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Orthodox Calendar Commemorates Martyrs Photius and Aniketos on World Youth Day
🇬🇷 Greece /Culture & Society

Orthodox Calendar Commemorates Martyrs Photius and Aniketos on World Youth Day

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

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  • August 12th is observed as World Youth Day, alongside the commemoration of Martyrs Photius and Aniketos in the Orthodox calendar.
  • The day honors the historical figures Photius and Aniketos, who were martyred in Nicomedia during the reign of Emperor Diocletian.
  • The article provides a brief account of their martyrdom, noting that no widely recognized saints share their name day.

Today, August 12th, is recognized as World Youth Day, a global observance dedicated to young people. In the Orthodox Christian tradition, the day also commemorates the memory of Martyrs Photius and Aniketos.

Photius and Aniketos were relatives who hailed from Nicomedia. According to tradition, during the persecution of Christians under Emperor Diocletian, Aniketos bravely addressed the Roman Senate, denouncing the emperor's actions and affirming his Christian faith. He argued that Christians represented the healthiest part of the Roman Empire and that persecuting them would ultimately be self-defeating.

Enraged by Aniketos's defiance, Diocletian reportedly ordered him to be thrown to a lion. Miraculously, the lion is said to have become tame. Following this, a great earthquake occurred, and idols were reportedly destroyed. Photius, Aniketos's nephew, then embraced him. Subsequently, both men were allegedly bound and placed in a heated bath, where they are said to have surrendered their spirits, becoming martyrs.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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