Martyrs Thyrsos, Leukios, and Kallinikos
The Holy Martyrs Thyrsos, Leukios, and Kallinikos, suffered for Christ under Emperor Decius (249-251) at Caesarea in Bithynίa. When Saint Leukios reproached the prefect Cumbricius for his unjust persecution of Christians, he was tortured and then executed.
Saint Thyrsos, who was still a catechumen, was nonetheless eager for martyrdom. He was sentenced to cruel tortures after refusing to offer sacrifice to the idols. Citing the words of the Prophet Jeremiah (2:27), he ridiculed those who worshiped idols made of wood and stone.
The Saint’s arms and legs were pulled out of their sockets, his eyes were plucked out, and his teeth were smashed with a hammer. He was taken to a heathen temple, where, by his prayers, he toppled a statue of Apollo. Cumbricius was outraged by this, and he ordered even greater torments be devised for the athlete of Christ. Saint Thyrsos endured them all, then died after making the Sign of the Cross. The pagan priest Kallinikos, after witnessing the bravery of Saint Thyrsos and the miracle he performed, believed in Christ and boldly confessed the true Faith, for which he was beheaded.