Martyrs Philemon, Apollonios, Arian and Theotychos

Philemon, Apollonius, Arian and Theotychus suffered at Antinoe in Egypt under Diocletian, about 287 according to the Byzantine calendar. Their Life tells that the deacon Apollonius, afraid of torture, paid Philemon, a famous flute player, to go to the sacrifice in his clothes and sacrifice in his place. Instead, Philemon declared himself a Christian before the governor Arian, and Apollonius came forward to confess with him; both were beheaded.

The Life adds that Arian, struck in the eye by an arrow meant for Philemon, was cured at his grave and became a Christian. On the emperor’s orders he was drowned in the sea with Theotychus and other guards.