3rd century
Saints Galaction and Episteme
A 3rd-century married couple who, according to the Synaxarion, embraced the monastic life and were beheaded together for their faith during the persecution of Decius, around 250.
Biography
Galaction and Episteme lived in the 3rd century, in the time of Emperor Decius. Galaction's parents were originally pagans but converted to Christianity through a hieromonk and raised their son in the Christian faith. When he grew up, Galaction married Episteme, whom he himself led to Christ.
When the persecution of Decius broke out, Galaction withdrew to a monastery on Mount Sinai and Episteme to a women's community. When Galaction was arrested by the ruler Ursus, Episteme hurried to give herself up as well, wishing to support her husband. Both were harshly tortured and beheaded together, around 250.