Antiochus of Sebaste

Holy Martyr Antiochus of Sebaste was a physician in Sebastea in Cappadocia and a brother of the holy Martyr Plato. He died beheaded for his faith in Christ and is venerated as a martyr and healer.

The pagans learned that he was a Christian, brought him to trial and subjected him to fierce tortures. Thrown into boiling water, he remained unharmed. Given then to wild beasts, they did him no harm but lay down peacefully at his feet. Through the martyr's prayers many miracles were worked, and the idols crumbled into dust.

The pagans cut off his head. Seeing the saint's innocent suffering, the soldier Cyriacus, who had taken part in the execution, turned to Christ, confessed his faith before everyone, and was also beheaded. The two martyrs were buried side by side.

He is commemorated on 16 July by the old calendar.