Pompius of Crete

Holy Martyr Pompius of Crete is one of the ten martyrs of Crete: Theodulus, Saturninus, Euporus, Gelasius, Eunicianus, Zoticus, Pompius, Agathopus, Basilides and Evaristus, who suffered for Christ in the third century, in the time of the emperor Decius (249-251).

The governor of Crete, who bore the same name as the emperor, Decius, cruelly persecuted the Church on the island. One day ten Christians from different cities of Crete appeared before him, firmly confessed their faith in Christ before the judge and condemned the worship of idols. For thirty days they were subjected to cruel torments, which they bore with the help of God, glorifying the Lord. Before death they prayed that God would enlighten their tormentors with the light of the true faith. All the saints were beheaded.

St Pompius is commemorated with the others on 5 January, in the new style.