Mark of Claudiopolis

Holy Martyr Mark of Claudiopolis, a shepherd, suffered in Asia Minor, in the time of Diocletian (284-305), together with Alexander, Alpheus, Zosimas, Nicon, Neon, Heliodorus and others, in different places.

Mark was a shepherd and was seized for the open confession of the Christian faith near Antioch of Pisidia. Thirty soldiers who took him were converted by him and were beheaded at Nicaea, and Mark was given over to torments. For making the instruments of torture three brothers who were smiths from the village of Katalita (or Kalita) were summoned: Alexander, Alpheus and Zosimas. But the iron would not yield and melted, and the smiths' hands went numb. Hearing a voice that called them to suffer with Saint Mark, the brothers believed in Christ. After heavy torments molten tin was poured into their throats († 28 September). Saint Mark was beheaded at Claudiopolis after torments († 21 September). When the head of the holy martyr was carried into the temple of Artemis, all the idols fell and shattered. The witnesses of the wonder, Nicon, Neon, Heliodorus, maidens and youths, believed in Christ, confessed their faith and died as martyrs at Maromilia († 13 July).

They are commemorated on 11 October, in the new style.