The Holy Hieromartyr St. Karterios of Caesaria in Cappadocia

January 8th is the feast day of the Hieromartyr St. Karterios of Caesaria who lived during the reign of Roman Emperor Diocletian.

St. Karterios was a third century priest who built a small church in Caesaria.  His ministry revolved around teaching that there is no other gods besides God and that Christ is God by being a part of the Holy Trinity.

When Urbanus the Governor of Caesaria in Cappadocia sought out St. Karterios to arrest him, he hid.  Christ appeared to Karterios and said, “Go, Karterios, and show yourself to those asking for you.  I shall be with you because you will suffer much for My name, and through your example many people will believe and be saved.”  St. Karterios immediately thanked God and went to turn himself in.

Karterios was put in prison and was told to offer a sacrifice to one of the false Roman Gods.  After Karterios refused he was brutally tortured by being whipped by 16 different soldiers, being stabbed with nails, and having his fingernails and toenails ripped off.

After being tortured an Angel appeared to Karterios and restored his health.

After Urbanus heard of this he ordered his guards to pierce his ankles and chest and to tie Karterios down to a hot stool.  And to throw him back into prison.  When it was dark the Lord appeared to Karterios again, restored his health and opened the prison gates.

When Karterios left many ran to him to be baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and to be healed from their diseases.  Karterios was arrested again and tied up and whipped and burned, while throwing surfer and tar on the Saint.  Then the Romans boiled lead and pored it down Karterios’ throat.  The Romans finally threw his body onto a large fire. Karterios remained unburnt from the fire and continued to sing hymns and giving thanks to God.

A Hebrew that was witnessing all of this became enraged and grabbed a Roman spear and pierced the side of Karterios.  So much water came out of the wound that it put out the fire.

This is how Karterios entered martyrdom for His name in 298 AD.

My St. Karterios intercede for our souls and watch and protect over us all.

#stkarterios #january8 #martyr #axios #karterios

Synaxarion

Verses

Karterios of old towards fire and spear,

You showed yourself steadfast towards the match against both.

Verses

Before sword and fire, O aged Karterios, thou showest

That thy mighty endurance is redoubled in thy wrestlings.

The icon above is of the Holy Hiermartyr St. Karterios of Caesaria in Cappadocia painted by Monk Seraphim (Chris) Gosey at the The Sacred Monastery of St. Iakovos "New Studion" in Piedmont, Oklahoma.