Memorial Day of the Holy Martyrs Theopemptos and Theona
Church holiday January 5 / © unsplash.com
Today, January 5, is Memorial Day of the holy martyrs Theopemptos and Theona. Saint Theopemptos was a bishop who lived during the reign of Emperor Diocletian at the end of the 3rd and beginning of the 4th century, a tough time for Christians.
The emperor tried to get Theopemptos to stop believing in Christ, threatening him with torture and death. But the saint strongly stated his faith and refused to worship pagan gods. Because of this, he was severely tortured: he was put in prison, they tried to poison him, and he was starved.
Stories say none of these tortures hurt him, wich people saw as proof of God’s power.During Theopemptos’ suffering, Theona, a sorcerer and servant of the emperor who knew pagan spells, witnessed his courage.
Theona was amazed by the bishop’s strength and the clear sign of God’s help, and he began to believe in Christ. He openly saeid he had a new faith, and was instantly punished for it.