Aristocles

Holy Martyr Aristocles the Priest was a priest at Tamassos in Cyprus and died beheaded at Salamis, with the deacon Demetrian and the reader Athanasius, in the year 302, in the persecution of Maximian Galerius and Diocletian. He is commemorated on 23 June.

When the persecution began, Aristocles withdrew into a mountain cave, so as not to endanger his life and to be able to go on building up his brothers in Christ. But he learned that in the cities many believers were shedding their blood bravely for the faith. After a vision, he judged that it was not fitting for him, as a priest, to be safe while laypeople, women and children faced the sword and the fire. He made the sign of the Cross and went down to Salamis. On the way he stopped at the church of the Holy Apostle Barnabas. In the city's church he found the deacon Demetrian and the reader Athanasius at prayer, who also wished to be among those who suffered. Together they went out and strengthened the persecuted brothers. Learning of it, the pagan governor seized them. When he could not overcome them with promises and threats, he tortured them much, then beheaded all three.