Benjamin the Deacon

Saint Benjamin the Martyr was a deacon in Persia and received the crown of martyrdom around 424, in a persecution that lasted forty years through two Persian reigns: that of Isdegerd I, who died in 421, and his son Bahram V, who carried on the persecution with such fury that Christians were subjected to the most cruel tortures. The Orthodox Church remembers him on 13 October, the Catholic Church and the Syriac churches on 31 March.

As a deacon he preached the Gospel and brought many Persians to the faith. For this he was accused, seized and cast into prison, where he stayed a year, or two according to some sources. He was released on condition that he no longer preach or speak of his faith, the release being obtained by the Eastern Roman emperor Theodosius II through an ambassador. Benjamin said, however, that it was his duty to proclaim Christ and that he could not be silent. When the king learned that he did not cease, he ordered sharpened reeds driven between the nails and the flesh, of hands and feet, then into other tender parts, and drawn out again and again, with force. At last a knotted stake was thrust into his bowels, tearing them, and under this torment he gave up his soul, in 424. The persecution spread over other Christians too, and war broke out between Rome and Persia.

His name is in the Roman Martyrology, but he has not been included in the General Roman Calendar.