Martyr Theognius of Cyzicus

Martyr Theognius was one of nine Christians of varying age, origin, and social standing — from the young, like Martyr Antipater, to the elderly, like Martyr Rufus — who gathered in the city of Cyzicus on the Sea of Marmara, then still predominantly pagan, and openly preached there, denouncing idolatry. Seized by the city governor, all nine were tortured and imprisoned for several days, and, despite repeated offers of freedom in exchange for renouncing Christ, unanimously refused and were beheaded. The martyrs' bodies were buried near the city. After Emperor Constantine the Great ended the persecution of Christians in 324, local believers discovered their incorrupt relics and built a church in their honor; numerous healings were worked through the relics. The group of the Nine Martyrs of Cyzicus comprised: Theognius, Rufus, Antipater, Theostichus, Artemas, Magnus, Theodotus, Thaumasius, and Philemon. No individual biographical details about Theognius himself have survived in the sources. His memory is kept on April 29/May 12.