Feast of Saint Epimachus the Martyr on October 31

The Church honors the memory of Saint Epimachus, a martyr, on October 31. Originally from Egypt, Epimachus lived as a hermit in the desert near the city of Pelusium.

During the reign of Emperor Decius, Epimachus traveled to Alexandria after hearing of the persecution of Christians by the governor Apelian. Upon arriving, he destroyed idols in a church and was subsequently imprisoned with other Christians, including a man named Alexander. According to tradition, Epimachus encouraged his fellow prisoners to remain firm in their faith.

During his trial, Epimachus publicly praised Christ and confronted his persecutors. He was subjected to various tortures, including being hung and torn with iron hooks and being beaten with whips. Epimachus and Alexander were eventually burned alive in quicklime. His remains were later moved to Rome.