Saint Euplus became a martyr in 304, during the reign of the emperors Diocletian (284–305) and Maximian (284–305).
He was born in Catania, where he was an archdeacon. He always carried the Gospel with him and preached the word of God, urging the pagans to repent and return to the true faith.
On one occasion, while he was studying passages from the Holy Scriptures and speaking with the crowds, he was arrested and brought before the governor. He confessed that he was a Christian and openly rejected idolatry.
He was therefore subjected to terrible tortures. Praying for strength to endure every trial, he was imprisoned and kept without food or water. When the governor realized that the saint survived through the miraculous intervention of the Lord, he became enraged and ordered that he be tortured even more.
Finally, he was sentenced to be beheaded. Before his execution, he spoke to the people about Christ, leading many to the faith in God.
His body was buried by devout Christians. The Church commemorates the saint on August 11.
Parts of his holy relics are preserved in Mount Athos, at the Monastery of Dochiariou and the Pantokratoros Monastery.
