Eleutherius of Byzantium

Holy Martyr Eleutherius of Byzantium, called the Cubicularius, lived in the fourth century. He was a Byzantine official of noble birth and wealth, at the imperial court, who accepted Christianity. With all the privileges of the court, he was not deceived by earthly goods and honours, but thought continually of the incorruptible and eternal.

After receiving Holy Baptism, he glorified God daily with psalms and adorned his life with good deeds. But one of his servants, at the devil's prompting, denounced him to the emperor. The emperor tried to turn him from faith in Christ and, failing, ordered his head cut off and his body thrown to be eaten by dogs and birds. The saint's body was taken by a Christian priest and buried with honour.

The Synaxarion commemorates him on 17 August (new style) and on 28 December.