Saint Martyr Epictetus lived during the reign of the Roman Emperor Diocletian. He was a presbyter and was endowed with the gift of miracles. He healed the sick, restored sight to the blind, and cast out the demons that tortured people.
On one occasion, a young paralyzed girl came to him. The saint prayed for her healing, so that she was able to walk again. He then advised her father to take her to church every Sunday so that she might receive the Holy Communion.
Another time, a woman who worshipped idols came to him, having lost her sight. Calling the name of the Lord, the saint healed her and led her to believe in the mercy of Christ.
Among those who embraced Christianity there was Astion, the son of a wealthy nobleman. He came to Saint Epictetus and, hearing his teachings on eternal life, believed in the true God. He was baptized and accompanied the saint to Lesser Scythia (Dobruja), to the city of Almyrida (Almyridensa), also known as Salmorum. There they lived together in prayer and fasting, healing the people and taking care of everyone in need.
One day, Saint Epictetus healed a mute boy, who immediately cried out that he believed in Christ. This miracle brought more than a thousand people back to the true faith.
Eventually, the saints were arrested by Latronianus, the governor of the region. They were subjected to dreadful tortures. Yet they endured every humiliation, proclaiming to the end that they were Christians.
They were executed, and their bodies were buried with great honor. Their holiness and martyrdom led more and more people to believe in Christ.
When Astion’s parents learned of his martyrdom, they too were baptized and spent the rest of their lives following his example.
Saints Epictetus and Astion, together with Astion’s parents, lived in continual worship and praise of Christ.
