Peter of Nicomedia

Holy Martyr Peter of Nicomedia is commemorated on 10 January and on 16 September with Bishop Anthimus, the deacon Theophilus, the martyrs Dorotheus, Mardonius, Migdonius, Indes, Gorgonius, Zeno, the virgin Domna and Euthymius. They suffered in the persecution of Diocletian and Maximian (284-305). The persecution grew harsher after a fire broke out in the imperial palace of Nicomedia, and the pagans accused the Christians of setting it on purpose and showed them unheard-⁠of cruelty. At Nicomedia alone, on the day of the Nativity of Christ, some twenty thousand worshippers were burned in the church. Even so, the Christians confessed their faith firmly and accepted death for Christ.

So died then Dorotheus, Mardonius, Migdonius, Peter, Indes and Gorgonius: some beheaded with the sword, others burned, buried under earth or drowned in the sea. Zeno, a soldier, was stoned and then beheaded for boldly rebuking the emperor Maximian. Then also perished a former priestess, the virgin Domna, and Euthymius, who saw to it that the bodies of the martyrs were buried. Bishop Anthimus, who shepherded the Church of Nicomedia, hid, at the flock's request, in a nearby village and from there wrote epistles to the Christians, urging them to hold the faith firmly and not to fear torments. One of the letters, sent by the deacon Theophilus, was intercepted and given to Maximian. Theophilus was interrogated and died under torture without revealing the bishop's hiding place. After a time Maximian learned where Anthimus was and sent soldiers for him. They met the bishop on the road, without recognizing him; he invited them to a meal and then told them that he was the one they sought. The soldiers believed in Christ and were baptized. Anthimus went to the emperor, who ordered the instruments of torture laid before him. The bishop answered: Do you imagine, emperor, that you frighten me with instruments of torture? You do not frighten one who himself wishes to die for Christ. He was tortured and beheaded with the sword, in the year 302. The Azbyka page says nothing else of Peter individually.

Saint Peter is commemorated on 10 January and on 16 September, in the new style.