Thessalonike

Holy Martyr Thessalonike lived in Amphipolis in Macedonia and died a martyr in torments, together with Auctus and Taurion. The Orthodox Church commemorates them on 7 November.

Thessalonike was the daughter of the pagan priest Cleon of Amphipolis, but she was baptized and became a Christian. Her father tried to turn her by force from Christianity, but did not succeed. The priest drove her from his house, and she was forced to live outside the city. Cleon complained to the authorities that his daughter was a Christian, and she was arrested and tormented.

For his conduct Cleon was criticized especially by two fellow citizens, Auctus and Taurion. Because of their strong displeasure at the torments to which Thessalonike was subjected, Taurion and Auctus were also arrested and tormented. Thessalonike, Auctus and Taurion died in the torments to which they were subjected.