The Church honors the memory of Martyrs Thyrsus, Leucius, Callinicus, Philemon, and others.
Saints Thyrsus, Leucius, and Callinicus lived in a time of severe persecution of Christians under Emperor Decius. Hailing from Caesarea in Bithynia, Asia Minor, they came from respected families and led lives of humility and piety.
During the persecution, Leucius bravely confessed his Christian faith to the governor, who tried to hinder the spread of the Gospel through ridicule and mockery. Despite enduring torture, Martyr Leucius remained steadfast and was eventually beheaded.
Saint Thyrsus also professed his faith before the Emperor and faced cruel tortures with unwavering devotion. Witnessing Thyrsus’s courage, the pagan priest Callinicus converted to Christianity. Both men were martyred, with Callinicus being beheaded and Thyrsus being sawn in half.
Throughout Christian history, there have been persecutors who, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, repented and embraced the true faith with courage.
Source: Church of Cyprus