Euethius of Nicomedia

Holy Martyr Euethius of Nicomedia (in Latin Evencio or Evetius the Latin) suffered at Nicomedia in Asia Minor on 24 February 303, in the persecution of Diocletian. He was, according to tradition, a very well known confessor in the city and held an important office.

It is said that when the edict against the Christians was posted at Nicomedia, he tore it down in the sight of all. For this he was seized, tried and burned alive, being reduced to ashes; Lactantius (and Eusebius of Caesarea in the Ecclesiastical History) recall the martyrdom of the one who tore up the edict, and tradition has given him the name. A legendary patience is ascribed to him amid his torments. He is commemorated on 24 February, by the Western calendar (new style), as a saint of the undivided Church.