The holy martyrs Alphius, Philadelphus, and Cyprian were born in Italy. They were the sons of the noble prefect Vitalius and were taught the Christian faith by a holy man named Onesimus. At that time, a great persecution arose against all Christians. Together with Onesimus, Erasmus, and fourteen other believers, they were sent to Rome to appear before Emperor Licinius. A heavy stone was placed upon the chest of Onesimus, causing his death, while Erasmus and the other martyrs were beheaded. Alphius, Philadelphus, and Cyprian were sent to Seleucia, where they suffered a great martyrdom for their faith in Christ.
The holy martyrs died on May 10, 251. The governor Tertullus ordered Alphius’s tongue to be cut out, until he died from loss of blood. Philadelphus and Cyprian were cast into the flames. In 1517, their holy relics were discovered in the city of Leontini and were solemnly enshrined for veneration.
