Sts. Galaktion and Episteme

Saint Galaktion was born in Emesa of Phoenicia to parents named Kleitophonos and Leucippe, who were baptized Christians by the monk (hieromonk) Unuphius. During the persecution of Decius, at the age of 24, Galaktion married Episteme. Since there was no priest due to the persecution, Galaktion himself baptized her. Eight days after her baptism, Episteme had a divine vision: she found herself in royal palaces, with three groups: one of male monks, one of female monks, and one of virgins. They agreed to become monks. They gave their wealth to the poor and journeyed to Mount Sinai.

Galaktion became a monk in a hermitage with other monks, while Episteme became a nun in a nearby convent. They were arrested by the governor Ursus and imprisoned. Before her arrest, Episteme had a vision in which she and Galaktion went to a royal palace and received dignities. They were informed that God was calling them to martyrdom. They confessed to being Christians and refused to offer sacrifices to idols.

They were beaten by the governor's servants, who were miraculously blinded and converted. Their nails were pierced with reeds, their hands and feet were cut off, their tongues were cut out, and finally, they were beheaded. Saint Galaktion was 30 years old and Saint Episteme was 16 years old when they suffered martyrdom in 250 A.D.