Zoticus of Potamos

Holy Martyr Zoticus of Potamos (in Thrace) was a Christian of the country of Pontus, with disciples, and suffered in the time of Emperor Maximian (284-305), together with Agathonicus, Theoprepius, Acindynus, Severian and Zeno.

The comes Eutolmius, sent into the country of Pontus, crucified at the place called Carpen those who were Zoticus's disciples and would not sacrifice to the idols, and took Zoticus with him. At Nicomedia he seized Agathonicus, Theoprepius, Acindynus and Severian, and after torments led them toward Thrace, to the emperor's judgment. But at the place Potama he killed Zoticus, with Theoprepius and Acindynus, who could no longer follow his chariot because of their wounds. Severian was put to death at Chalcedon, and Agathonicus and others were beheaded at Selymbria by the emperor's order.

The relics of Saint Agathonicus were seen in 1200 at Constantinople by the Russian pilgrim Anthony, and in the fourteenth century Archbishop Philotheus of Selymbria devoted a speech of praise to him. Saint Zoticus is commemorated on 4 September, in the new style, together with the others.