Martyr Callinicus of Cilicia (Gangra)

The Holy Martyr Callinicus was a native of Cilicia, raised from childhood in the Christian faith (3rd–4th century). Upon reaching adulthood and seeing many still bound by pagan error, he began openly preaching Christ, traveling through cities and villages like the Apostles and converting many to the faith.

Arriving in the Galatian city of Ancyra, he was arrested and brought before the governor Sacerdos, a fierce persecutor of Christians, who demanded under threat of torture and death that he sacrifice to idols. Callinicus fearlessly confessed his faith and was subjected to brutal torment — beaten with ox-hide thongs, torn with iron hooks, then forced into sandals studded with sharp nails and driven on foot with whips to the city of Gangra to be burned.

Along the way, taking pity on his exhausted tormentors, he miraculously caused a spring of water to burst from a rock. Upon reaching Gangra, Callinicus gave thanks to God and willingly walked into the blazing fire, surrendering his soul; his body remained unharmed by the flames and was reverently buried by local Christians.

His feast is kept on July 29/August 11.