Martyr
Martyr Philetairos of Nicomedia
† ок. 311
Martyr Philetairos of Nicomedia — a noble youth, son of an eparch, who suffered for Christ twice under Diocletian and Maximian, miraculously surviving a red-hot furnace and wild beasts, and who died in exile on the island of Proconnesus.
IMPORTANT DATE CORRECTION: the previous date "May 28" was erroneous — that date actually belongs to a completely different saint, holy right-believing Tsarevich Dimitry of Uglich; no source checked connects Philetairos to May. The correct date, agreed by four independent sources (drevo-info.ru, days.pravoslavie.ru, OCA, OrthodoxWiki), is December 30/January 12.
Martyr Philetairos of Nicomedia suffered for Christ twice — under Emperor Diocletian (284–305) and Maximian (305–311). He was of noble birth, the son of an eparch (provincial governor), tall and handsome. When Diocletian arrived in Nicomedia, Philetairos was brought to trial; asked about his origin, he answered, "I am the son of an eparch, but by faith I am a Christian and live among Christians." Angered by the saint's bold words, the emperor ordered him thrown into a red-hot furnace, but he emerged unharmed. Struck by the miracle and mindful of the youth's noble rank and beauty, Diocletian released him (consistent with the iconography showing Philetairos in dress befitting noble rank).
Soon after, under Maximian, Philetairos was arrested again: scourged and thrown to wild beasts, yet remained unhurt. When executioners were ordered to behead him, their arms became paralyzed; both soldiers believed in Christ and were themselves martyred shortly after. Philetairos was exiled to Proconnesus in the Sea of Marmara; on the way, six guards and their commander believed and were baptized. On the island he met St. Eutychios (Eubiotos), spent seven days with him, and died in peace around 311.