Hieromartyr Kindeos the Presbyter of Pamphylia

The Hieromartyr Kindeos was a priest in the village of Talmenia (Sidḗ in Pamphylia) in Asia Minor. At that time Emperor Diocletian was persecuting the Christians. Even so, Saint Kindeos labored tirelessly to spread the message of the Gospel. For this reason, he was denounced to the eparch Stratónikos and condemned to be burnt alive.

As the soldiers were leading him to his death, they met a wood-cutter with a large bundle of firewood, which they confiscated to be used as kindling for the fire, and the Martyr paid the man 30 copper coins for it. On the way, the man with the wood suddenly became ill and fell down. The Saint took the burden upon his own shoulders and carried it to the place of execution.

Even in the fire, the Hieromartyr Kindeos, with God's help, remained a steadfast warrior of Christ. After he had been placed on the pyre, and before the flames enveloped him, he he found the strength to entreat the spectators to accept the true Faith and the Lord's grace. Then a powerful thunderstorm sprang up, and the fire went out. When the storm abated, the Holy Martyr surrendered his soul to Christ in the year 290.

A pagan priest who had heard the words of Saint Kindeos was astonished by his courage in the face of death. The priest and his wife believed in Christ, and were baptized. It was they who arranged for the burial of the Holy Martyr.