Martyr
Martyr Eudoxius of Melitene, Comit
†ок. 311-312
Martyr Eudoxius of Melitene — a Roman military commander (comit) in Melitene, a secret Christian who was exposed and brought to trial under Maximian around 311-312; renouncing his military rank, he threw his military belt at the governor's feet, was tortured and beheaded together with his companion Zenon; his miraculous witness also converted his steward Macarius, who likewise suffered martyrdom.
Martyr Eudoxius held the rank of comit (a senior military officer) in the city of Melitene (Armenia) and, being a secret Christian, concealed his faith until he was exposed during a persecution of Christians — sources differ on the exact dating: some place the events under Maximian (c. 311-312), others under Diocletian, and the Menologion of Basil II even records a tradition attributing them to the reign of Trajan; modern scholars consider the early 4th century most likely. Brought to trial, Eudoxius openly renounced his military service by throwing his belt at the governor's feet, for which he was tortured and beheaded. His friend Zenon, witnessing Eudoxius's steadfastness, likewise openly confessed Christ and was executed with him. Some days later Eudoxius appeared in a dream to his wife, after which his steward Macarius also came to believe and suffered martyrdom. According to some sources, many other soldiers suffered together with Eudoxius, Zenon, and Macarius. Their memory is kept on September 6/19. This group should not be confused with the separately venerated Thirty-Three Martyrs of Melitene (commemorated November 7).