Pansophius of Alexandria

Saint Pansophius, venerable martyr, lived at Alexandria in Egypt and died a martyr in the time of the persecution of Decius, between the years 249 and 251. He is commemorated on 15 January by the old calendar, which is 28 January by the new.

He was the son of Nilus, proconsul of Alexandria. He gave up the honours and wealth of the world and became a monk while young, and according to one source, after his father's death he gave his property to the poor and withdrew into the desert. For twenty-⁠seven years he struggled with severity, lifting his spirit toward the world above.

In the time of Decius he was brought to trial before the prefect of Alexandria. He was beaten with rods for the name of Christ, and he confessed his faith without fear and withstood paganism. Amid great torments he gave up his soul to God and received the crown of martyrdom.

The sources do not give the exact year of his death, only the period of Decius' persecution, between 249 and 251, and no other details of his deeds have been preserved.