Saint Akakios suffered for confessing his faith to Jesus Christ. He lived during the reign of Emperor Maximian, in the third persecution of Christians and he was a native of Cappadocia. He was occupied as a soldier and served under the command of Colonel Firmus.
When Colonel Firmus gathered his soldiers to question them about their faith, Akakios openly declared that he was a Christian. Firmus tried to make him change his mind and offer sacrifice to the pagan gods. However, Akakios remained steadfast. He was therefore bound in chains and sent to the military commander Vivianos for further interrogation.
During his trial, Akakios reaffirmed his faith and explained that his name proved his innocent and harmless nature. He spoke of the mercy of God and declared that kings rule not by the will of the pagan idols, but by the providence of the true God. Vivianos, astonished by the saint’s wisdom, sought to persuade him to renounce his faith. Akakios remained unshaken.
He was subjected to cruel tortures, yet he did not deny Christ. Throughout his sufferings he prayed fervently and was strengthened by the divine grace. After seven days in prison, Akakios kept on confessing his faith. He was also miraculously healed of his wounds by the help of the angels.
Seeing that the saint remained unharmed and being unable to comprehend the miracle, Vivianos sent him to the governor Flakkos. When Flakkos also failed to overcome the saint’s steadfastness, he ordered that Akakios be beheaded. Before his execution, the saint prayed, giving thanks to God for granting him the crown of martyrdom.
Saint Akakios was beheaded, and his body was buried with honor at the same place of his execution. His martyrdom took place in the year 303 AD. Later, his holy relics were enshrined in a church built by the Emperor Constantine the Great.
