Orthodox Christians celebrate Saint Artemius of Antioch

The Serbian Orthodox Church and its believers are celebrating the feast day of Saint Artemius of Antioch, a 4th-century Christian martyr. Born around 300 AD, Artemius served as an administrator of imperial property under Emperor Constantius.

Historical accounts note that Artemius served in the military of Emperor Constantine the Great and influenced him toward Christianity. Following the reign of Constantius, the Roman Empire was led by Emperor Julian the Apostate, a persecutor of Christians. When ordered to join the Emperor's campaign against the Persians in Antioch, Artemius confronted Julian regarding his inhumane treatment of holy confessors and his rejection of the Christian faith.

Artemius reportedly warned the Emperor that his actions were driven by evil and that the power of Christ was invincible. In response to these words, Julian handed Artemius over to torturers and imprisoned him alongside other believers, Eugenius and Macarius.