The 1003 Martyrs of Nicomedia

The 1003 Martyrs of Nicomedia were the servants of the four Roman officials (protectors) who, at the emperor's command, seized and beheaded the holy Hieromartyr Peter, archbishop of Alexandria (commemorated on 24 November). They are commemorated on 7 February.

After their masters became Christians following the martyrdom of Saint Peter, and also suffered, the servants repented and believed in Christ, together with the members of their families. So they presented themselves to the Emperor Diocletian, who was at Nicomedia, and confessed Christ. The emperor ordered the soldiers to put them to death by the sword. Until their death the martyrs remained fearless and joyful and so won by their blood the incorruptible crowns of eternal life.