1. Biography and martyrdom

Anthimus lived during the second half of the 3rd century AD. For his life and work we know nothing. We would not even know of his existence if it was not for his death as a martyr during the persecution of the Christians of Nicomedeia in 303 AD. Towards the end of the summer of this year a part of Diocletian’s palace was destroyed by fire. The Christian population of the city was accused for arson. The emperors Diocletian and Maximian started a persecution. Many of the Christians were arrested and punished, their bishop Anthimus was decapitated along with the martyrs Glykerius, Zeno, Theophilus and others.¹ His memory is celebrated by the Orthodox Church on the 3rd of September.