Neophytos of Nicaea explained

Neophytos was born in Nicaea of Bithynia to Christian parents who were named Theodore and Florentia.^[1] During the Diocletianic Persecution he went to Nicaea and boldly denounced the pagan faith.^[2] He was killed by Roman soldiers in A.D. 303, 10 years before the Edict of Milan permanently established religious toleration for Christianity within the Roman Empire.^[3] His feast day is commemorated on January 21.^[4]

In 2014 the underwater Byzantine Basilica of Saint Neophytos suspected to have been dedicated in his honour was discovered in Lake İznik, modern-day Turkey. The basilica had been built in the place where he was killed on the shore of the lake and subsequently became submerged after an earthquake.^[5]

Notes and References

1. http://www.johnsanidopoulos.com/2016/01/saint-neophytos-martyr-of-nicaea.html MYSTAGOGY: Saint Neophytos the Martyr of Nicaea
2. http://oca.org/saints/lives/2016/01/21/100250-martyr-neophytus-of-nicea Martyr Neophytus of Nicea - Orthodox Church in America
3. http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/basilica-in-lake-iznik-to-become-underwater-museum-.aspx?pageID=238&nID=80640&NewsCatID=375 Basilica in Lake Iznik to become underwater museum Hürriyet Daily News 2015-04-07
4. http://oca.org/saints/lives/2016/01/21/100250-martyr-neophytus-of-nicea Martyr Neophytus of Nicea - Orthodox Church in America
5. http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/basilica-in-lake-iznik-to-become-underwater-museum-.aspx?pageID=238&nID=80640&NewsCatID=375 Basilica in Lake Iznik to become underwater museum Hürriyet Daily News 2015-04-07