Victor of Nicomedia

Holy Martyr Victor of Nicomedia was one of six martyrs, Victor, Zoticus, Acindynus, Zeno, Severian and Caesarius, who suffered under Emperor Diocletian (284-305).

When Diocletian began his fierce persecution of the Christians, one of the first to suffer was the holy Great Martyr George (died about 303; commemorated on 23 April). His unshaken faith and courage under torment brought many pagans to Christ. The six, astonished that Saint George had suffered no harm from the wheel of torture, declared before all that they too believed in Christ. By order of the judge their heads were cut off at Nicomedia, about 303.

Saint Victor is commemorated on 1 May, in the new style, together with the five.