Cloud of Witnesses
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Martyr3rd century

Troadius of Neocaesarea

3rd century (martyred c. 251)

A young man of Neocaesarea in Pontus who endured torture and was martyred under the emperor Decius; his suffering was revealed in a vision to Saint Gregory the Wonderworker.

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Commemorated as

The Holy Martyr Troadius of Neocaesarea

Life

Troadius of Neocaesarea was a young Christian of Neocaesarea in Pontus (Asia Minor) who was martyred during the persecution under the emperor Decius in the mid-third century. The synaxarion records that he endured severe tortures before being put to death for confessing Christ.

His martyrdom is closely linked to Saint Gregory the Wonderworker, bishop of Neocaesarea, who is said to have foretold his death and to have witnessed his sufferings in a vision. Beyond this account, little biographical detail survives; the sources note that he suffered together with other martyrs whose names are not recorded.

Kontakion & Troparion2 hymnsReadHide
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 Troadius;
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).

TroparionTone 3

Your holy martyr Troadius, O Lord,
through his suffering 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).

Timeline1 momentsReadHide
  1. c. 251Martyrdom at NeocaesareaDuring the Decian persecution, Troadius confessed Christ at Neocaesarea in Pontus, endured severe tortures, and was killed.

Contributions & Legacy

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The Vision of Saint Gregory

According to the tradition preserved in the synaxarion and the Prologue of Ohrid, Saint Gregory the Wonderworker, bishop of Neocaesarea, foretold the martyrdom of Troadius. During the saint's sufferings Gregory beheld in a vision how bravely the young man withstood his tortures for Christ until he was killed.

In the same vision Gregory is said to have seen the soul of Troadius, after it had been separated from his body, hastening joyfully toward heaven. This account is the principal reason the martyr's memory was preserved, the brief written record otherwise giving few details of his life.

Companions1 figureShowHide
Bishop of Neocaesarea who foretold Troadius's martyrdom and witnessed his sufferings in a vision (commemorated November 17).
Saint Gregorythe Wonderworker of Neocaesarea
Related SaintsShowHide

Browse other saints who share his calling and place.

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Sources: OCA Synaxarion (oca.org), Lives of the Saints