Agapius of Sicily

Saint Agapius of Sicily was a disciple of the holy hieromartyr Babylas of Sicily and suffered with him and with his other disciple, Timothy. They are commemorated on 6 February.

Saints Babylas of Sicily and his two disciples, Timothy and Agapius, lived in the third century, in the vicinity of Rome. Babylas was born in the city of Reupol, into a wealthy family, and was raised by his parents in the Christian faith. Already in his youth he left worldly things, secretly went away from his parents and settled on a mountain, where he spent all his time in fasting, prayer and stillness. With him struggled his two disciples, Agapius and Timothy. Fleeing the persecution of the pagans, he withdrew with them to the island of Sicily, where he brought many unbelievers to Christ. The governor of the island, angered by the enlightening work of Saint Babylas, ordered him seized together with his disciples and put him to cruel torments. The saints patiently bore the sufferings and all three died by the sword. Their bodies were thrown into the fire, but the flames did not touch the soldiers of Christ. They were buried on the island of Sicily by the Christians there.