Saints of 22 April

Pope St Soter

At Rome, on the Appian way, the birthday of St. Soter, pope and martyr.

Pope St Caius

In the same city, pope St. Caius, who was crowned with martyrdom, under the emperor Diocletian.

Ss. Apelles and Lucius

At Smyrna, the Saints Apelles and Lucius, who were among the first disciples of Christ.

The Holy Martyrs of Persia under King Sapor

The same day, many holy martyrs who, the year following the death of St. Simeon, and on the anniversary of the Passion of our Lord, were put to the sword for the name of Christ throughout Persia, under king Sapor. Among those who then suffered for the faith were the eunuch Azades, a favorite of the king; Milles, a bishop renowned for sanctity and miracles; the bishop Acepsimas, with one of his priests named James; also Aithalas and Joseph, priests; Azadan and Abdiesus, deacons, and many other clerics; Mareas and Bicor, bishops, with twenty other bishops, and nearly two hundred and fifty clerics; many monks and consecrated virgins, among whom was the sister of St. Simeon, called Tarbula, with her maid-servant, who were both killed in a most cruel manner by being tied to stakes and sawed in twain.

Ss. Parmenius, Helimenas and Chrysotelus

Also in Persia, the Saints Parmenius, Helimenas and Chrysotelus, priests, Lucas and Mucius, deacons, whose triumph is related in the Acts of Saints Abdon and Sennen.

St Leonides of Alexandria

At Alexandria, the birthday of the martyr St. Leonides, who suffered under Severus.

St Epipodius of Lyon

At Lyons, in the persecution of Antoninus Verus, St. Epipodius, who was arrested with Alexander, his companion, and after undergoing severe torments, consummated his martyrdom, bj decapitation.

St Leo of Sens

At Sens, St. Leo, bishop and confessor.

St Theodore of Anastasiopolis

At Anastasiopolis, St. Theodore, a bishop renowned for miracles.