Theopemptus of Nicomedia

St. Theopemptus was the Bishop of Nicomedia and a Hieromartyr, under the rule of Diocletian. He is known for being one of the first victims of Diocletian's religious persecution. He is said to have refused to obey the emperor's order to worship an idol of Apollo. He was punished by being thrown into a fiery furnace, in a manner similar to the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. But, by the power of God, he was kept alive. The emperor came and checked the furnace at night, and he saw Theopemptus alive and praying. Diocletian claimed the miracle was because of magic. He deprived Theopemptus of food and drink for twenty-two days, but, by another miracle of God, he was kept alive and healthy.

Theopemptus of Nicomedia

St. Theopemptus was the Bishop of Nicomedia and a Hieromartyr, under the rule of Diocletian. He is known for being one of the first victims of Diocletian's religious persecution. He is said to have refused to obey the emperor's order to worship an idol of Apollo. He was punished by being thrown into a fiery furnace, in a manner similar to the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. But, by the power of God, he was kept alive. The emperor came and checked the furnace at night, and he saw Theopemptus alive and praying. Diocletian claimed the miracle was because of magic. He deprived Theopemptus of food and drink for twenty-two days, but, by another miracle of God, he was kept alive and healthy.