Eleutherius of Persia

Holy Martyr Eleutherius of Persia lived in the fourth century and was a Persian by birth. According to the brief synaxarion account, he believed in Christ and came to the Holy Hieromartyr Simeon, bishop of Persia, commemorated on 17 April, to be taught the Christian faith.

Returning home, Eleutherius preached to the pagans who came to him, brought many to the faith and baptized them. The king learned of this and ordered him seized. At the interrogation, seeing the martyr's firmness, the king handed him over to the high priests of the idols, commanding them to force him to renounce Christ. After long torments the saint was beheaded.

The Synaxarion commemorates him on 26 April (new style). His name is not included in the present calendar of the Russian Church.