Saint Parthenius was a 3rd-century Christian martyr born in Armenia who later lived in Rome. Serving as a eunuch in the imperial palace of Emperor Decius, he and his brother Calocerus faced accusations of embezzlement. However, they chose to defend their Christian faith during their trial, which led to their death sentence. Following his execution in Rome, he was interred within the catacombs of Saint Callixtus.
Martyrdom and death
During his trial, Parthenius prioritized his religious convictions over the financial charges brought against him. After being cast into a bonfire, he reportedly survived the flames. The guards eventually killed him by beating him with burning brands. He died in Rome around 250, after which he was laid to rest in the local catacombs.
Veneration and relics
The saint is honored in both the Orthodox and Catholic traditions, serving as the patron of Galicia. His remains were transferred to Vienna during the 18th century before being moved to Zhovkva in 1784. Today, his relics are kept at the Basilian Ukrainian Greek-Catholic monastery of the Holy Jesus Heart.