Drakon of Aravrak

Holy Martyr Drakon of Aravrak suffered at the beginning of the fourth century, in the time of the Emperor Diocletian. He was born into a rich family, in the village of Aravraka near the city of Nicaea, and from childhood was distinguished for piety.

In the time of the persecution, seeing the sufferings of the Christians, Drakon decided to take up the struggle of martyrdom. He distributed his property to the poor and openly confessed himself a Christian at Nicaea before the governor Decius. He was subjected to tortures, but an angel of the Lord healed him. Seeing this miracle, three thousand pagans believed in Christ. Then he was brought to Diocletian and tortured again, but remained unshaken.

The emperor sent him back to Decius with orders to continue the tortures. During these torments fire came down from heaven and burned the executioners, while the saint's wounded body remained unharmed; five thousand more people turned to Christ. Then the martyr was beheaded.

The name of Drakon, or Drakontus, is not included in the present calendar of the Russian Church. The Greeks commemorate him on 24 November.