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Galaction and Episteme | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Martyrdom of Saint Galaction and his wife Saint Episteme atEmesa, from theMenologion of Basil II | |
| Martyrs | |
| Died | 251 AD Emesa |
| Venerated in | |
| Canonized | Pre-Congregation |
| Feast |
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SaintGalaction (alsoGalaktion, sometimesGalation) was a 3rd-century Syrian Christian,martyred with his wife,Episteme (Epistima), whom he had converted tothe Christian faith (Greek:Γαλακτίων και Επιστήμη[1]).
He was the son of Kletophon and Leukippe, who were a rich and distinguished, but initially childless, pagan couple.[2] When the couple was converted after being evangelized by a travelling monk/priest/beggar on the promise that the one, true God would hear their prayers and grant them a child, Galaction was conceived and born.
Galaction hoped from the beginning to live the monastic life, but he submitted in obedience to his parents and was betrothed to the beautiful pagan woman Episteme. During the course of their engagement, over subsequent visits Galaction converted first his fiancée and then her servant, Eutolmius. The couple went away to the mountain of Publion: Galaction to a men's monastery, and Episteme to an abbey.[3] They did not leave their monasteries, and neither saw the other until their deaths.
A fierce persecution arose, and both were brought to trial. When Galaction was martyred under EmperorDecius atEmesa (nowHoms,Syria) in 251AD, Episteme went to his side and was killed with him. His feast day is November 5.[4]
