Zosimas

The holy Martyr Zosimas suffered for Christ at Carthage in North Africa together with the holy Martyr Heraclius. The two are commemorated on 11 March, both in the Greek synaxarion and in the Orthodox calendars of Western saints.

The calendars place their martyrdom around the year 263, in the time of the emperors Valerian and Gallienus. It was a hard time for the Church in Africa: by Valerian's edicts the clergy were compelled to sacrifice to the gods, Christian assemblies were forbidden, and those who would not submit were exiled or put to death. At Carthage, in the same persecution, Saint Cyprian, bishop of the city, received the crown of martyrdom in 258.

Of the origins of Zosimas, of his service in the Church and of the torments he endured, the sources preserve no further details; the Greek synaxarion states plainly that nothing more is known of the life and passion of the two martyrs. The Church has nevertheless kept their names and their day of commemoration, as those of confessors who chose death rather than deny Christ.

The holy Martyrs Heraclius and Zosimas are honoured together on 11 March.