Aphian was a young Christian martyr from Lycia who lived during the late third and early fourth centuries. Educated in rhetoric, law, and philosophy at the school of Berytus, he converted to Christianity while studying. To avoid conflict with his parents, who opposed his new faith, he moved to Cappadocia. He later traveled to Caesarea Maritima, where he became a disciple of Pamphilus. His life ended during the persecutions led by Emperor Galerius around the year 305.
Life and death
While residing in Caesarea Maritima, Aphian publicly challenged the prefect Urbanus during a pagan sacrifice. This act of protest led to his arrest and subsequent torture. Following various brutal punishments, including being burned over a fire, he was eventually executed by being thrown into the sea with stones attached to his feet. According to the witness Eusebius, an earthquake occurred at the time of his death, and his body was washed back onto the shore.
Veneration
He is recognized as a saint by both the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions. His feast day is observed on April 2, a date identified by the Bollandists. In the Eastern Orthodox calendar, he is commemorated alongside Aedisius, who is sometimes identified as his brother.