On this day, July 1 according to the Julian Calendar (July 14 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates the Holy Martyr Potitus the Youth, who suffered for Christ in the II century.
The Holy Martyr Potitus was born into a pagan family. At the age of thirteen he encountered the teaching of the Christians, believed in the true God, and was baptized. When his father learned of this, he was greatly grieved. He first tried to dissuade his son with kind words and persuasion, then with threats. Finding neither approach effective, the father finally denounced the boy to the pagan authorities.
Potitus was brought before the ruler and subjected to various tortures, enduring them all with courage and faith. The Lord strengthened him and worked miracles through him — the Georgian text records that Potitus healed the daughter of the emperor Antoninus of demonic possession, but when the emperor demanded he sacrifice to idols, Potitus refused and was subjected to yet more cruel torments.
Throughout his sufferings, the young martyr never wavered. He was finally beheaded for his faith in Christ. The Church honors him as a model of youthful courage and steadfast faith, showing that even a child can be a witness for Christ.
May the intercessions of the Holy Martyr Potitus the Youth be with us all.