Martyr Evarestus of Crete

Martyr Evarestus, a native of Heraklion (Knossos), was one of ten Christians from different cities of Crete (Gortyna, Knossos, Lyttos, Panormus, Kydonia) seized during the persecution under Emperor Decius in the mid-3rd century. Brought to trial before the island's governor, all ten firmly confessed Christ and resolutely rejected pagan idolatry. For this they were subjected to cruel torture for thirty days — bone-breaking and other torments — and were ultimately beheaded. The group of the Ten Martyrs of Crete comprised: Theodulus, Saturninus, Euporus, Gelasius, and Eunician (all of Gortyna), Zoticus (of Knossos), Pompius (of Lyttos), Agathopus (of Panormus), Basilides (of Kydonia), and Evarestus (of Heraklion). Their memory is kept on December 23/January 5.