Arrian of Antinoe

Holy Martyr Arrian of Antinoe suffered for the faith in Egypt, in the city of Antinoe, in the time of Emperor Diocletian (284-305), together with Philemon, Apollonius and Theotychus. They are commemorated on 27 December.

Before turning to the faith of Christ, Arrian was a persecutor of Christians, among them the martyrs Apollonius and Philemon. Apollonius, fearing the torments that awaited him, asked Philemon, a pagan musician, to put on his clothes and offer sacrifice to the idols in his place. But Philemon unexpectedly confessed himself a Christian before the pagans. Apollonius repented and also confessed Christ. After torments both were put to death. They finished their course on 16 March 286.

Arrian healed an injured eye with dust taken from the grave of Philemon, repented, believed in Christ, and was baptised with all his household and his bodyguards. Out of love for Christ they went willingly to torments and were put to death. The eldest of the bodyguards was the martyr Theotychus. Arrian and Theotychus finished their course on 4 March 287.