Theophrastus

Holy Martyr Theophrastus is commemorated in the Greek calendar on 16 July (new style), among the ten disciples who suffered together with Saint Athenogenes, bishop of Pidachthoe, in the year 311.

According to the synaxarion, Athenogenes was from Sebasteia in Cappadocia; his learning, fervent faith and love of people made him bishop of Pidachthoe. He trained able assistants and was a shining light for his flock. When the persecution of Diocletian came he was seized by the governor Philimarchus together with ten disciples: Reginus, Maximinus, Patrophilus, Athenogenes, Antiochus, Ammon, Theophrastus, Cleonicus, Peter and Hesychius. All confessed Christ and were beheaded. To Athenogenes is owed the evening hymn "O Gladsome Light". The calendar calls Peter "of Crete"; about Theophrastus no further details are preserved.