SAINTS GALATIO AND EPISTEME, MARTYRS - 5 NOVEMBER

 

ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN NOVEMBER

Saints celebrated on the 5th of November

SAINTS GALATIO AND EPISTEME, MARTYRS 

Saint Galatio (Galation, Galaction) was born in Syria (Phoenicia) of noble Christian parents; he was educated in all sciences. In his 24th year he married a noble pagan virgin named Episteme (Epistemis), who, however, allowed herself to be baptised immediately after their wedding. 

After living together in marriage for a little while at Emesa, St Episteme had a vision in which it was shown to her that chastity is particularly pleasing to God. Thereupon both spouses divided their goods among the poor and left the area, accompanied by a servant named Eutolmius. Galatio became a monk on a mountain near Sinai, while Episteme became a nun in a monastery not far away.  

About two years later (according to the Bollandists under Emperor Decius), a persecution of Christians broke out, in which Galatio was arrested along with another monk (for the others had fled) and placed before the judge. When Episteme learned of this, she voluntarily presented herself before the same judge. Both were now cruelly scourged because of their steadfastness in faith, robbed of hands, feet and tongue and finally beheaded in the year 240. Their servant Eutolmius brought the bodies to a safe place, where they were buried and venerated. (Maj. I. 2nd, Sur.)

(Information from Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints, Volume 2, Augsburg, 1861)

Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints - Sources and Abbreviations

PRAYER:

Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that the venerable feast of Saints Galatio and Episteme may increase our devotion and promote our salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.