Bishop & Martyr

Hieromartyr Anthimus

Bishop of Nicomedia who shepherded the faithful through persecution and sealed his witness with martyrdom.

Life and Witness

Saint Anthimus served as Bishop of Nicomedia during the fierce persecution of Christians under the emperors Diocletian and Maximian. Nicomedia was an imperial residence, and the local Church suffered with particular severity after Christians were falsely blamed for a fire at the palace.

At the request of his flock, the bishop withdrew to a village so that he could continue guiding the faithful. From there he sent letters of encouragement to Christians facing prison, torture and death. He called them to remain steadfast in Christ and not surrender their faith through fear.

When soldiers were sent to arrest him, Anthimus welcomed them into his home and offered them food before revealing his identity. Moved by his kindness, they offered to report that they had not found him. The bishop would not allow them to lie. He went willingly with them and, according to Church tradition, instructed and baptized them on the journey.

Before the emperor, Saint Anthimus openly confessed Christ. After enduring torture, he was beheaded and received the crown of martyrdom around the beginning of the fourth century. The Orthodox Church commemorates him on September 3 together with other martyrs of Nicomedia.

Feast Day

September 3 — Hieromartyr Anthimus, Bishop of Nicomedia, and those who suffered with him.