Alphaeus of Kalitsa

Holy Martyr Alphaeus of Kalitsa is commemorated together with the martyrs Alexander, Zosimas, Mark the shepherd, Nicon, Neon, Heliodorus and others, who suffered for the confession of the faith of Christ in various places in Asia Minor, in the time of Diocletian (284 to 305). They are commemorated on 11 October.

Saint Mark, a shepherd, was seized because he openly confessed his faith, in the neighbourhood of Pisidian Antioch. The thirty soldiers who seized him were won to the faith by him and were beheaded at Nicaea, while Mark was put to torture. To make the instruments of torture three brothers, smiths from the village of Katalita or Kalita, Alexander, Alphaeus and Zosimas, were summoned, but the iron melted and the smiths' hands stiffened. Hearing a voice calling them to suffer with Saint Mark, the brothers believed in Christ. After heavy torments molten tin was poured down their throats (on 28 September). Saint Mark, after torture, was beheaded at Claudiopolis (on 21 September). When the saint's head was carried into the temple of Artemis, all the idols fell and were shattered. The witnesses of this wonder, Nicon, Neon, Heliodorus, maidens and boys, believed in Christ, confessed their faith and died as martyrs at Maromilia (on 13 July).