Reviewed entry
Martyr2nd century

Martyr Eupsychios of Caesarea

c. 2nd century (died under Hadrian, 117–138)

Also known as Eupsychius

A martyr of Caesarea in Cappadocia who, on release from prison, sold his estate and gave to the poor and even to his accusers, then was seized again and slain (c. 130)

September 7New Calendar
Feast Day
September 20Old Calendar
Commemorated as

The Holy Martyr Eupsychios of Caesarea in Cappadocia

Life

Eupsychios was a Christian martyr of Caesarea in Cappadocia who suffered during the persecution under the Emperor Hadrian (117–138). After his first arrest he was tortured and imprisoned; the synaxarion relates that he was healed of his wounds while in prison. Released from captivity, he sold his estate and distributed the proceeds to the poor — including to those who had denounced him. He was subsequently arrested again by a different governor, subjected to severe torments, and beheaded. The Church venerates him on 7 September.

Troparion & Kontakion2 hymnsReadHide
TroparionTone 3

Your holy martyr Eupsychius, O Lord,
through his sufferings has received an incorruptible crown from You, our God.
For having Your strength, he laid low his adversaries,
and shattered the powerless boldness of demons.
Through his intercessions, save our souls!

Text used with permission of the Orthodox Church in America (oca.org).

KontakionTone 2

(Podoben: “You sought the heights...”) You appeared as a bright star announcing Christ with your radiance,
which is repulsive to this world, O Martyr Eupsychius;
extinguishing the allure of false gods,
you enlighten the faithful,
always interceding for us all.

Text used with permission of the Orthodox Church in America (oca.org).

Contributions & Legacy

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Martyrdom

Eupsychios is identified in some accounts as the son of a senator named Dionysius, of Caesarea in Cappadocia. During the Hadrianic persecution he was arrested, tortured, and thrown into prison. According to tradition he was healed of his wounds by an angel during his imprisonment.

On his release Eupsychios gave away all that he had to the poor, distributing even portions to those who had accused and tortured him. A new governor then seized him; he was suspended and cut with iron hooks before being killed by beheading. He is venerated as a martyr of the undivided Church and is commemorated in both the Orthodox Synaxarion and the Roman Martyrology.

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Sources: Synaxarion; Roman Martyrology