Martyr
Martyr Agathonicus of Nicomedia
† 305–311
Also known as: Агафоник Силиврийский
A nobleman of Nicomedia who converted many pagans, including a Roman senator, to Christ; beheaded in Silivria under Maximian.
Martyr Agathonicus came from the noble Hippasius family and lived in Nicomedia. Well versed in Holy Scripture, he zealously preached Christ and converted many pagans, including a leading member of the Roman senate. He suffered for the faith during the persecution of Emperor Maximian (284–305), around 305–311. By imperial order he was beheaded together with other confessors in the city of Silivria (Thrace). His relics were seen by the Russian pilgrim Anthony of Novgorod in Constantinople in 1200. He is venerated together with the martyrs Zoticus, Theoprepius, Akindynos, Severian, Zeno and others who suffered with him.
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