Nearchus

Holy Martyr Nearchus was a soldier († in the third century), a steadfast Christian and friend of the pagan soldier Polyeuctus. When the persecution of the Christians came, Nearchus prepared for death, but was greatly grieved that he had not been able to bring his friend to the true faith. Learning the reason for his sorrow, Polyeuctus promised to be baptized, and the next day told Nearchus of the appearance of Christ to him in a dream. Polyeuctus followed the Lord zealously and soon received a martyr's death, before the end urging Nearchus to stand firm. Soon Nearchus was put to death by burning and followed his friend to Christ. The Azbyka page notes that his name is not found in the present calendar of the Russian Orthodox Church and that in some Slavic manuscripts of Russian and Serbian origin Saint Nearchus is commemorated on 22 April as a hieromartyr. He is commemorated on 5 May, in the new style.