The last and most brutal crackdown on Christians in the Roman Empire:
🔥 1. The Christmas Martyrs of Nicomedia
On Christmas Day, thousands of Christians gathered in a church in Nicomedia. Roman soldiers surrounded the building, piled wood around it, and set it ablaze. The worshippers were given a choice: renounce Christ and sacrifice to Roman gods upon exiting, or remain inside and perish. They chose to stay, singing hymns as they were consumed by the flames. Barnabas Aid
🏹 2. St. Sebastian
A Roman soldier and covert Christian, Sebastian used his position to aid fellow believers. When discovered, he was tied to a post and shot with arrows, left for dead. Miraculously surviving, he was nursed back to health. Undeterred, he confronted Emperor Diocletian about the persecution of Christians. This time, he was beaten to death and his body discarded in a sewer. Our Sunday Visitor
👧 3. St. Agnes of Rome
At just 12 or 13 years old, Agnes was denounced for her Christian faith after rejecting a suitor. She was sentenced to be dragged naked through the streets to a brothel, but miraculous events protected her purity. Attempts to burn her at the stake failed, and she was ultimately beheaded. 4marksofthechurch.com
👁️ 4. St. Lucy of Syracuse
Lucy vowed to remain a virgin for Christ, rejecting a pagan suitor who then reported her as a Christian. Authorities attempted to force her into prostitution, but she became immovable, even by a team of oxen. She was tortured, had her eyes gouged out, and was eventually executed by sword. 4marksofthechurch.com
🕊️ 5. St. Eulalia of Mérida
A young girl of about 12 or 13, Eulalia confronted Roman authorities, denouncing their gods. She was tortured with hooks and torches, and burned at the stake. As she died, a dove is said to have flown from her mouth, and snow fell to cover her body. Wikipedia
🏃♀️ 6. St. Pelagia the Virgin
At 15, Pelagia was pursued by soldiers intending to force her to sacrifice to pagan gods or violate her chastity. She requested to change clothes, went to her roof, and leapt to her death, choosing martyrdom over defilement. Wikipedia
✂️ 7. St. Hieron and the 33 Martyrs of Melitene
Hieron, a strong Christian farmer, resisted conscription into the Roman army to avoid renouncing his faith. He and 32 others were arrested, tortured, and executed. Hieron’s hand was severed and sent to his blind mother, who later became a saint herself. Wikipedia
🧱 8. St. Felix and St. Adauctus
Felix, a Roman priest, was ordered to sacrifice to pagan gods. When he prayed, the idols shattered. On his way to execution, an unknown man joined him, professed his Christian faith, and was executed alongside Felix. He was named Adauctus, meaning “added.” 4marksofthechurch.com
🕯️ 9. St. Chrysogonus
A Christian teacher of St. Anastasia, Chrysogonus was imprisoned and later beheaded under Diocletian’s orders. His body was thrown into the sea but was recovered and venerated by early Christians. Wikipedia
🕊️ 10. The Martyrs of Abitinae (304 AD)
In the town of Abitinae (modern Tunisia), 49 Christians, including the priest Saturninus and his four children, were arrested for gathering to celebrate the Eucharist, defying Diocletian’s edict prohibiting Christian worship. When interrogated, one of them, Emeritus, declared, “Sine dominico non possumus” — “We cannot live without the Lord’s Day.” Despite torture, none recanted, and all were executed. Wikipedia
🧔 11. Saints Cyprian and Justina
Cyprian, a former pagan magician, attempted to use sorcery to win over the Christian virgin Justina. However, he was so moved by her unwavering faith that he converted to Christianity himself. Both were arrested during the persecution, subjected to severe torture, and ultimately beheaded for their faith. Wikipedia
🛡️ 12. Saints Andronicus, Probus, and Tarachus
These three men were arrested in Tarsus for their Christian beliefs. They endured multiple tortures across various cities: Tarachus was beaten with stones; Probus was whipped, had his feet burned with hot irons, and was pierced with heated spits; Andronicus was cut to pieces with knives. When wild beasts refused to harm them in the arena, they were executed by the sword. Wikipedia
⚔️ 13. Saint Gorgonius of Nicomedia
Gorgonius, an officer in Emperor Diocletian’s household, protested the brutal treatment of fellow Christians. He was arrested, tortured, and strangled to death. To prevent Christians from venerating his body, it was ordered to be thrown into the sea, but believers later recovered and honored his remains. Wikipedia
🔥 14. Saint Vincent of Saragossa
As a deacon in Spain, Vincent was arrested alongside his bishop. While the bishop was exiled, Vincent faced horrific tortures: he was racked, had his flesh torn with hooks, and was laid on a gridiron with fire beneath and spikes above. Despite these torments, he remained steadfast in his faith until death. Bible Study Tools