Valentine of Dorostolon

Holy Martyr Valentine of Dorostolon is remembered together with Pasicrates. Both were from the city of Dorostolon in Moesia and were soldiers under the governor Absolanus. Pasicrates was twenty-⁠two years old and Valentine thirty.

When the persecution of Christians began, the two openly confessed faith in Christ. At the trial, Pasicrates spat on the idol of Apollo, refusing to sacrifice. The brother of Pasicrates wept and begged him to offer sacrifice at least for appearances, but the martyr put his hand into the fire on the altar and said that the body is mortal and burns in the fire, while the soul is immortal and despises all visible torments. Valentine also declared that he was ready to suffer for Christ. On the way to execution, the mother of Pasicrates followed him and urged him not to fear death for Christ. Both martyrs were beheaded, in the year 288.

Saint Valentine is commemorated on 7 May, in the new style.