Holy Martyr Ardalion

The holy martyr Ardalian suffered during the reign of Emperor Maximian Galerius. Being a mime actor, he depicted the sufferings of Christians in performances. One day, while portraying torture, he was hanged and subjected to torment for refusing to offer sacrifice to idols. When the spectators praised his artistry, he confessed himself to be a Christian. The governor of the city, wishing to make him change his mind, extolled him, but the saint remained faithful to his faith. Ultimately, the governor ordered a heated iron pan to be prepared, onto which the holy Ardalian was thrown, completing his earthly journey.