On this day, June 10 according to the Julian Calendar (June 23 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates the Hieromartyr Timothy, Bishop of Prussa, who suffered martyrdom around 361-363 AD.
The Holy Hieromartyr Timothy served as Bishop of Prussa in Bithynia (in modern Turkey) during the reign of Julian the Apostate (361–363 AD), who attempted to restore paganism after the Christian emperors Constantine and his successors. Julian’s persecution, though brief, was fierce and targeted Christian clergy and leaders in particular.
Bishop Timothy refused to renounce Christ or submit to the emperor’s demands to cease preaching the Gospel. He was seized by the pagan authorities, subjected to cruel torments, and ultimately martyred for his unwavering confession of the Orthodox faith. He gave his life as a faithful shepherd, protecting his flock even at the cost of his own blood.
His martyrdom stands as a testimony to the courage of the Christian episcopate during one of the last great pagan persecutions of the Roman Empire.
May the intercessions of the Hieromartyr Timothy, Bishop of Prussa, be with us all.