Saint Polychronius was Bishop of Babylon during the reign of the Roman Emperor Decius. As Decius fiercely persecuted the Christians, he arrested the saint along with his presbyters Parmenius, Elimas, and Chrysotelus, as well as the deacons Luke and Mucus.
Saint Polychronius refused to worship idols, remained in prison, and endured every form of torture. Decius convened a trial, during which the saints courageously confessed their faith. The presbyter Parmenius, though his tongue had been cut out, continued to glorify the Lord, articulating whatever words he could. Enraged, the emperor ordered that they be tortured to death, while they prayed and begged the Lord for strength.
In the end, they were executed, and their bodies were cast outside the city. Two devout men, Abdon and Sennen, secretly buried them with honor, an act for which they themselves were executed as well.
Their relics were later discovered and transferred to a tomb during the reign of Constantine the Great.
The Church celebrates their memory on July 30.
