voice was heard from on high: “Blessed art thou, Euplus, my good and faithful servant; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord!” Rejoicing in spirit, the martyr gave thanks to the King of heaven and humbly bowed his neck to the sword.