Saint · 284-305
Thyrsus of Asia Minor
Martyrs Thyrsus, Leucius, and Callinicus of Asia Minor, and Philemon, Apollonius, and Arian of Alexandria
New Calendar December 14 Old Calendar December 27
Why they are a saint
During the reign of Diocletian (284-305), the Governor of Antinoe in the Thebaid of Upper Egypt was Arian, a fierce persecutor who had sent many Christians to a violent death, among them Saints Timothy and Maura (see May 3) and Saint Sabine (Mar. The Orthodox Church commemorates Thyrsus of Asia Minor on December 14.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Thyrsus of Asia Minor as a patron when they bear the name Thyrsus at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on December 14. As a martyr, he is also asked for courage and faithfulness under trial.
Prayer
O holy Thyrsus of Asia Minor, 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.