Hieromartyr Silvanus, Bishop of Gaza, and 40 Martyrs with him (311)

The Holy Martyr Silvan was born in the city of Gaza. At first, he served as a soldier, but later left the military in order to dedicate his life to Christ. He became a presbyter and then a bishop, converting many unbelievers to the true faith. Because of this, the pagans seized him and brought him to trial in Caesarea, where he was brutally beaten, hanged, and tortured.

Eventually, he was sentenced to forced labor in the copper mines. Even in exhaustion and pain, he continued to openly confess Christ. In the end, the pagans beheaded him with a sword, together with forty other martyrs.