Severian of Chalcedon

Holy Martyr Severian of Chalcedon died a martyr at Chalcedon, in the reign of Emperor Maximian (284-305), together with the martyrs Agathonicus, Zoticus, Theoprepius, Acindynus and Zeno.

Agathonicus came of a noble family, from Nicomedia, and, learned in Holy Scripture, he brought many pagans to Christ, among them the first senator. The count Eutolmius, sent to the region of Pontus, crucified at Carpen the disciples of Zoticus, who would not sacrifice to the idols, and took Zoticus with him. At Nicomedia he seized Agathonicus, Theoprepius, Acindynus and Severian. After tortures Eutolmius led them to Thrace for the emperor's judgment, but on the way, at Potama, he killed Zoticus, Theoprepius and Acindynus, who could no longer follow his chariot because of their wounds. Severian was killed at Chalcedon, and Agathonicus and the others were put to the sword, by order of the emperor, at Selymbria.

The relics of the martyr Agathonicus were seen in 1200 in the church bearing his name in Constantinople by the Russian pilgrim Anthony. In the fourteenth century Archbishop Philotheus of Selymbria dedicated a eulogy to him. Saint Severian is commemorated on 4 September, in the new style.