Martyr Platon of Ancyra
died c. 302–306
Brother of the physician-martyr Antiochus, who preached Christ while still young and was tortured and martyred under pagan persecution.
The Holy and Glorious Martyr Platon of Ancyra
Life
Platon of Ancyra was an early-fourth-century martyr from the city of Ancyra in Galatia (Asia Minor) and the brother of the physician-martyr Antiochus. While still a young man, he left his home and traveled through various cities, preaching Christian teaching to pagan audiences.
He was noted for the persuasiveness and beauty of his speech and for his command of Greek philosophy, which he turned to commend the Gospel. His public preaching led to his arrest, and after refusing repeated inducements and enduring prolonged torture and imprisonment, he was beheaded under the persecution of the Roman authorities. He is commemorated on November 18.
Timeline4 momentsReadHide
- Late 3rd centuryOrigins in AncyraPlaton is born in the city of Ancyra in Galatia, the brother of Antiochus, later venerated as a physician-martyr (commemorated July 16).
- As a young manTravels and preachingHe departs his home and travels through various cities, proclaiming Christian teaching to pagan audiences with notable eloquence and learning.
- c. 302–306Arrest and interrogationHis preaching leads to his arrest and presentation before the governor Agrippinus at a temple of Zeus, who attempts flattery, offers a marriage incentive, and threatens torture; Platon refuses to renounce Christ.
- c. 302–306Imprisonment and martyrdomAfter severe beatings and a prolonged imprisonment, by tradition lasting many days without food or water, Platon again refuses to sacrifice and is beheaded by order of Agrippinus.
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