Aphian
Aphian was a young Christian martyr venerated by both the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches. He is remembered for his courageous act of protesting idolatry by interrupting a sacrifice in a pagan temple and his subsequent martyrdom under Emperor Galerius around 305 AD.
- Feast Day
- April 2
- Century
- 4th century
- Country Or Region
- Lycia
Key Facts
- ›He was from Lycia and received a comprehensive education in rhetoric, law, and philosophy.
- ›Amphian became a Christian while studying in Berytus, Phoenicia.
- ›He withdrew to Cappadocia after his parents resisted his attempts to convert them.
- ›Amphian was a disciple of Pamphilus at Caesarea Maritima.
- ›He was martyred at the age of eighteen.
- ›His death involved torture, burning, and being thrown into the sea with stones tied to his feet, with an earthquake reportedly occurring simultaneously.
Amphianus
About Aphian
Amphian
Amphian, also known by his Latin name Amphianus, is venerated as a martyr in both the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church. His life and martyrdom are primarily known through hagiographical accounts, placing his death during the persecutions under Emperor Galerius around the year 305 AD.
Life and Martyrdom
Born in Lycia, Amphian hailed from a wealthy and distinguished family. He received a comprehensive education in rhetoric, law, and philosophy at the renowned school of Berytus in Phoenicia. It was during his time at this school that he embraced Christianity. His parents, however, resisted his conversion efforts, prompting him to withdraw to Cappadocia.
Amphian was a disciple of Pamphilus, who was expounding Holy Scripture at Caesarea Maritima at the time of Amphian's martyrdom. While living in the house of Eusebius, Amphian harbored his intention to make a public stand against pagan practices. According to his legend, at the age of eighteen, he entered a temple in Caesarea Maritima where the prefect Urbanus was performing a sacrifice. Amphian seized the prefect's outstretched hand as he presented incense and publicly denounced the idolatrous act. This act of defiance led to his brutal treatment by guards, including severe torture and confinement in a dungeon.
The following day, Amphian was brought before the prefect again. He was subjected to further torments, including being torn with iron claws, beaten with clubs, and burned over a slow fire before being returned to confinement. Three days later, he was taken from prison and thrown into the sea with stones tied to his feet. Eusebius, an eyewitness, recorded that an earthquake shook the city at the same time, and the sea cast his body upon the shore.
Feast Day and Veneration
Amphian's feast day is observed on April 2nd in the Eastern Orthodox calendar, where he is sometimes mentioned alongside Aedisius, who is occasionally referred to as his brother. While older martyrologies list his feast on April 5th, the Bollandists cite April 2nd as the correct date. His veneration as a martyr is shared by both the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Saint Aphian live and die?
Saint Aphian lived and died during the persecutions of Emperor Galerius. He is said to have died on April 2, in or around the year 305.
Where was Saint Aphian from?
Aphian was from Lycia. His parents were wealthy and distinguished, providing him with an excellent education.
How did Saint Aphian become a Christian?
While studying in Berytus, Phoenicia, Amphian became a Christian. He later withdrew to Cappadocia because his parents resisted his efforts to convert them.
What was the act that led to Saint Aphian's martyrdom?
According to his legend, at the age of eighteen, Amphian entered a temple in Caesarea Maritima where the prefect Urbanus was offering sacrifice. He seized the prefect's hand and reproached him for his idolatrous act, leading to his arrest and torture.
How was Saint Aphian martyred?
After his initial protest, Amphian was tortured, beaten, and burned. The next day, he was taken from prison and thrown into the sea with stones tied to his feet. An earthquake reportedly shook the city, and the sea flung his corpse onto the shore.
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Theodosia of Tyre
Saint Theodosia of Tyre was a seventeen-year-old girl who, according to the historian Eusebius, deliberately sought martyrdom in Caesarea in 307 AD. She is remembered for her courageous refusal to renounce Christianity, enduring torture, and ultimately being thrown into the sea. Her commemoration is on April 2.
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