Martyr Valentine of Dorostorum (with Pasicrates)

The Martyr Valentine came from the Moesian city of Dorostol (modern Silistra, Bulgaria) and, serving as a soldier under the local ruler Avsolane, openly confessed the Christian faith together with his fellow soldier Pasicrates during a period of persecution. At trial, Pasicrates refused to sacrifice to the idol Apollo and placed his hand into the sacrificial fire to prove the firmness of his faith, declaring the body mortal but the soul immortal, scorning all visible torments. Valentine, then thirty years old, likewise remained unshaken despite pressure to recant. As they were led to execution, Pasicrates's mother walked alongside them, urging her son not to fear death for Christ. Both soldiers were beheaded by the sword. This St. Valentine is unrelated to the Western St. Valentine of Rome, commemorated February 14.