Catun of Perge

Holy Martyr Catun of Perge was one of the nine martyrs of Perge in Pamphylia who suffered in the time of the Emperor Diocletian (284-305), together with Leontius, Attius, Alexander, Cindeus, Minsipheus, Cyriacus, Mineon and Eucleus. The Church commemorates them on 14 August (new style).

All were baptized in infancy. Saint Mineon was a carpenter, and the others farmers. In the time of the fierce persecution of Christians, the saints with one mind desired to receive the struggle of martyrdom for Christ. They tore down the shrine of the pagan goddess Artemis. For this they were given over to harsh torments and thrown to the beasts to be torn in the circus. But the beasts, tamed by the prayers of the martyrs, did not touch them. The spectators were terrified and cried aloud: "Great is the God of the Christians." A terrible storm broke out: hail and fire fell on the earth together. From heaven a voice was heard calling the martyrs into the Kingdom of heaven. At this voice the saints rejoiced greatly and, bowing their heads to the sword, received the crowns of martyrdom.