Episode 1716: St. Zeno of Nicomedia

St. Zeno of Nicomedia, also known as Zeno the Martyr, was an early Catholic saint and martyr. There may be confusion with another saint named St. Zeno of Verona which we have an episode

St. Zeno of Nicomedia is traditionally commemorated on December 22nd in the Catholic calendar. He is believed to have lived during the persecution of Christians under the Roman Emperor Diocletian ( Dio-Cletian) in the early 4th century.

St. Zeno was a Catholic who openly professed his faith despite the imperial decrees against Christians. He was reportedly a military officer or a high-ranking official in Nicomedia, an ancient city in what is now Turkey. Due to his refusal to renounce his Christian faith and offer sacrifices to the Roman gods, he faced persecution and imprisonment.

The most famous episode in the life of St. Zeno involves his refusal to participate in the pagan rituals during a public festival. As a result, he was arrested, tortured, and eventually executed for his faith, possibly by beheading.

St. Zeno is venerated as a martyr for his steadfast commitment to Christianity in the face of persecution. we commemorate his life and sacrifice.