Holy Martyr Callistratus

Life

A native of Carthage. A Christian from birth, for both his father and grandfather were Christians. One of Callistratus's ancestors, by the name of Neocorus, had served as a soldier in Jerusalem under Pontius Pilate at the time of the Passion of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Seeing many miracles at the death of Christ, Neocorus believed in Him and was instructed in the faith and baptized by the Apostles. Returning home, Neocorus brought his family the faith of Christ as a precious pearl. And so in time holy Callistratus was born, baptized, and raised as a Christian. When he was in the army, there was not a single other Christian in his regiment except him. Some of his comrades saw holy Callistratus rising at night and praying to God, and reported him to the commander Persentinus as a Christian. And Persentinus was a fierce persecutor of Christians. To assure himself that Callistratus was indeed a Christian, the commander ordered him to offer sacrifice to the idols, which Callistratus immediately refused. Then Callistratus was severely beaten and then cast into the sea. But the power of God saved him, and he came out of the sea unharmed. Seeing the endurance of Callistratus and his miracles, forty-nine soldiers believed in Christ the Lord. They too were beaten and cast into prison with Callistratus. In prison Saint Callistratus instructed his companions in the faith and strengthened them. And they showed great courage in their suffering, and the Lord showed great power through them. The wicked persecutor sent soldiers to the prison by night, and they slew Saint Callistratus and his forty-nine companions. They suffered for the truth in 304. Over their relics a church was later erected.

From the Hymn of Praise

Holy Callistratus prays to God,Prays to God and gives God thanksAmid the torments for the faith of Christ.The torturer mocks Callistratus: