In the city of Melitina in Armenia, many Christians suffered for Christ. In that city lived two friends, officers: Nearchus, baptized and Polyeuctus, unbaptized. When the decree of Emperor Valerian was issued to persecute Christians, the officer from Melitina Nearchus was preparing for death, but he was in great sorrow that he had not converted his good friend Polyeuctus to Christianity. When Polyeuctus learned of Nearchus' sorrow, he promised him that he would be baptized. The next day he told Nearchus his dream: The Lord appeared to him, took off his old clothes and put new ones on him. Then he went into the city, tore up the emperor's edict and broke many idol statues. After being tortured, he was executed. This would be in the year 259. Somewhat later, Saint Nearchus also suffered martyrdom for Christ.

Venerable Eustratius. Saint Philip, Metropolitan of Moscow.. Feast of the Epiphany.