In the time of the Roman kings Decius and Valerian, in the city of Melitene, in the land of Armenia, there lived two warriors, Nearchus and Polyektus, who were close friends. Nearchus was a Christian, while Polyektus was a pagan, but lived according to Christian customs. Nearchus sought to convert Polyektus to Christianity, but he had not yet come to faith. When a decree was issued to worship idols, Nearchus mourned for his friend's fate, believing that he would remain an unbeliever. Polyektus, seeing Nearchus's sorrow, inquired about the reason for his grief and, upon learning of the impending separation, decided to turn to Christ. He recounted a vision in which Christ clothed him in new garments and gave him a winged horse, signifying his conversion to faith. Inspired, Polyektus tore up the royal decree and destroyed the idols, for which he was captured and brought to trial. His father-in-law Felix, who persecuted Christians, tried to dissuade him, but Polyektus forsook worldly vanity for eternal life. At the trial, he boldly confessed his faith, and despite threats, he did not renounce Christ. Polyektus was executed, accepting death with joy, and became the first martyr in the Armenian city of Melitene; his death contributed to the growth of the Church.
