Cyprian of Mesopolis

Holy Martyr Cyprian of Mesopolis, called in some sources also Kirin or Cyril, was one of the three brothers Alphius, Philadelphus and Cyprian, martyrs from Italy who suffered in Sicily in the year 251, in the time of the emperor Decius. The Azbyka page honours them all together, with Onesimus, Erasmus and fourteen other martyrs.

The three brothers were sons of Vitelius, the governor of Italy, and were enlightened by faith in Christ and baptized by Saint Onesimus. When an order had gone out to hunt down and torment Christians, the brothers were sent to Rome together with Onesimus, Erasmus and fourteen other Christians. At Rome the chest of Onesimus was crushed under a heavy stone and he died, while Erasmus and the fourteen had their heads cut off.

Alphius, Philadelphus and Cyprian were sent from Rome to Sicily, to the city of Mesopolis of the Leontines, and there they suffered. Alphius had his tongue cut out and died from loss of blood. Philadelphus was burned on an iron grate, and Cyprian was burned in a frying pan. In 1517 their relics were found at Leontini.

Saint Cyprian is commemorated on 23 May, in the new style. Their passion is also found in the Lives of the Saints by Saint Dimitry of Rostov.