St. Appian of Caesarea

Saint Appian of Caesarea, born into a wealthy and prominent non-Christian family in Caesarea, was the brother of Saint Aedesius of Alexandria. Well-educated in rhetoric, philosophy, and civil law at Beirut, Lebanon, he embraced Christianity and became a devoted disciple. He formed a close friendship with the renowned theologian Eusebius of Caesarea, with whom he undertook a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Appian further deepened his faith by studying under Saint Pamphilus, a celebrated scholar and martyr.

In May 305, Emperor Maximinus declared that everyone should take part in public sacrifices in celebration of his coronation. When it came time for the sacrifices in his city, Appian went to the temple and stopped the official, Urbanus, from offering incense to an idol, explaining that it was impious to worship an idol instead of the true God, and berating the judge for doing it. Appian was beaten, imprisoned, his flesh torn off with iron claws, and roasted over a slow fire. He was then ordered to sacrifice to the Roman gods; he declined.