4th century
Saints Akepsimas, Joseph and Aeithalas
A bishop, priest and deacon martyred together in Persia around 330, during the persecution of Shapur II.
Biography
Akepsimas was a bishop, Joseph a priest and Aeithalas a deacon in Persia, where all three were martyred for Christ around the year 330, during the reign of King Shapur II, notorious for his harsh persecution of Christians.
Akepsimas gave up his last breath after being beaten cruelly with thorny pomegranate branches. Joseph, his flesh torn open, was put to death by stoning. Aeithalas was scourged and hung head downward until he too gave up his blessed soul.