Porfiry of Ephesus ( Greek Πορφύριος ; d. 361 ) - an early Christian martyr , lyceum . It is revered by the Orthodox (commemorated September 15 according to the Julian calendar ) and Catholic (commemorated November 4 ) churches.
Saint Porfiry lived during the time of Emperor Julian the Apostate [1] . From an early age he was a lyceum in Ephesus . In the theater, he often had to participate in performances in which Christian rituals were mocked.
There are two legends about the circumstances of his baptism and martyrdom. According to one version, Porfiry had a daughter, whom he lost due to sudden death. This loss hit him in the heart. He left acting and in woe began to wander. He found consolation in the Christian faith, was baptized and boldly condemned paganism . Refusing to bow to idols by order of the local ruler, Porfiry was executed.
According to another legend, the actor Porfiry on the birthday of Emperor Julian the Apostate played a role in the theater, according to which he had to mock the sacrament of holy Baptism. But when Porfiry in the course of the play plunged into the water and said: “The servant of God, Porfiry, is baptized in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,” then, under the influence of the grace of God, perceived by him at these words, he came out of the water openly confessing himself a Christian. Julian immediately ordered to torture him and after torture to execute.