Peter of Phoenicia

Holy Martyr Peter of Phoenicia, the jailer, is commemorated on 8 February with the Holy Hieromartyr Ananias, the presbyter, and seven other soldiers. They suffered in Phoenicia in the year 295, in the persecution of Diocletian (284-305). Ananias was brought to the governor of Phoenicia, Maximus, because he confessed Christ and would not bow to idols. He was beaten with hammers, burned with fire and salt was strewn on his burned body. After the terrible torments, at the prayer of the holy martyr the idol temple collapsed with the idols in it, and the martyr was shut in prison.

Peter, who guarded him, and the seven soldiers, witnesses of the presbyter Ananias's torments, believed in Christ and, after long torments, were drowned in the sea. For their sacrifice they received from Christ, together with the martyr Ananias, crowns of glory.

Saint Peter is commemorated on 8 February, in the new style.