Died c. 304 (Pompeiopolis in Cilicia)
Born in Perge of Pamphylia to the pious widow Theoklia, wife of a senator, he was dedicated to God and suffered martyrdom for Christ at Pompeiopolis in Cilicia.
The Holy Martyr Calliopius of Pompeiopolis in Cilicia
Calliopius was a Christian martyr who suffered for Christ at Pompeiopolis in Cilicia in the early fourth century. According to the synaxarion he was born in Perge of Pamphylia to the pious widow Theoklia, the wife of a senator, who had long been childless and had vowed to dedicate her son to God.
Brought before the authorities during the persecution of the Diocletianic era, he was subjected to severe tortures and finally put to death by crucifixion. His mother is remembered in the tradition as dying immediately after him as she embraced his body.
(Podoben: “You sought the heights...”) You appeared as a bright star announcing Christ with your radiance,
which is repulsive to this world, O Martyr Calliopius;
extinguishing the allure of false gods,
you enlighten the faithful,
always interceding for us all.
Text used with permission of the Orthodox Church in America (oca.org).
Your holy martyr Calliopius, O Lord,
through his suffering has received an incorruptible crown from You, our God.
For having Your strength, he laid low his adversaries,
and shattered the powerless boldness of demons.
Through his intercessions, save our souls!
Text used with permission of the Orthodox Church in America (oca.org).
The tradition recorded in the synaxarion places Calliopius's birth in Perge, a city of Pamphylia in Asia Minor. His mother, Theoklia, the wife of a renowned senator, had remained childless for a long time and prayed for a son, vowing to dedicate him to God; she is later described as a widow.
During the persecution Calliopius was brought before the prefect Maximus and subjected to severe tortures, among them beatings and being tied to an iron wheel. Refusing to renounce Christ, he was sentenced to death by crucifixion.
The synaxarion relates that the year was 304, and that his mother Theoklia asked that he be crucified head downward. After his death she embraced his body and died beside him, so that mother and son are remembered together.
Browse other saints who share his calling and place.