Philemon, Apollonius, Arian and Theotychus

The Holy Martyrs Philemon, Apollonius, Arian and Theotychus (called Theonas in some sources) lived in Egypt in the time of the emperor Diocletian, around the year 290, and suffered at Alexandria in Egypt. Arrian, the ruler of Thebes in Egypt, arrested thirty-⁠seven Christians, among them Saints Ascalon and Leonidas. He gave them the choice of sacrificing to the idols or being tortured and executed; most preferred to die rather than deny Christ.

One of them, the reader Apollonius, was afraid of torture and gave his clothes and four gold coins to a pagan musician, Philemon, to sacrifice in his place. Philemon put on Apollonius' clothes and covered his face. As he approached the altar his heart was lit by divine grace, and he made the sign of the Cross and confessed Christ. The ruler sent for Philemon to play the flute and calm "Apollonius", but they brought his brother Theonas instead, who, recognising his disguised brother, laughed and said, "Philemon stands before you." Arrian ordered Philemon's face uncovered and tried to force him to sacrifice; Philemon ridiculed the "gods" and said that he had truly become a Christian, though he had not been baptized. He prayed fervently, and suddenly a heavy rain fell, which was his baptism. Apollonius, through whom Philemon had believed, also confessed Christ. Arrian tortured them cruelly and beheaded them.

Immediately Arrian was struck blind; Saint Philemon appeared to him in a dream and told him to smear earth from his grave on his eyes, and he was healed. Arrian and his four bodyguards believed in Christ and were all martyred together around 305. They are commemorated on 14 December (new style).