Memory of Martyrs Galaktion and his wife Epistimi, and Saint Linus, Bishop of Rome

Today, the Church celebrates the memory of the martyrs Galaktion and his wife Epistimi, as well as the apostles Patrobus, Hermas, Linus, Gaius, and Philologus of the Seventy. Saints Galaktion and Epistimi lived in the 3rd century AD during the reign of Emperor Decius. Galaktion’s Greek parents were originally pagan, but later converted to Christianity.

They raised their son in the Christian faith and gave him a good education.

When he grew up, Galaktion married Epistimi and secretly baptised her, converting her to Christianity. They both decided to devote themselves to Christ. When the persecutions began during Decius’s reign, Saints Galaktion and Epistimi were arrested, tortured, and beheaded for the glory of Christ.

Today, we also celebrate the memory of the Apostle Linus, who came from a noble Roman family. He met the Apostles Paul and Peter and became the first Bishop of Rome in 60 AD, succeeding Saint Peter the Apostle.

He worked diligently to consolidate the Church and shepherd God’s people with love.

Bishop Linus was martyred in 79 AD, ultimately being beheaded for his strong faith in God, his preaching of the Holy Gospel, and his pastoral work.

Source: Church…