Martyrs Photius & Anicetas

Holy Martyrs Photius and Anicetas of Nicomedia.

Sts. Photius and Anicetas were martyrs of Nicomedia who suffered during the persecution of Diocletian at the beginning of the fourth century. According to tradition they were kinsmen; Anicetas confessed Christ boldly before the emperor, and Photius embraced him and followed him in his confession. Together they endured imprisonment and many torments, and were finally put to death by fire, receiving together the crown of martyrdom.

Their shared steadfastness has been honored through the centuries, and those named Photios and Fotis keep their name day in their memory. They are commemorated on August 12.

Feast day

On the New Calendar, Martyrs Photius & Anicetas is commemorated on August 12. Churches on the Old (Julian) Calendar keep the feast on August 25 of the civil calendar.

Who celebrates a name day

People with these names keep their name day on this feast:

Photios, Fotis, Fotios

Also commemorated on August 12

• Pamphilos and Kapiton

  Martyr, Πάμφιλος και Καπίτων

  Holy Martyrs Pamphilos and Kapiton.

• Palamon the Ascetic

  Venerable, Παλάμων

  Venerable Palamon, teacher of Saint Pachomios the Great.

• Twelve Soldier Martyrs of Crete

  Saint, Δώδεκα Στρατιώτες Μάρτυρες Κρήτης

  Holy Twelve Soldier Martyrs from Crete, beheaded for Christ.

• Kastor the Ascetic

  Venerable, Κάστωρ

  Venerable Kastor, who reposed in peace.

Icon: public domain image from Wikimedia Commons.