Abibus of Samosata
# Abibus of Samosata

Abibus of Samosata (died 297) was a Christian martyr at Samosata (in Syria on the River Euphrates). He lived during the period of Diocletianic Persecution. He was arrested for refusing to take part in a pagan ritual to celebrate the victory of Emperor Maximian over the Persians. He was thrown to prison where his body was scratched with iron, he had heavy shackles over his neck. In 297 he was sentenced to be executed by crucifixion. After having lived for two days on the cross, he was taken down and his head was pierced by nails. He was crucified together with other martyrs – James, Romanus, Lollius, Philotheus and Paregrus. All these martyrs were commemorated on 29 January in the Byzantine Church and by the Armenian Church in October.

His feast day is kept on December 9.

