Martyr Nicander of Egypt

Nicander was a physician in Egypt who suffered martyrdom during the persecution of Christians under the emperor Diocletian (reigned 284-305). According to the synaxarion, he used his standing and his freedom of movement to minister to believers who had been imprisoned for their faith, visiting them, caring for them, and bringing them food. He is commemorated on March 15.

The work for which Nicander is chiefly remembered is the burial of the martyrs. In a time when the bodies of executed Christians were often left exposed or thrown out to be devoured by wild animals, he sought out the remains of the slain and gave them honorable burial. The tradition relates that, coming to a place where such bodies had been cast aside, he waited until nightfall and interred them under cover of darkness, at considerable personal risk.

His activity was eventually discovered by the authorities. Seized for these works of mercy, Nicander was subjected to severe torture: the sources relate that he was flayed alive and then beheaded, dying about the year 302. The Orthodox Church numbers him among the martyrs, honoring a physician who served both the living and the dead among the persecuted faithful.