Saint Thyrsus

Who was Saint Thyrsus?

Saint Thyrsus or Thyrsos, is venerated as a Christian martyr. He was killed for his faith in Sozopolis, Phrygia, during the persecution of Decius. Leucius and Callinicus were martyred with him. Tradition states that Thyrsus endured many tortures and was sentenced to be sawn in half. However, the saw did not penetrate as it became so heavy that the executioners could not use it. Saint Leucius, after reproaching the governor, Cumbricius, was hanged, harrowed on his sides, and then beheaded. Callinicus, a pagan priest, was converted after seeing the martyrdom of Thyrsus and was also beheaded.