Achatius (2)
Achatius ST. (surnamed Agathangelos), bishop of Melitene, in Armenia, exhorted the people of his diocese to keep steadfast to their faith during the persecution under Decius. Being brought before the consul Martian (March 29, 250 or 251), he expounded to him with as much wisdom as power the vanity of idolatry, and the purity of the Christian religion. Martian sent the acts to the emperor for further decision. Decius admired the orations of the confessor and set him free. In the Eastern Church, his anniversary is commemorated on March 31. (B. P.)
