Reas of Gothia

Holy Martyr Reas of Gothia was one of the holy Gothic martyrs who suffered around the year 375, in the time of King Ungerich, a persecutor of Christians. The king ordered the church set on fire during the service, and in the flames three hundred and eight people died, of whom the names of twenty-⁠one martyrs are known.

Among them are the priests Bathusius and Verca, the monk Arpilas, the laymen Abibus, Hagnus, Reas, Igathrax, Iscoes, Silas, Sigetzas, Sonerilas, Suimblas, Thermus, Philus, Constans and the prince Agathon, and the martyrs Anna, Alla, Larissa, Moico, Mamica, Uirco, Animais (Animaida), Gaatha, the queen of Gothia, and Duclida, the princess of Gothia. The widow of the Gothic king, Alla, with her daughter Duclida, gathered the remains of the holy martyrs and took them to Syria. Then she returned to her homeland, where she was, after a time, stoned and died a martyr together with her son Agathon. The relics stayed with Duclida, who in the time of the emperors Valentinian II and Theodosius the Great came to Cyzicus and gave a part of them for the consecration of a church. The death of the righteous Duclida was peaceful.

St Reas is commemorated on 8 April, in the new style.