Martyr Theognius of Cyzicus

Saint Martyr Theognius is venerated as the first named among the Nine Martyrs of Cyzicus — Theognius, Rufus, Antipater, Theostichus, Artemas, Magnus, Theodotus, Thaumasius, and Philemon — who lived in the city of Cyzicus on the coast of the Sea of Marmara, evangelized since the time of the Apostle Paul but still largely pagan by the late 3rd century.

All nine, of varying age and social standing (soldiers, villagers, townspeople, some clergy), openly confessed Christ and denounced idol worship, for which they were seized, tortured over several days with repeated offers to recant, and finally beheaded.

After the persecutions ended under Constantine the Great, the Christians of Cyzicus recovered their incorrupt relics and built a church over them, which became renowned for numerous healings.

His feast is kept on April 29/May 12.