4th century
Saint Symeon Barsabae of Persia
Bishop in Persia martyred together with eleven hundred and fifty Christians under King Shapur II.
Biography
Symeon was bishop of the churches of Ctesiphon and Seleucia in Persia during the reign of King Shapur II. When enemies of the Christians slandered him to the king as a supposed rebel, Shapur had him arrested and imprisoned.
In prison he strengthened the faith of a Christian who had denied Christ out of fear. Enraged by this, Shapur beheaded Symeon along with eleven hundred and fifty Christians, while a courtier who had encouraged the martyrs was killed by horrific torture.