In the Roman province of Asia Minor, in the city of Ane, he served as bishop of Alvian — a good Christian. Alvian took care of his flock and instructed his disciples in Holy Scripture.
Life in Anya was quiet and peaceful, but it was at this time that the last “great persecution” against Christians took place. The empire was ruled by 2 emperors and 2 Caesars. This system of government was called tetrarchy. The Tetrarchs rarely agreed on anything, except that they hated Christianity. They issued a special decree that deprived Christians of all civil rights and ordered the observance of Roman religious rites.
As a bishop, Alvian was in sight, and the rulers of the city decided that his example would serve as a good reason for Christians to renounce their religion. Alvian was ordered to sacrifice to the goddess Juno. He refused, saying he was serving idols. Then they began to beat him with a hot rod. But Alvian was firm in his faith. His disciples were tortured with him, but no one was.
He didn’t deny Christ. Then Alvian and his followers were thrown into the furnace.
Memorial Day
May 17
The Holy Land Charitable Foundation
Lives of Saints
