Heraclidius of Tamassos

Holy Hieromartyr Heraclidius of Tamassos was the first bishop of Tamassos, in Cyprus, ordained by the holy Apostle Barnabas, and he died a martyr in the first century. He is commemorated on 30 September, according to the Greek calendar.

He was born in the village of Lampadu, near Galata in Cyprus, the son of Heraclius, a pagan priest. When the apostles Paul and Barnabas arrived on the island, in the year 45, they passed through Lampadu, and Heraclius invited them to take part in a pagan sacrifice. The apostles refused, but asked him to show them the road to Paphos. Heraclius agreed and sent his son to be their guide.

On the way the apostles taught Heraclidius the truths of the Christian faith. He received the teaching with joy and was baptized. Then the holy Apostle Barnabas ordained him bishop of Tamassos. The hierarch chose a cave as his dwelling, and preached from there. At the age of sixty he was killed for Christ and buried in the same cave. He is not included in the present calendar of the Russian Orthodox Church.