Euelpistus of Rome

Holy Martyr Euelpistus of Rome suffered in the year 166, at the same time as Saint Justin the Philosopher, together with Chariton, Hierax, Paeon, Valerian, Justus and the Holy Martyr Charito. They were brought to Rome and shut in prison.

Before the judgment of the prefect Rusticus the saints boldly confessed their faith in Christ. Rusticus asked Saint Justin whether he really thought that after the torments he would ascend to heaven and receive a reward from God. Justin answered that he not only thought so but knew it with certainty. The prefect proposed to all the imprisoned Christians that they sacrifice to the pagan gods, but received a refusal and pronounced the death sentence. The saints were beheaded.

The Synaxarion commemorates Justin, Chariton, Euelpistus, Hierax, Paeon, Valerian and Charito on 14 June (new style).