Basiliscus of Comana
Basiliscus of Comana was a Greek martyr associated with Pontus, venerated for his faith and endurance. He is remembered for his martyrdom, which occurred under Roman emperors, and for his appearance in visions to Saint John Chrysostom.
- Feast Day
- May 22
- Century
- 4th century
- Country Or Region
- Turkey
Key Facts
- ›Basiliscus of Comana was a Greek martyr who died around 310 AD.
- ›His feast day is celebrated on may 22nd in the Roman calendar and July 30th in the Greek calendar.
- ›Accounts suggest he was martyred outside Comana after being arrested in Amasia.
- ›He is associated with miracles performed during his journey and was followed by a crowd.
- ›Different sources place his martyrdom under emperors Maximian or Maximinus Daza.
- ›His body was reportedly thrown into a river near Nicomedia, and later brought back to Comana.
Basiliscus of Pontus
About Basiliscus of Comana
Basiliscus of Comana, also known as Basiliscus of Pontus, was a Greek martyr whose life and death are recorded in various hagiographical traditions. His veneration is observed in both the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions, with his feast day primarily celebrated on May 22nd, and on July 30th in the Greek calendar.
Life and Martyrdom
The accounts of Basiliscus' martyrdom present a narrative of itinerant suffering. He is said to have been arrested in Amasia in Pontus but was permitted to visit his family in the village of Choumiala before returning for trial. His journey involved being taken to the village of Dakozara before ultimately being martyred outside Comana. During his travels, he is associated with the martyrs Eutropius and Cleonicus, and tradition holds that he performed various miracles while being followed by a crowd.
Historical Accounts and Traditions
Several sources offer differing details regarding the circumstances of his death. One version suggests that Basiliscus, who served as Bishop of Comana, was decapitated around 312 AD in Nicomedia by the emperor Maximinus Daza. The biography of John Chrysostom, however, indicates that Basiliscus, Bishop of Comana, suffered martyrdom under Emperor Maximian (r. 286–305).
The Monks of Ramsgate, in their Book of Saints (1921), recount that Basiliscus, a Bishop of Comana in Pontus, was beheaded and his body cast into a river near Nicomedia in 312 AD under Emperor Maximin Daza. They also note his appearance to Saint John Chrysostom, intimating the end of Chrysostom's earthly work.
The Roman Martyrology, under the date of May 22nd, describes the martyrdom of Saint Basiliscus at Comana in Pontus under Emperor Maximian and the governor Agrippa. It details his endurance of severe trials, including being forced to wear iron shoes pierced with heated nails, before he was ultimately decapitated and thrown into a river.
Alban Butler, in his Lives of the Primitive Fathers, Martyrs, and Other Principal Saints, also records Saint Basiliscus, Bishop of Comana in Pontus, as a martyr. Butler states that he received the crown of martyrdom alongside Saint Lucia at Nicomedia in 312 AD under the tyrant Maximinus Daia. Following the restoration of peace to the church, his body was reportedly brought back to Comana. Butler also mentions that Saint Chrysostom died in the community of clergy belonging to the church of Saint Basiliscus, and that the martyr had previously appeared to Chrysostom in a dream, comforting him and foretelling their imminent reunion.
Legacy
Basiliscus of Comana is primarily venerated as a martyr. His story highlights themes of faith, endurance, and divine intervention through miracles attributed to him. The varying accounts of his martyrdom underscore the challenges of reconstructing precise historical details from early Christian hagiography, while his veneration persists in liturgical calendars and devotional traditions.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Basiliscus of Comana martyred?
Basiliscus of Comana died around 310 AD. Some accounts place his martyrdom around 312 AD, while others suggest it was under Emperor Maximian (r. 286–305).
What are the feast days for Basiliscus of Comana?
His feast day is observed on May 22nd in the Roman calendar and on July 30th in the Greek calendar.
Where was Basiliscus of Comana a bishop?
He is identified as the Bishop of Comana in Pontus, which is located in Asia Minor.
What is known about the martyrdom of Basiliscus?
Accounts vary, but he was arrested in Amasia, taken to various villages, and eventually martyred outside Comana. He is said to have endured trials, including wearing iron shoes with heated nails, before being decapitated and thrown into a river.
What is the connection between Basiliscus and John Chrysostom?
The biography of John Chrysostom mentions that Basiliscus, Bishop of Comana, was martyred under Maximian. Furthermore, Basiliscus is said to have appeared to Saint John Chrysostom in a vision, comforting him and intimating that his earthly work would soon end.
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