Martyr Tation (Tatian) of Claudiopolis in Bithynia

Saint Tation (Tatian) was born in the city of Mantinea in the province of Honoriada, near Claudiopolis in Bithynia. During the persecution of Emperor Diocletian (303–305), pagans who learned of his Christian faith arrested him and brought him before Urban, governor of Claudiopolis. Tation firmly confessed Christ and was imprisoned; at a second interrogation, showing the same firmness, he was tortured — scraped with iron claws and beaten with rods. Despite repeated attempts to force his renunciation through imprisonment and torment, he remained unshaken. Soldiers beat him with clubs and dragged him outside the city toward his execution; after further scourging he was dragged along the ground to the city gates. There, having crossed himself, he died in the year 305 on the road, joyfully commending his soul to God — tradition holds he heard a heavenly voice promising him a heavenly reward just before his death. His feast is kept on August 24 (Old Style) / September 6 (New Style). The alternate name "Datian" found in some later retellings is not supported by primary sources — the correct form is Tation (Tatian).