The Martyrs Pasikrates and Valentine Dorostolsky

At the beginning of the IV century in the Danube city of Dorostol (now Bulgarian Silistra) executed two Roman legionaries — 22-year-old Pasikrates and 30-year-old Valentine. The reason for the verdict was an open refusal to worship the idol of Apollo.

Both martyrs served in the local garrison under the ruler Aussolan. In the midst of the anti-Christian campaign, which is associated with the reign of Emperor Diocletian, the soldiers did not hide their beliefs. They were then seized and asked to take part in the ritual. In response, Pasikrates spat at the statue, throwing the phrase: «This is the honor befitting this God!» The soldier was immediately chained and sent to his cell. Valentine soon joined him.

A dramatic meeting took place at the second hearing. Pasikrates was visited by his brother Papian, a Christian who had previously yielded to pressure and made a sacrifice. A man crying begged a relative to at least pretend to throw incense on the altar for the sake of saving life. Pasikrates rejected these arguments, saying that the apostate was unworthy to be considered a member of their family.

To prove the firmness of intentions, the young man committed an act that amazed those present. He approached the burning altar and calmly laid his own hand on the coals. Turning to the hegemon, Pasikrates remarked: The body is mortal and burns in fire, but the soul is immortal and does not fear visible torments. Valentine, questioned immediately after that, repeated word for word the position of the comrade, emphasizing his readiness to go to the end.

The court ordered the execution by beheading. As the convicts were led outside the city walls, Pasikrates’ mother was in the crowd. The woman did not cry, but loudly cheered the youngest son, fearing that age and inexperience could shake his resolve. The sentence was carried out.

The bodies of the executed relatives were able to collect without obstacles. Pasikrates’ mother personally prepared the remains for burial, giving them to the earth with reverence. Later, the church established the Day of Remembrance of the Martyrs of Dorostolsk on May 7 (April 24 according to the Julian calendar). Historical data vary somewhat: a number of sources attribute their death to 228, but the dominant version connects this episode with the persecution of the late III — early IV century.