Ora pro nobis.
Diomedes was born in Cilician Tarsus some time in the mid-3rd c. AD in Asia Minor. He was trained as a physician. Diomedes seems to have been born into a Christian family. He was well known as a physician as well as being a tireless evangelist, treating not only ills of the body, but also of the soul. He enlightened many pagans with belief in Christ, and baptized them.
Saint Diomedes traveled much both as a noted physician but also from his desire to spread the Gospel of Jesus. His ministry led to the conversion of many people to the true Faith. On one such journey, when he arrived in the city of Nicea, the emperor Diocletian (284-305 AD) heard of the arrival of this famous man and sent soldiers to arrest him. Having already left Nicea, the emperor’s soldiers pursued him. Along the way from Nicea to Nicomedia, Diomedes got down from the cart so as to pray, and he died.
As proof of carrying out their orders, the soldiers cut off his head, but then themselves became blinded. Upon seeing what had happened to his soldiers, Diocletian gave orders to take the head back to the body. When the soldiers fulfilled the order, their sight was restored and they believed in Christ.
The Orthodox Church venerates him as a healer and mentions him during the Mystery of Holy Unction.
Almighty and everlasting God, who kindled the flame of your love in the heart of your holy martyr Diomedes: Grant to us, your humble servants, a like faith and power of love, that we who rejoice in her triumph may profit by her example; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
