Peter of Lampsacus

Holy Martyr Peter of Lampsacus is commemorated on 31 May with the martyrs Dionysius, Andrew, Paul and the martyr Christina, who suffered in the time of the emperor Decius (249-251). The first to suffer was the young Peter, in the city of Lampsacus on the Hellespont. Brought before the governor Optimus, he fearlessly confessed his faith in Christ. Forced to bow to the idol of the goddess Venus, he refused, saying in the hearing of all that a Christian does not bow to the idol of a profligate woman. He was subjected to cruel torments, which he bore bravely, giving thanks to the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave him His almighty help, and he was beheaded with the sword.

At the same time Dionysius, Nicomachus and two soldiers brought from Mesopotamia, as well as Andrew and Paul, were tried, all confessors. Nicomachus denied and sacrificed, but was seized by an evil spirit and died in torment; the maiden Christina rebuked this fall and was given to profligates, but an angel came into the house where she had been taken. Dionysius, Andrew and Paul were given to the pagan crowd, dragged and killed with stones, and Christina, who had run up to die with them, was beheaded by the governor's order.

Saint Peter is commemorated on 31 May, in the new style.