3628 Martyrs who suffered at Nicomedia

During the reign of the Roman emperors Diocletian and Maximian, 3,618 martyrs suffered for Christ in Nicomedia. They were originally from Alexandria and they were the very men who had murdered Saint Peter the Archbishop. Having repented, they took their wives and children and went voluntarily to Nicomedia in order to confess their faith. They appeared before the emperor and boldly declared that they were Christians. Diocletian attempted to persuade them. However, seeing their steadfastness, he became enraged and ordered their beheading. Many years later, their holy relics were discovered and honored by the faithful, who were healed through their grace.