The Martyrs Agathonicus, Zoticus, Theoprepius, Acindynus, Severian, Zeno and others embraced death for their faith in Christ during the reign of Emperor Maximian (284-305).
Agathonicus, a descendant of the prestigious Hypasian lineage, resided in Nicomedia. He was well-versed in Holy Scripture and successfully converted many pagans to Christianity, including a prominent member of the Senate. Comitus Eutolmius, acting under the emperor’s orders, persecuted the followers of Christian Zoticus in the Pontine region, leading to their crucifixion for refusing to worship idols. Zoticus was also taken into custody.
In Nicomedia, Eutolmius apprehended Agathonicus, along with the Senate leader and Theoprepius, Acindynus, and Severian. Following severe torture, Eutolmius planned to take the martyrs to Thrace for trial by the emperor.
However, on the journey near Potama, Zoticus, Theoprepius, and Acindynus, due to their wounds from torture, were unable to continue behind the governor’s chariot and were consequently put to death. Severian met his end at Chalcedon, while Agathonicus and others were beheaded in Selymbria by the emperor’s decree.
The relics of Agathonicus were enshrined in a church dedicated to him in Constantinople, as witnessed by the Russian pilgrim Anthony in 1200. Archbishop Philotheus of Selymbria composed a eulogy for Agathonicus in the fourteenth century.
Agathonicus, renowned for his conversions and martyrdom, was captured in Nicomedia, subjected to brutal beatings, dragged in chains, and ultimately executed in Selyvria during Maximian’s rule in 298.
St. Agathonicus, a devout Christian from Nicomedia, fervently converted pagans to Christianity and educated them in the true faith. Under Emperor Maximian’s command, the local governor persecuted Christians mercilessly. St. Zoticus was crucified in Carpe, his disciples were also crucified, and Agathonicus, Princeps, Theoprepius, Acindynus, Severianus, Zeno, and others were arrested in Nicomedia and taken to Byzantium in captivity.
During the journey, Zoticus, Theoprepius, and Acindynus succumbed to their injuries and exhaustion, while Severianus was killed near Chalcedon. Agathonicus and the remaining captives were transported to Silybria in Thrace. There, after enduring torture in the presence of the emperor, they were beheaded, entering into eternal life and the joy of the Lord.