By Bishop Gregorios of Mesaoria
Today, August 22, the Church celebrates the memory of the Martyr Agathonicus and Martyrs Zoticus, Theoprepius, Acindynus, Severian, Zeno, and others, who suffered under Maximian.
Saint Agathonicus and his companions lived in the area of Pontus during the reign of Emperor Maximian. They had developed an intense missionary activity, according to the Holy Gospel. They converted many pagans to Christ and baptized them in the name of the Holy Trinity.
At the beginning of the persecutions of Christians, the governor of Nicomedia went to the area of Pontus, arrested the saints, and ordered that the martyrs should be taken to Thrace for trial by the emperor. Zoticus, Zeno, Acindynus and Severian were put to death during this journey, because they were unable to proceed further, due to the wounds received while being inhumanly torture.
After having refused to worship the idols, Saint Agathonicus together with others Christians was beheaded in Selymbria.
Source: Church of Cyprus