Agathopus of Crete

Saint Agathopus of Crete is one of the Ten Martyrs of Crete: Theodulus, Saturninus, Euporus, Gelasius, Eunicianus, Zoticus, Pompius, Agathopus, Basilides and Evaristus, who suffered for Christ in the third century, in the time of the emperor Decius (249 to 251). They are commemorated on 5 January.

The governor of Crete, who bore the same name as the emperor, Decius, cruelly persecuted the Church of Crete. One day ten Christians from various cities of Crete appeared before him, who at the trial firmly confessed their faith in Christ and rebuked the worship of idols. For thirty days they were subjected to cruel torments, but with God's help they bore everything, glorifying the Lord. Before their death they prayed that the Lord would enlighten their tormentors with the light of the true faith. All the saints were beheaded.