Agathonica of Pergamum

Saint Agathonica of Pergamum 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, her brother, and the holy martyr Agathodorus. They are commemorated on 26 October.

The governor of the region learned that Carpus and Papylus did not take part in the pagan festivals and ordered them brought. He first tried to convince them of the truth of the Roman religion, but the saints answered that it is not fitting to honour false gods. Then the judge ordered them stripped and led through the city in iron chains, then tied to horses and dragged from Thyatira to Sardis. Agathodorus and Agathonica went of their own will after Carpus and Papylus. At Sardis Agathodorus was beaten to death with oxhide thongs, while Carpus, Papylus and Agathonica were beheaded. Papylus had been known in life for the gift of healing diseases, and after his martyr's death he gives healings to those who come to him with faith.