When Emperor Diocletian came to Nicomedia to exterminate the Christians, Anikita, one of the mayors, appeared before him, professed his faith in Christ and defaced the idols. The enraged emperor ordered that his tongue be cut out, but Anikita, by the power of God, continued to speak. After that, the temple of Hercules was erected. Seeing all this, Anicita's relative Photius approached him, kissed him and declared himself a Christian. The emperor ordered that he be cut down immediately, but the executioner, raising his hand to Photius, struck himself with his sword. They spent 3 years in prison, and then they were thrown into a huge fiery furnace. Together with them, many other Christians voluntarily entered the furnace. They died around the year 305. They are called upon in prayers during the consecration of firewood and the consecration of water.

Martyr Alexander, bishop of Koman. Great Lady's fast.