Saint · † 305-306
Photios
Martyrs Photios and Anicletas of Nicomedia and many with them († 305-306)
New Calendar August 12 Old Calendar August 25
Why they are a saint
The Martyrs Anicetas and Photios (his nephew) were natives of Nicomedia. Anicetas, a military official, denounced the emperor Diocletian (284-305) for having set up in the city square an implement of execution for frightening Christians. The enraged emperor ordered Saint Anicetas to be tortured, and later condemned him to be devoured by wild beasts.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Photios as a patron when they bear the name Photios at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on August 12. As a martyr, he is also asked for courage and faithfulness under trial.
Prayer
O holy Photios, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.