St. Ischyrion
Martyr of Egypt
Feast Day: December 22
Biography
St. Ischyrion (d. c. 250) is known to us from a single, early, and reliable source. St. Dionysius, bishop of Alexandria, wrote a letter to Bishop Fabius of Antioch describing the Christians of Egypt who suffered during the persecution of the Emperor Decius, which began in 249–250. The historian Eusebius of Caesarea preserved part of this letter in his Church History (Book 6, chapter 42). Dionysius writes that Ischyrion worked as a steward, or household manager, for one of the local officials. His employer ordered him to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods. When Ischyrion refused, his master insulted him and pressed him further, and when he still held firm, the master killed him. That is all the record tells us: we do not know his age, his family, or even the exact place where he died. Later lists sometimes confuse him with another Ischyrion honored on a different date. What the letter does preserve is enough: an ordinary working man who, when his livelihood and his life were at stake, would not deny Christ. The Roman Martyrology commemorates him on December 22.
Patronages
Symbols
Prayer
St. Ischyrion, faithful servant, you would not betray Christ even when your master demanded it. Pray for all who face pressure at work to compromise their faith or conscience, and for Christians in Egypt and wherever believers suffer. Help me to be honest and faithful in my daily work and to put God first in all things. Amen.
Asking for Intercession
Catholics ask saints to pray with us and for us, as we ask friends on earth. St. Ischyrion, who lives in God's presence, intercedes before His throne. Speak from your heart: “St. Ischyrion, please pray for me…” You may also pray the prayer above or include this intention in your Rosary.