Hesychius of Antioch

Saint Hesychius, martyr, was a senator of Antioch in the time of the emperor Maximian Galerius and died a martyr in the year 302. He is commemorated on 10 May, by the old calendar.

According to tradition, when the persecutions of Christians began, he was asked to renounce Christ in order to keep his life and his rank. Hesychius refused and confessed his faith. The emperor was enraged and ordered him removed from office, dressed in garments of shame and held up to mockery before the other officials.

Then Galerius ordered him killed. Soldiers led him to the river Orontes, tied a stone about his neck and threw him into the deepest place. One source gives 10/23 May as the day of commemoration, while our Menaion data shows 29 May.