Vassus of Nicomedia

Holy Martyr Vassus of Nicomedia was an official at the court of Emperor Diocletian and received the crown of martyrdom together with Eusebius, Eutychius and Basilides, in the year 303.

The four were officials of the emperor. They saw the sufferings of Bishop Theopemptus of Nicomedia (commemorated on 5 January) for the faith in Christ, came to believe themselves and received holy Baptism. For this they were tortured and put to death. Saint Vassus was buried in the earth to the waist and cut to pieces. Eusebius was hung head downward and split in two. Eutychius was bound by hands and feet to posts and torn apart. Basilides had his belly cut open with a knife.

The saints are commemorated on 2 February, in the new style.