Peter Apselamus

Saint Peter Apselamus the Martyr, born at Anea near Eleutheropolis in Palestine, was known for his bodily strength, charity and piety. He died a martyr in the persecution, around 309 or 311. He is commemorated on 3 January, in the Greek Church on 14 October and in the Serbian Church on 12 January by the old calendar.

There is disagreement about his death. According to his Acts he was tortured and killed at Aulana near Hebron and crucified. According to Eusebius of Caesarea, in the Martyrs of Palestine, he was burned alive at Caesarea. Another source gives the date 11 January 309. Tillemont considered them two persons: Peter Apselamus, crucified at Aulana, and Peter Absalon, burned at Caesarea. The martyr at Aulana is commemorated on 3 January, the one at Caesarea on 13 January. Hearing the death sentence he said joyfully, according to the Serbian sources: "This is my only wish, to die for my God." He was crucified like the Lord Himself and gave up his soul on the cross. He is the only Palestinian martyr of the persecution of Diocletian whose name is in the calendar of Jerusalem.