Saints Leontios, Hypatios and Theodoulos
18/06
Saints Leontius, Hypatius and Theodoulos, were martyred during the reign of Emperor Vespasian.
Leontius came from Greece (Aegina) and was distinguished for his majestic and haughty appearance and his rudeness. At a young age he enlisted in the army and in all battles he showed great bravery and prowess. Because of these virtues he was quickly promoted to high military positions. Despite his rapid rise and high position, he behaved with great modesty and honesty.
While in Africa he was taught the Christian faith, to which his noble and honest soul responded with fervor. He began to preach the word of God to his subordinates and the soldiers, and whatever money he earned he used for the relief of the poor, widows and orphans.
His Christmas-like activity quickly bore fruit. Two of his colleagues, Hypatios (or Hypatos) and Theodoulos, believed in Christ and began to live with Christian purity and exercise.
When the African ruler Hadrian was informed of the fact, he tried with various promises to make them deny their faith. He quickly realized that the Saints remained steadfast, as valiant soldiers of Jesus Christ. So he ordered the death by beheading of Hypatius and Theodolos, and Leontius was flogged to death.
Thus with their honest blood, they sealed their faith and love to their Savior and Redeemer and won the Amaranth crowns of martyrdom.
