Venerable Martyr Zosimus of Cilicia

Venerable Martyr Zosimus of Cilicia labored as a hermit in the mountains of Cilicia (Asia Minor) at the end of the 1st and beginning of the 2nd century, spending many years in fasting and prayer. During the persecution of Christians under Emperor Trajan he was seized by soldiers and brought to trial before the provincial governor, before whom he fearlessly confessed faith in Christ. For refusing to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods he was subjected to cruel torture and, after prolonged suffering, beheaded by the sword around 117. He is venerated among the ranks of the venerable martyrs, having combined in his podvig both eremitic life and a martyr's death. His memory is kept on January 4 (17), and according to some calendar traditions also on September 19 (October 2).