Zacchaeus of Gadara

Holy Hieromartyr Zacchaeus of Gadara was deacon of the church of Gadara in Palestine and was beheaded about the year 303, in the time of Diocletian, together with Alphaeus, the reader of Caesarea.

In Diocletian's terrible persecution (284-305), many, frightened by the torments, let themselves be persuaded to sacrifice to the gods. Among those seized was Zacchaeus, the deacon of Gadara, who confessed his faith openly and did not deny Christ under torture. Alphaeus, the reader of Caesarea, zealous for the glory of God, went into the crowd of the fallen who were going to the pagan altars and urged them not to defile themselves with impious sacrifices. He was seized and, after torments, chained in the same stocks with Zacchaeus. At night the martyrs were thrown into prison, where they prayed without ceasing, strengthening one another to suffer everything for the name of Christ and to gain eternal life. In the morning Zacchaeus and Alphaeus were beheaded.

Saint Zacchaeus is commemorated on 1 December, in the new style, together with Alphaeus.