Zeno of Nicomedia

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

When Diocletian began his fierce persecution, one of the first condemned was the holy Great Martyr George (died about 303; commemorated on 23 April). His faith and courage under torment brought many pagans to Christ. The six, astonished that George had suffered nothing 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 Zeno is commemorated on 1 May, in the new style, together with the five.