Agathodorus of Sardis

Saint Agathodorus of Sardis suffered in the third century, in the time of the persecution under the emperor Decius, together with the holy hieromartyr Carpus, bishop of Thyatira, the deacon Papylus and the holy martyr Agathonica, sister of Papylus. They are commemorated on 26 October.

The governor of the region learned that Carpus and Papylus did not take part in the pagan festivals. He ordered the lawbreakers brought and at first tried to convince them of the truth of the Roman religion. The saints answered that it is not fitting to honour false gods. Then the judge ordered them stripped, led through the city in iron chains, then tied to horses and dragged from Thyatira to the neighbouring city of Sardis. Agathodorus and Agathonica followed Carpus and Papylus of their own will. At Sardis Agathodorus was beaten to death with oxhide thongs, while Carpus, Papylus and Agathonica were beheaded. Saint Papylus was known in life for the gift of healing diseases; and after his martyr's death he never ceases to give healings to all who come to him with faith.