Saint Augustine of Nicomedia

Biography

Saint Augustus of Nicomedia, also known as Augustine of Nicomedia, was a revered Catholic saint who lived during the reign of Emperor Diocletian in the 4th century. He was born in Nicomedia, which is now known as modern-day Izmit in Turkey. Augustus was the brother of Saint Flavius of Nicomedia and Saint Augustine of Nicomedia. Little is known about Saint Augustus's early life, but it is believed that he came from a devout Christian family. During this time, Christianity was seen as a threat by the Roman authorities, and Christians faced severe persecution. When Diocletian ascended to the throne, he instigated one of the bloodiest persecutions against Christians in the history of the Roman Empire. Despite the impending danger, Augustus, along with his brothers, remained steadfast in their faith and continued to openly practice Christianity. As a result, they all faced persecution and were eventually martyred for their beliefs. Augustus was known for his unwavering devotion to his faith and his selfless acts of compassion and charity. He often visited and cared for the sick, providing them with comfort and support during their time of need. His reputation of sanctity and his commitment to helping others earned him respect and admiration amongst his fellow Christians. During the reign of Diocletian, believers were forced to renounce their faith and offer sacrifices to pagan gods. Those who refused to comply faced harsh punishment, including imprisonment, torture, and execution. Augustus, like his brothers, chose to stand firm in his Christian beliefs and refused to renounce his faith. As a consequence of his steadfastness, Saint Augustus was arrested and subjected to brutal torture in an attempt to make him abandon Christianity. However, he remained resolute, enduring unimaginable pain with incredible courage and faith. Despite the physical torment, he refused to denounce Christ and continued to profess his belief in God until his last breath. Saint Augustus of Nicomedia, along with his brothers Flavius and Augustine, were eventually martyred during the Diocletian persecutions. Their martyrdom serves as a testament to their unwavering faith and devotion to Christ, even in the face of extreme adversity. Although Saint Augustus's representation and specific patronages are not available, he is commemorated, along with his brothers, on the feast day of May 7th. Their collective martyrdom has been recognized and honored in the Catholic tradition, and they were canonized as saints in the Pre-Congregation era. The story of Saint Augustus of Nicomedia and his brothers stands as a reminder of the enduring strength of faith and the sacrifices made by early Christians in the face of persecution. Their lives and martyrdoms continue to inspire believers to this day, serving as shining examples of the steadfastness and loyalty to God that every Christian should strive for.