Hieromartyr Myron of Cyzicus

IMPORTANT CORRECTION: the category has been corrected from "righteous" to "hieromartyr" — Myron was an ordained presbyter. Also clarified: contrary to a common assumption, Myron of Cyzicus is NOT one of the Nine Martyrs of Cyzicus (Theognius, Rufus, Antipater, etc., feast April 29) — he is a separate, independent hieromartyr with his own August feast day.

Hieromartyr Myron was a presbyter in Achaia during the reign of Emperor Decius (249–251), from a noble and respected family, known for gentleness and mercy. According to tradition, on Christmas Day 250 the proconsul Antipater — once Myron's friend — burst into the church where he served, seeking to force the congregation into pagan sacrifice; Myron openly rebuked him. He was seized and subjected to severe torture (raked with iron claws, a superheated furnace that reportedly killed 150 of the tormentors present, an attempt to have him torn apart by beasts). Antipater ordered him transferred to Cyzicus for trial before the emperor; overcome by Myron's spiritual resolve, Antipater took his own life, and the local archon of Cyzicus sentenced the saint to beheading.

A later tradition connects him with a wonderworking icon discovered in the late 18th century in a cave on the island of Antikythera, which became known for healings — Myron is venerated as the island's patron.

His feast is kept on August 17/30.