Valentine and Pasikrates

The Holy Martyrs Valentine and Pasikrates came from the city of Durostorum (present-⁠day Silistra) in Moesia and were soldiers under the governor Absolanus. Pasikrates was twenty-⁠two years old and Valentine thirty. When a persecution against Christians began, they openly confessed their faith in Christ. At the trial Pasikrates spat at the idol of Apollo and refused to offer sacrifice.

Pasikrates' brother wept and urged him merely to appear to sacrifice to the idols. The martyr placed his hand on the sacrifice in the fire and said: "The body is mortal and burns in the fire; the soul, however, is immortal and is not harmed by these torments." Valentine also showed his readiness to suffer for Christ. As the martyrs were led to execution, Pasikrates' mother followed and exhorted her son not to fear death for Christ. Both were tortured and then beheaded in 288. They are commemorated on 24 April (new style; 7 May on the old calendar).