Eastern (Byzantine) Catholic Martyrology for February

February 1

St. Tryphon, Martyr AD 250

February 2

Encounter of Our Lord With Simeon and Anna

One of the oldest Feasts of the Church, established in 4th century Jerusalem.

February 3

Synaxis of Simeon

As promised by God, he lived to hold the Child Jesus in his arms.

The "Canticle of Simeon" is one of the most famous hymns in the Eastern Church, used at every Vespers service, every Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts during the Great Fast, as well as on the Feast of the Encounter.

"Now you may dismiss your servant, O Lord, according to your word, in peace; for my eyes have seen the salvation which you prepared before the face of all people. A light to the revelation of the Gentiles, and the glory of Israel."

Synaxis of St. Anna, Prophetess

A widow, she was consecrated and remained in service at the Temple for 54 years.

At age 84, she, together with Simeon, held the Child Jesus in her arms.

February 4

Venerable Isidore of Pelusium, AD 450

He founded a monastery in Pelusium, and was held in great esteem as a theologian and guide of souls.

February 5

St. Agatha, Martyr. Suffered death in prison AD 250

February 6

Venerable Bukolus, Bishop of Smyrna.

Was appointed Bishop by St. John the Evangelist.

February 7

Venerable Parthenius, Bishop of Lampsachia. AD 318

Venerable Luke of Helladia

February 8

St. Theodore the Great, Great Martyr

He was a general in the army of Emperor Licinius.

Suffered death at Heracles in Thrace in AD 318

St. Zacharius, Prophet. BC. 520

February 9

St. Nicephorus, Martyr

A Syrian Christian, took the place of Sapricius who apostatised before a heathen judge, and was put to death in AD 260

February 10

St. Charalampias, Martyr. AD 203

February 11

St. Blase, Bishop-Martyr. Beheaded AD 316

February 12

St. Meletius, Archbishop of Great Antioch

He was elected to the Patriarchal See in AD 360, but within a month was sent into exile by Emperor Constantius.

Reinstated in AD 378, he held a council of 150 Bishops, and took a prominent part in the Council of Constantinople in AD 380.

St. Marina, Virgin

In male attire, she lived in a monastery to the year AD 440

February 13

Venerable Martinian, Hegumen-Abbot. AD 415

SS. Zoe & Photina, Venerable Women

February 14

Venerable Auxentius, Hegumen-Abbot.

He was a soldier and bodyguard of Emperor Theodosius the Younger.

He defended the Faith at the time of the Council of Chalcedon, AD 451.

Death of St. Cyril in Rome, AD 869

Together with his brother, St. Methodius, is known as the Apostle to the Slavs

The old Slavic alphabet – Cyrillic – is ascribed to him.

Using Cyrillic, he translated many Church books from Greek into the Old Church Slavonic language.

February 15

St. Onesimus, Disciple of St. Paul

He became Bishop of Ephesus following St. Timothy, and died a Martyr in Rome.

St. Paphnutius, Hermit in Egypt, & his daughter, Euphrosyne.

February 16

SS. Pamphilius, Valentine, Paul, Seleucus, Porphyrus, Julian, & Theodulus, Martyrs

The Five Martyrs of Egypt: Elias, Jeremias, Isaias, Samuel, and Daniel

Venerable Flavianus, Archbishop of Constantinople. Died of ill treatment in AD 450

February 17

St. Theodore of Tyre, Great Martyr. Burned to death AD 306.

St. Mariamna, Sister of the Apostle Philip

February 18

St. Leo the Great, Pope of Rome. Died in AD 461

Like St. Cyril of Alexandria, taught the unity of the divinity and person of Christ

Saved Rome from invasion by Attila the Hun.

February 19

St. Archippus, Disciple of St. Paul

Was the first Bishop of the Colossians.

Traditionally, it is believed he was stoned to death under Emperor Nero.

SS. Maxim, Theodot, Isychus, & Asklepiodotus, Martyrs

February 20

Venerable Leo, Bishop of Catania, in Sicily. Died 780.

By his many miracles, he became known as "Wonder-worker"

St. Sadok, Priest-Martyr

Together with 128 other Christians, he was put to death by King Sapor of Persia in AD 345.

St. Agatho, Venerable Pope of Rome. Died in AD 682.

February 21

Venerable Timothy, Hermit.

St. Eustacius, Archbishop of Antioch. Died in AD 337

He assisted at the First Council of Nicaea, defending the Faith against the Arian Heresy in both word and writing.

February 22

Finding of the Relics of Martyrs in Eugenia.

Venerable Peter, Monk, and Athanasius, Martyrs.

Both died at the hands of the Iconoclasts in AD 735.

February 23

St. Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna, Martyr. Burned to death in AD 166

February 24

First & Second findings of the Head of John the Forerunner & Baptist

The first finding was in the home of King Herod by two monks, who then brought the head to the city of Emmesia.

The second finding was much later, in AD 431 during the reign of Emperor Marcianus.

February 25

St. Tharasius, Archbishop of Constantinople. Died in AD 806

Opposed the Iconoclasts, and denounced the vices of the Byzantine Princes.

He is also known as a "Father of the Poor".

February 26

St. Porphyrius, Bishop of Gaza. Died in AD 420

He sold all of his possessions, distributing the proceeds to the poor.

St. Sebastian, one of the most renowned of the Roman Martyrs.

He was an officer in the Imperial Army and a favorite of Emperor Diocletian.

Upon becoming a Christian, he was made a target of the archers in AD 288.

St. Photina of Samaria, Martyr.

Tradition identifies her as the Samaritan Woman with whom Jesus spoke at Jacob's Well.

February 27

Venerable Procopius, Confessor and Monk. Died in about AD 740.

Famous for his resistance at Constantinople to the decree of Leo III, who ordered the destruction of icons.

February 28

Venerable Basil, Confessor and co-faster with Venerable Procopius.

Was also a resistor of the decree of Leo III.

February 29

Venerable Cassian. AD 431