The Ten Martyrs of Crete: Theodulus, Saturninus, Euporus, Gelasius, Eunician, Zoticus, Pompeius, Agathopus, Basilides and Evarestus (III)

The Ten Martyrs of Crete, Theodulus, Saturninus, Euporus, Gelasius, Eunician, Zoticus, Pompeius, Agathopus, Basilides and Evarestus, suffered for Christ in the reign of the Emperor Decius (249–251).

The governor of the island of Crete, who bore the same name as the emperor, cruelly persecuted the Christians. Once ten Christians from various cities of Crete were brought before his tribunal. They courageously confessed Christ and exposed the vanity of idol-worship. All of them were put to death after cruel tortures. Before their end the martyrs fervently besought the Lord to enlighten their executioners with the light of faith.