Papylus of Thyatira

Holy Hieromartyr Papylus of Thyatira, a deacon of the Church of Pergamum, suffered in the persecution of Decius in the third century, together with Bishop Carpus of Thyatira and the martyrs Agathodorus and Agathonike, Papylus's sister.

The governor of the region learned that Carpus and Papylus took no part in the pagan festivals and ordered them brought to trial. He first tried to convince them of the truth of the Roman religion, but the saints answered that it is not fitting to honour false gods. The judge then ordered the martyrs stripped and led through the city in iron chains, then tied to horses and dragged from Thyatira to the neighbouring city of Sardis. Agathodorus and Agathonike followed Carpus and Papylus of their own will. At Sardis Agathodorus was beaten to death with ox-⁠hide thongs, and Carpus, Papylus and Agathonike were beheaded.

Papylus was known in his lifetime for the gift of healing diseases, and since his martyrdom he ceaselessly grants healing to all who run to him with faith. Saint Papylus is commemorated on 26 October, in the new style.