A layman martyred at Nicomedia in modern Türkiye in the year 304, remembered as the companion of Saint Justina in the persecution under Diocletian.

Saint Cyprian of Nicomedia was a layman who died a martyr at Nicomedia on 26 September 304, during the Diocletianic persecution, together with his companion Saint Justina. This Cyprian is recorded distinctly from the better-known Cyprian of Antioch (the magician-turned-bishop of later legend); the record used here identifies him simply as a lay believer who shared Justina’s fate in the same city and year.

Quick Facts

• Died: 26 September 304, Nicomedia, Türkiye
• Venerated as: Layperson and martyr
• Companion: Saint Justina

Who Was Saint Cyprian of Nicomedia?

Cyprian of Nicomedia is recorded as a layman who died for his faith in the city of Nicomedia, an imperial capital in the Roman province of Bithynia, in the company of Saint Justina. The persecution that claimed them was among the most severe faced by the early Church, launched by the emperor Diocletian and his colleagues beginning in 303.

Historical Setting

Nicomedia served as one of Diocletian’s imperial residences, and it was there, in 303, that the emperor issued the edicts opening the last and most systematic Roman persecution of Christians, ordering the destruction of churches and scriptures and demanding sacrifice to the gods on pain of death. Cyprian and Justina’s martyrdom the following year places them among the many Christians of that city and era who refused compliance.

Why the Church Remembers Saint Cyprian of Nicomedia

The Church remembers Cyprian of Nicomedia and his companion Justina as faithful believers who died together rather than deny Christ, in the very city where the empire’s final and harshest persecution had been launched. Their paired martyrdom, like many from this era, was preserved through the local Christian community’s memory of two believers who stood together.

Canonization and Feast Day

No formal modern canonization process is recorded for Saint Cyprian of Nicomedia; his veneration rests on ancient, immemorial cult from the Diocletianic persecution era, received into the Church’s calendar through long-standing custom.

What Catholics Can Learn Today

Cyprian and Justina’s shared martyrdom is a reminder that faith is often lived and defended in companionship, not isolation, and that standing with another believer in danger has, since the earliest days of the Church, been a source of strength rather than mere shared misfortune.

A Prayer to Saint Cyprian of Nicomedia

Saint Cyprian of Nicomedia, who stood firm with your companion Justina rather than deny Christ, pray for all who face persecution for their faith today, that they may find strength in companionship as you did. Amen.

Sources

• Roman Martyrology
• New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia