Patermuthius of Egypt

Saint Patermuthius of Egypt, a venerable martyr, was an Egyptian hermit who suffered in the time of the emperor Julian the Apostate (361-363), together with his disciple Copres and the soldier Alexander, who believed in Christ on seeing their torments.

Learning of the two recluses, the apostate emperor ordered them brought before him and tried to lure them to paganism, saying slyly that he too had once served Christ but had understood that only the pagan gods could give salvation. Copres was deceived by the emperor's promises and denied Christ, but through the prayers and tearful exhortations of his elder he recognized his fall, repented and confessed himself a Christian again. The emperor grew angry and ordered him to be cruelly tortured. Patermuthius strengthened his brother's courage and patience.

A soldier named Alexander, seeing the horrors Copres went through, believed in Christ and was condemned to be burned. Saints Patermuthius and Copres were beheaded with the sword. Saint Patermuthius is commemorated on 22 July, in the new style.