Ptolemy and Lucius

The Holy Martyrs Ptolemy and Lucius suffered in Rome around 165, in the reign of Antoninus Pius, according to the testimony of their contemporary, Saint Justin the Martyr and Philosopher. Their story is among the oldest authentic accounts of martyrdom at Rome.

Ptolemy taught the faith to a woman who lived in immorality and led her to a chaste life, and she left her husband. The husband accused Ptolemy before the prefect Urbicius, who had him imprisoned and later condemned to death. Lucius, a believer who was present, protested that the sentence was unjust, since Ptolemy had been found guilty of no wrong, and he too was condemned. Justin also mentions a third man, unnamed, who shared their fate. They are saints of the undivided Church.

They are commemorated on 19 October, the liturgical date in the Orthodox calendar (the same day number on the old and new calendars).