Asclepiodota of Marcianopolis

Holy Martyr Asclepiodota of Marcianopolis, also called Asclepiada, suffered at the beginning of the fourth century in Thrace, in the time of Emperor Maximian Galerius (305-311), together with Maximus and Theodotus. The saints are commemorated on 28 September.

Maximus and Asclepiodota were notable inhabitants of the city of Marcianopolis and led a pure Christian life. By their example they brought many to faith in Christ and to Holy Baptism. In the time of the persecution, the governor of Thrace, Tyrius, going around the cities under his rule, pursued those who believed in Christ. He summoned Maximus and Asclepiodota and urged them to renounce faith in Christ. But seeing their firm faith, he ordered them beaten cruelly. Then a pious man named Theodotus began to rebuke the governor for his mercilessness and cruelty. He too was seized, hung from a tree and tormented with iron hooks. Then the three martyrs were thrown into prison.

After two weeks Tyrius went on, taking the holy martyrs with him. In the city of Adrianople he subjected them to still heavier torments, ordering their bodies burned with red-⁠hot plates. In the midst of the torments the martyrs were comforted by a voice from heaven, which strengthened them in patience. After some days of torments they were thrown to the beasts in the circus, but the she-⁠bear let loose on Saints Maximus and Theodotus began to fawn on them. Saint Asclepiodota was tied to a bull, but it stood rooted to the spot, without moving. Tyrius, angered, went on and, before reaching Philippopolis, in the village of Saltis, again tried to persuade the martyrs to renounce Christ, and in the end ordered their heads cut off. After some time he himself was punished by the wrath of God: lightning struck him as he sat in judgment.