St. Eleftherios icon (1)

Orthodox icon of Saint Eleftherius, Eleutherius, Eleftherios, Αγιος Ελευθέριος (1) Commemorated December 15 Protector Saint of: Childbirth Hieromartyr Eleutherius was the son of an illustrious Roman citizen, was raised in Christian piety by his mother, Saint Anthea. His virtue was such that at the age twenty, he had been elevated to bishop of Illyria. In the reign of the emperor Hadrian, St Eleutherius was tortured for his bold preaching about Christ, then was beheaded at Rome with his mother Evanthia. The Eparch Caribus, who had tortured St Eleutherius, also came to believe in Christ and was executed.