Melissenus of Amorium

Holy Martyr Melissenus of Amorium (Phrygia) was one of the forty-⁠two martyrs of Amorium, among whom were Constantine, Aetius, Theophilus, Theodore, Callistus and Basoes. What is told belongs to the whole company.

During the war between the Greek emperor Theophilus (829-842) and the Saracens, the latter succeeded in besieging the city of Amorium in Galatia. Through the treachery of the commander Vadiztes the city fell, and forty-⁠two of its defenders, soldiers, were taken captive and carried off to Syria. For seven long years of imprisonment they were urged in vain to renounce the Christian faith and accept Islam. They firmly rejected all flattering offers and bravely endured the terrible threats. After many torments, which could not break their spirit, they were condemned to death.

Even before the execution it was hoped to shake their firmness. To the soldier Theodore it was said that, having left holy orders, he had become a soldier and shed blood, and that he could not hope in Christ but must acknowledge Muhammad. But the martyr answered that he had not denied Christ, and that because he had left holy orders he must shed his own blood. The condemned went calmly and fearlessly to the executioners. They were beheaded, and their bodies were thrown into the river Euphrates. In their service they are praised: Theodore as all-⁠blessed, Callistus as unconquerable, Constantine as valiant, Theophilus as wonderful and Basoes as most strong. The traitor Vadiztes did not escape a shameful fate: the enemy knew that a traitor cannot be trusted, and killed him.

Melissenus is commemorated on 19 March, in the new style.