late 3rd century
Saint Asterius the Martyr
A Christian from Laranda in Isauria who, according to the Synaxarion, was beheaded in Cilicia around 288 under Diocletian, together with his siblings Claudius, Neon and Neonilla, after their stepmother denounced them.
Biography
Asterius came from Laranda in Isauria and was the brother of Claudius, Neon and Neonilla. When their father died, their wicked stepmother tried to seize their inheritance, but the four siblings refused and gave the money to the poor instead.
Their stepmother denounced them as Christians to Lysias, governor of Cilicia. They were cruelly tortured but did not waver, and around 288, under Diocletian, all four were beheaded and their bodies thrown into ravines.