Paul of Byzantium

Holy Martyr Paul of Byzantium, a young man recently baptized, is commemorated on 16 June with the martyrs Lucillian, Claudius, Hypatius, Dionysius and the martyr Paula. Lucillian was a pagan priest in the time of the emperor Aurelian (270-275). In old age he understood that pagan religion was false, turned with all his soul to Christ and was baptized. Many pagans began to turn to Christianity through his preaching, and the Jews denounced him to the governor of Nicomedia, Silvanus. He tried to force him back to idols. Lucillian was struck on the jaws, beaten with rods and hung head downward, then shut in prison, where he met four young confessors of Christ, Claudius, Hypatius, Paul and Dionysius. He urged them to stand firm in the faith and not to fear torment and death.

After a time they were brought to trial and thrown into a burning furnace, but an unexpected rain put out the flames and they remained unharmed. The governor condemned them to death and sent them to Byzantium for execution. The four young men were beheaded with the sword, and Lucillian was nailed to a cross with many nails. The Azbyka page says nothing else of Paul individually.

Saint Paul is commemorated on 16 June, in the new style.