4th century
Holy Martyrs Theopemptus and Theonas
Bishop Theopemptus and Theonas, a sorcerer who according to tradition came to believe in Christ after witnessing Theopemptus' endurance, were martyred in Diocletian's persecution in the early 4th century.
Biography
Theopemptus was a bishop in the time of Diocletian and was the first to publicly confess Christ and rebuke the emperor, when he signed the edict of persecution against Christians in 303.
He was subjected to a series of tortures accompanied, according to tradition, by miracles: he survived a burning furnace and a deadly poison, before finally being beheaded.
His steadfastness and character moved the pagan sorcerer Theonas, who had prepared the poison; on seeing the martyr, he too confessed Christ and was put to death by being buried alive.