A native of Lycaonia, he was a shepherd. From his youth, he adhered to God's law. In a vision, it was revealed to him that he was destined to suffer for Christ. At that time, a persecution of Christians was underway under Maximian, the governor of Cilicia. There was a golden idol in Cilicia; Sozont left his sheep, went to the city, entered the pagan temple, broke off the idol's hand, shattered it, and distributed the pieces to the poor. A great commotion arose in the city. To prevent anyone else from suffering for his actions, Sozont went to the governor, confessed that he had broken the idol, and declared himself a Christian. His tormentors first beat him, then hung him from a tree and scraped his body with iron combs; finally, as he lay dying, they cast him into a fire. He surrendered his soul to the Lord around the year 304. His relics are wonder-working.

Holy Apostles Evodius and Onesiphorus. Saint Eupsychius the Martyr. Saint John, Archbishop of Novgorod. Forefeast of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos.