Nicander and Hermaeus

Saints Nicander and Hermaeus, hieromartyrs, were martyrs of Myra in Lycia, in the first century. They are commemorated on 4 November, which is 17 November by the new calendar.

Nicander is regarded as the first bishop of Myra in Lycia, a disciple of Saint Titus, who was in turn a disciple and close associate of the Apostle Paul. Hermaeus (Hermes) was a priest and Nicander's companion in martyrdom. Both were ordained by the Apostle Titus. They were distinguished by great zeal in the faith and much labor in winning pagans to Christianity. For this they were accused before the judge Libanius, who ordered them to be put to torture. They were stoned and dragged over stones, starved and thrown into a fiery furnace. There an angel of God appeared to them and cooled the fire. At last they were buried alive in a grave and covered with earth.

The Roman Martyrology, on 4 November, mentions at Myra in Lycia, in present-⁠day Turkey, the holy martyrs Nicander, bishop, and Hermaeus, priest.