Martyr 3rd century

Martyr Lucillian and Companions at Byzantium

Also known as Lucillian · Claudius · Hypatius · Paul · Dionysius · Paula

A pagan priest of Byzantium who came to faith in Christ in his old age and, with four young men and the maiden Paula who served the imprisoned faithful, was martyred under Aurelian.

Feast Day

June 3

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Commemorated as

The Holy Martyr Lucillian and Those With Him at Byzantium

Life

Lucillian was a pagan priest who, late in life, embraced Christianity and was martyred at Byzantium during the reign of the Roman emperor Aurelian (270-275). According to the synaxarion, he had served the idols near Nicomedia before his conversion, after which he was baptized and devoted his remaining years to preaching the faith he had once opposed.

He is commemorated together with four young men imprisoned for their faith alongside him, Claudius, Hypatius, Paul, and Dionysius, and with the virgin Paula, who ministered to imprisoned Christians and buried the martyrs before suffering martyrdom herself. The group is kept as a single commemoration on June 3.

Timeline 4 moments Read Hide

c. 270-275 Conversion in old age A former priest of the idols near Nicomedia, Lucillian recognized the truth of Christianity in his advanced years, received baptism, and is said to have led many pagans to the faith through his preaching.
c. 270-275 Torture and imprisonment Refusing to deny his new faith, Lucillian was beaten and, by tradition, had his jaw broken and was suspended head downward. He was cast into prison, where he was held with four young Christians, Claudius, Hypatius, Paul, and Dionysius.
c. 270-275 Martyrdom at Byzantium After further trial, the synaxarion relates that the five were thrown into a furnace and preserved unharmed, then sent to Byzantium for execution. There the four youths were beheaded and Lucillian was crucified, his body pierced with nails.
c. 270 Martyrdom of the virgin Paula Paula, who had served imprisoned Christians and buried the martyrs' bodies, was arrested for her devotion. Refusing to sacrifice to the idols, she was tortured and beheaded at Byzantium.

Contributions & Legacy

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The Companions

The four young men commemorated with Lucillian, Claudius, Hypatius, Paul, and Dionysius, were Christians already imprisoned for their faith when the elder was confined with them. The synaxarion describes the aged convert and the youths drawing encouragement from one another, passing their imprisonment in prayer and the chanting of psalms.

The virgin Paula stands somewhat apart in the account. Described as a Christian who provided food to prisoners, tended their wounds, and buried the bodies of the martyrs, she was arrested after Lucillian's death and put to death for refusing to renounce her faith. Some calendars list the commemoration under her name as well.

Relics & Veneration

By the tradition preserved in the synaxarion, the relics of the martyrs were gathered and buried by the virgin Paula. A church dedicated to these martyrs is reported to have been erected at Constantinople, and the group has been venerated together on their shared feast since the early Byzantine period.

Notes

Named group commemorated as one; distinct from Hieromartyr Lucian of Beauvais (same day).

Sources: OCA Synaxarion (oca.org), Lives of the Saints