Cleonicus of Amasia

Saint Cleonicus, martyr, was a Christian of Amasia in Pontus and died crucified in 308, together with his brother Eutropius, also a martyr. He is commemorated on 3 March by the old calendar.

In 308 Asclepiodotus was appointed governor of Amasia in Pontus. He summoned the Christians in prison, Eutropius, Cleonicus and Basiliscus. The captives were beaten, then led to a pagan temple to be forced to offer sacrifice. Then tall wooden stakes were set in the ground, the martyrs were tied to them and sprinkled with boiling pitch. Their bodies were torn with iron hooks, and the wounds sprinkled with a mixture of mustard, salt and vinegar.

On the morning of 3 March, Eutropius and Cleonicus were crucified, and Basiliscus was put to death later.