Hieromartyr Patrick, Bishop of Prusa, and his companions
Saint Patrick lived during the first century and was bishop of the city of Prusa in Bithynia (Asia Minor). He openly and boldly preached Christ the Savior and denounced the error of the pagans. Therefore, he and the priests, Acacius, Menander, and Polyainus were arrested and brought to Julius, the prefect of the city for interrogation.
Julius was going to the hot springs for treatment, and he ordered that the Christian bishop and the priests be brought along after him, bound in iron chains. After he washed in the hot springs, Julius offered sacrifice to his gods. He had Saint Patrick and the other prisoners brought before him, ordering them to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods, threatening punishment if they refused.
Saint Patrick replied, “I am a Christian and I worship the one true God, Jesus Christ, Who has created the heavens and the earth, and these warm springs for the benefit of all mankind.”
Julius had the saint thrown into the hot spring, and with firm faith the martyr prayed, “Lord, Jesus Christ, help Your servant,” and he remained unharmed.
In impotent rage, Julius ordered Saint Patrick and his three presbyters beheaded. They received their crowns of unfading glory from Christ around the year 100.
