The Martyr Diomedes
Commemorated on August 16
The Martyr
Diomedes was born in Cilician Tarsus, and by profession he was a physician,
but by belief a Christian, and he treated not only ills not only of body but
also of soul. He enlightened many pagans with belief in Christ, and baptised
them. The Church venerates him as an healer and summons his name during the
making of the Sacrament of Oil-Anointing the Sick.
Saint Diomedes
traveled much, converting people to the true faith. When he arrived in the city
of Nicea, the emperor Diocletian (284-305) sent soldiers to arrest him. Along
the way from Nicea to Nicomedia, he got down from the cart so as to pray, and
he died. As proof of carrying out their orders, the soldiers cut off his head,
but became blinded. Diocletian gave orders to take away the head back to the
body. When the soldiers fulfilled the order, their sight was restored and they
believed in Christ.
© 1996-2001 by translator Fr. S. Janos.
