In the start of the third century, Saints Thyrsus, Leucis and Callinicus lived during the rule of emperor Deius. Leucis were born in Bythinia, but lived in Caesura of Cappadocia. He came from wealthy and established families and grew with the Christian faith. Leucis lived with kindness and love for others. During this time there was a harsh persecution of Christians. Lecuis outwardly denounced the government for the torture of Christians and spoke before the governer Cumbricus. He also declared his faith in Christ. From his boldness, Cambricus was enraged and he sentenced Lecuis to several torments. He was then beheaded and made a martyr for Christ.
Around this time, Saint Thyrsus, who was not yet baptized but help a deep love of Christ. He had also been raised in a wealthy family and throughout his life he aided the poor and helped those in need in any way he could. When orders to bring a sacrifice to the idols, Thyrsus refused. He spoke outwardly and quoted prophet Jeremiah of the old Testament who said “To an image carved from a piece of wood they say, ‘You are my father.’ To an idol chiseled from a block of stone they say, ‘You are my mother.’ They turn their backs on me, but in times of trouble they cry out to me, ‘Come and save us!’” (Jer 2:27) For this he was then ordered to be tortured. It began with his arms and legs being yanked from their sockets. His eyes were then gouged from his head and his teeth smashed to pieces. Thyrsus was then brought before a temple of Apollo and from his faith and prayers to Christ, the statue crumbled. The govoner of his region, Cumbricus, was angered and he then sentenced Thrysus to ever worse torments. He suffered bravely, and before giving his soul to the Lord, he crossed himself. His body was then cut into many small pieces. When the pagan priest Callinicus watched the young man endure with courage, and seeing the miracle of the statue crumble, he believed in Christ. After outwardly expressing his faith, he was soon after was executed with a beheading.
Glory be unto God! It is amazing to see how one Saint can inspire another! Do not ever fear to express your devotion and love for Christ! Have courage!