Today the Church honors Sts. Agathonicus, Zoticus, Theoprepius, Acindynus, Severian, Zeno, and Companions, Martyrs.
Orate pro nobis.
The Martyrs Agathonicus, Zoticus, Theoprepius, Acindynus, Severian, Zeno, and companions accepted death for Christ during the reign of the emperor Maximian (284-305 AD).
Saint Agathonicus was a 3rd-century AD citizen of Nicomedia of a distinguished family. In 286 AD, Nicomedia became the eastern and most senior capital city of the Roman Empire (chosen by the emperor Diocletian who ruled in the east), a status which the city maintained during the Tetrarchy system (293–324 AD). Well versed in Holy Scripture, while living in Greece, he converted many pagans to Christ, including the most eminent member of the Senate (its “princeps” or leader). By this time, the Senate had no real power, but it was too disruptive to abolish it, so the Princess of the Senate, while holding a position of esteem had no political power. Still, his conversion would have been remarkable and caused commotion in the capital.
Meanwhile, the imperial governor began persecuting Christians, following the orders of Emperor Maximian. In this persecution, Agathonicus' companion Zoticus was seized in Carpe, and his followers, after refusing to offer sacrifice to idols and tortures, the martyrs were were crucified. Zoticus was sent to Nicomedia, where Agathonicus and his companions the princeps, Theoprepius, Acyndinus, Severian, Zeno, along with many others, were then taken to Byzantium. On this journey, many of the companions died from exhaustion and abuse, and the others were killed in Chalcedon. In the vicinity of Potama, the martyrs Zoticus, Theoprepius, and Acindynus were unable to proceed further behind the chariot of the governor because of wounds received during torture. Therefore, they were put to death. The survivors, Agathonicus together with others, were taken to Thrace in Selymbria, where, after being tortured in front of the Emperor, were beheaded in 298 AD.
Almighty God, who gave to your servants Agathonicus, Zoticus, Theoprepius, Acindynus, Severian, Zeno, and Companions, boldness to confess the Name of our Savior Jesus Christ before the rulers of this world, and courage to die for this faith: Grant that we may always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in us, and to suffer gladly for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
