Holy Martyr Ardalion the Actor

Life

He was at first an actor, a comedian. For the amusement of the people he most gladly played the role of a martyr for the faith, mocking Christians in every possible way. But when the persecution of Christians began under Maximian, his spirit was completely changed. He cried out before the people in a loud voice that he was a Christian and was not jesting. For this Ardalion was tried, and he suffered for Christ, and died bound to a red-hot iron grating, having thus played a true and honorable role as a martyr.