Martyr
Martyr Theona of Nicomedia, Soldier
†303
Martyr Theona — a spear-bearer of Emperor Diocletian's personal guard in Nicomedia, who together with his companions Christophorus and Antoninus witnessed the tortures and miracles of the Great Martyr George; struck by his steadfastness, all three believed in Christ, cast off their military belts, and were beheaded in 303.
Martyr Theona, together with his companions Christophorus and Antoninus, served as a spear-bearer in Emperor Diocletian's personal guard at Nicomedia. All three were eyewitnesses to the torments and miracles God worked through the Great Martyr George during his martyric struggle. Struck by George's unshakeable faith and steadfastness, they believed in Christ and, casting off their military belts as a sign of renouncing service to the pagan emperor, openly confessed themselves Christians. Diocletian imprisoned them, and the next day personally tried to persuade them to recant; when they refused and glorified Christ, he ordered them beaten with iron rods, torn with hooks, and finally burned alive. All three suffered a martyr's death in 303 at Nicomedia. This Martyr Theona should not be confused with a different, namesake saint — "Theona the Sorcerer," companion of Hieromartyr Theopemptus of Nicomedia (commemorated January 5/18, a separate story and date). The memory of Martyrs Theona, Christophorus, and Antoninus is kept on April 19/May 2.