August 12
Saint Euplus of Catania
Deacon, Martyr
(3rd Century – 304)
“I am a Christian; I desire to die for the name of Christ.”
Saint Euplus of Catania
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Saint’s Life Story
His Early Life
Euplus, also known as Euplio, Euplius, or Euplo, was born in the 3rd century with an unknown exact date most likely in Italy although exact location details are not known. In fact, little information is known about his childhood and youth. His name in Greek means “good sailing” which is played upon in the text of the Orthodox Christian Vespers service in his honor. Euplus lived during the reign of Emperor Diocletian where a severe persecution of Christians began.
Deacon
What information and data known about Euplus comes from an ancient document, the “Passion of Saint Euplus”, which recounts the last hours. Euplus dedicated himself to the service of God and became a deacon in the local Christian community. In the Sicilian city of Catania, Euplus served those around him. Always carrying the Gospel with him, Euplus preached constantly to the pagans about Christ.
Interrogated by Governor Calvinianus
On April 29, 304, during the persecution of Diocletian, at Catania in Sicily, Euplus was heard shouting outside the governor’s court, ” I am a Christian, and I am willing to die for it “. The governor, Calvinianus (Calvisian), heard him and ordered that he who had made that noise should be brought in.
Euplus appeared accordingly, carrying a book of the gospels, whereat a bystander remarked, “You have got wicked writings, contrary to the emperors’ orders”. “Where do they come from ?” asked Calvinianus, “From your house ?”
Euplus: “I haven’t got a house, as the Lord knows.”
Calvinianus: “Do these writings belong to you?”
Euplus: “As you see.”
Calvinianus: “I see that you are carrying them. What are they? Read me something.”
Euplus: “I know them well – they are the holy gospels according to the holy Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.”
Calvinianus: “What is that all about?”
Euplus: “It is the law of the Lord my God, that I have received from Him.”
Calvinianus: “Somebody has taught you all this.”
Euplus: “I have just said that I learned it from our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God.”
Calvinianus: “That is enough. Take him to prison.”
Then, Euplus was asked if he possessed any other copies of the Gospels. In a remarkable act of faith and courage, he began to recite the sacred texts from memory.
Euplus read: “Happy are those who suffer persecution for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of the heavens.” Then, Euplus explained: “It is the law of my Lord, as it has been handed down to me.” His recitation demonstrated his deep knowledge and love for the Word of God. It also highlighted the lengths to which he and other Christians had gone to preserve and cherish the Scriptures during those times of intense persecution.
In addition, Euplus confessed himself a Christian and denounced the impiety of idol-worship.
Imprisoned and Tortured
For this, Governor Calvinianus sentenced and ordered Euplus to be tortured. So, they threw Euplus into prison, where he remained in prayer. During this time, Euplus was tortured.
A Second Interrogation
Three months and more later, on August 12, Euplus was again brought before the governor, and Calvinianus asked him, ” What do you say now ? “
Euplus: “What I have said before, I say again to-day.”
Calvinianus: “Do you still keep those forbidden writings?”
Euplus : “I do.”
Calvinianus: “Where are they?”
Euplus : “Within me.”
Calvinianus: “If you have still got them, bring them here.”
Euplus repeated, “They are within me” and showed by a gesture that he knew them by heart.
Later, Euplus was given an invitation to retract the previous confession.
However, Euplus marked his forehead with his hand that remained free and answered: “What I have confessed, I confess again: I am a Christian and I read the divine Scriptures.” The executioners continued to rage on his body while Euplus prayed: “I give you thanks, O Christ; save me, for I suffer for you.”
Refused to Sacrifice to Roman Gods
Governor Calvinianus ordered a pause in the torturing and made the last attempt to convince Euplus to sacrifice to the gods stating ” Wretch, worship the gods. Honor Mars, Apollo and Aesculapius”.
Firm in faith, Euplus answered, “I worship the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. I adore the Holy Trinity. Except this, there is no other God… I sacrifice, but I offer myself as a sacrifice to Christ God, I have nothing more to sacrifice; your efforts are in vain, I am a Christian.”
His Death
Enraged by Euplus’ defiance, Governor Calvinianus ordered Euplus to have his ears be torn off and that he be beheaded. The Gospel Euplus wore at the time of his arrest was placed around his neck. One of the executioners cried out before him, “Euplus, a Christian, an enemy of the gods and emperors!”
Euplus, all happy, repeated incessantly: “Thanks be to Christ God.” He quickened his pace as if he were going to the coronation. When he arrived at the place of execution, he knelt down and prayed for a long time. Having asked time for prayer, Euplus began to quote and explain the Gospel to the people. From this act, many of the pagans believed in Christ. Then, Euplus presented his head to the executioner. Euplus was flogged, beheaded by the sword, dying a martyr’s death on August 12, 304 in Catania, Sicily, Italy.
Later, some Christians came to take the body away. Before burying him, they embalmed him.
After his death, Saint Euplus’ relics were kept and venerated in Trevico, Italy.
Born: 3rd Century date and location unknown, mostly likely Catania, Sicily, Italy
Died: August 12, 304 in Catania, Sicily, Italy
Beatified: Pre-Congregation
Canonized: Pre-Congregation
Feast Day: August 12, August 11 (Byzantine-rite calendars), August 27 on some calendars
Patron Saint: Catania, Sicily, Italy; Francavilla di Sicilia, Italy; Trevico, Italy
Reflection
Saint Euplus of Cantania, a deacon in the Sicilian city of Catania, lived during the early 4th century, a time of brutal persecution under Emperor Diocletian. As a servant of the Church, Saint Euplus was charged with bringing the Gospel to the poor and administering charity. But, his mission would soon demand far more than service: it would demand his life. When he was caught carrying the Book of the Gospels, he was arrested and interrogated. Even under torture, Euplus refused to deny Christ. Even when the Gospels where taken away, he never surrendered the sacred texts that he knew by heart. His steadfastness was not in clever defense or political resistance, but in simple, unwavering love for the Word of God. He was martyred around the year 304, dying with the Gospel still in his hands. His story is not grand in worldly terms. However, its simplicity reveals a deeper heroism: the choice to remain faithful, even when it costs everything.
How do I respond when my faith is challenged—do I hide it, dilute it, or, like Saint Euplus of Cantania, stand quietly and courageously for what I believe?
Prayers
Saint Euplus of Cantania,
You held fast to the Word of God, even when threatened with pain and death.
Your love for the Gospel outshone fear, and your quiet courage inspires us still.
Intercede for us, that we may be bold in our faith, steadfast in truth, and ready to carry Christ’s message to those around us, no matter the cost.
Teach us to treasure God’s Word more than comfort and to serve with humble joy, especially in times of testing.
Saint Euplus of Cantania, pray for us! Amen.
Saint Links
AnaStpaul – Saint of the Day – 12 August – Saint Euplus of Catania (Died 304) Deacon Martyr
Catholic Online – St. Euplius
CatholicSaints.Info – Book of Saints – Euplius – by Monks of Ramsgate
CatholicSaints.Info – Victories of the Martyrs – Saint Euplius, Deacon by Saint Alphonsus de Liguori
John Dillon – A Saint for the Day (August 12): St. Euplus
Roman Catholic Saints – Saint Euplius
Saint for a Minute – Saint Euplus of Catania
uCatholic – Saint Euplius
Video Link
Holy Martyr and Archdeacon Euplus of Catania – August 11th – YouTube (OrthodoxSaintDay)