Holy Martyrs Thyrsus, Leucius and Callinicus (+249–251)

The holy Martyrs Thyrsus, Leucius and Callinicus suffered in the reign of Decius (249–251) in Caesarea of Bithynia. When the lawless emperor began to persecute the Christians in the country, Cumbricius, the governor of Caesarea, turned many believers aside from the path of salvation by cunning, and forced others to worship the idols by threats. Then one of the Christians, Leucius, publicly denounced the governor’s lawlessness, for which he was cruelly beaten, and then led out of the city and run through with a sword.

At that time Thyrsus, who had been made a catechumen but had not yet received baptism, presented himself to Cumbricius and preached the faith of Christ to him. The enraged governor ordered Thyrsus to be beaten, his joints to be dislocated, his bones broken, his eyes put out, and then molten tin to be poured over him. The executioners did so, but the Lord completely healed the martyr before everyone’s eyes. This miracle did not bring Cumbricius to his senses. He gave orders for Thyrsus to be bound and shut up in prison until morning. At night a divine power set the Lord’s chosen one free from the prison. The saint went at once to the bishop of the city and was baptised, and then returned to his cell.

Meanwhile a distinguished courtier, Silvanus, came to Caesarea with the intention of helping Cumbricius root out Christianity. He took Thyrsus into the temple of Apollo. The holy martyr lifted up his hands to heaven and called on God for help. At once there was a terrible clap of thunder, and the idol turned to ashes.

After this the lawless Silvanus and Cumbricius went on torturing Thyrsus for a long time, but at last they suddenly fell ill and died. In their place Baudus, a hater of Christ like his predecessors, was appointed. Baudus ordered wild beasts to be starved and then Thyrsus to be thrown to them to be eaten, but instead of tearing him to pieces the animals began to fawn on the saint.

When the pagan priest Callinicus saw the miracles worked by Thyrsus, he recognised the powerlessness of the idols. He presented himself to the governor, condemned the pagan superstition, and confessed the true God. After this the former priest, brought into the idol-temple, prayed in his heart: “Lord Jesus Christ, true God, so often angered by me and yet not turning away from me, arise now to help me and show forth Thy power.”

Then Callinicus heard the voice of the Lord strengthening him for the struggle ahead, and the idol standing before him was shattered to pieces. After this the blessed martyr was beheaded.

By the governor’s order Saint Thyrsus was to be sawn asunder by the executioners. They tried hard, but could do nothing. The saint’s face shone so wonderfully that no one dared to come near him. Then Thyrsus prayed and committed his soul to the Lord in peace.