Holy Martyr Polyeuctus

Life

The city of Melitene in Armenia was much drenched with Christian blood, as was all the land of Armenia. But the first blood for Christ in this city was the blood of Saint Polyeuctus, shed around the year 259 in the time of the reign of Valerian. In that city there were two friends who were officers: Nearchus and Polyeuctus. Nearchus was baptized, Polyeuctus unbaptized. When the emperor's decree about the persecution of Christians was issued, Nearchus prepared himself for death but was in great sorrow that he had not succeeded in converting his friend Polyeuctus to the true faith. When Polyeuctus learned the cause of Nearchus's sorrow, he promised to come over to the faith. The next day he told Nearchus his dream; the Lord Himself had appeared to him in light, took off his old garment and dressed him in a new, radiant one, and set him in the saddle of a winged horse. Then Polyeuctus went into the city, tore up the emperor's decree about the torture of Christians and smashed many idolatrous statues. He was tortured and condemned to death. When he was led out to the place of execution, he caught sight of Nearchus in the crowd and joyfully cried out to him: "Save yourself, my dear friend! Remember the covenant of love established between us!" And Saint Nearchus later ended his life as a martyr for Christ in fire. His feast day is April 22.

From the Hymn of Praise

Nearchus and Polyeuctus, soldiers of Caesar,Became soldiers of the heavenly King,One baptized with water, the other with his blood,The second passed the first and became first.