In the Italian city of Interamna lived Saint Valentine, a bishop endowed with the gift of healing. He converted the unbelievers to God by healing diseases through prayer. Three scholars from Athens came to him: Proculus, Ephiv, and Apollonius, wishing to study in Rome. One of them, Cherimon, fell seriously ill. His father, Kraton, learned about Saint Valentine and sent to him with a request for help. The saint, having come to Rome, healed Cherimon, calling his father to faith in Christ. Kraton and his household believed and were baptized. Cherimon remained with Valentine, who taught him and other youths. When the son of the chief Avundius believed and confessed himself a Christian, Saint Valentine was seized and subjected to torture for refusing to worship idols. He rejoiced in suffering for Christ and strengthened his disciples in faith. Eventually, the saint was executed, and his disciples, Proculus, Ephiv, and Apollonius, were also killed for their faith. Their bodies were buried with honor, and many, hearing of their martyrdom, turned to Christ.
