Thyrsus of Smyrna

24 September

Thyrsus of Smyrna, deacon and martyr, with presbyter Andochius and merchant Felix, tortured and killed in Gaul, 2nd c.

Bishop Polycarp of Smyrna sent Andochius and Thyrsus to what is now Burgundy in central France. They settled in Augustodunun (Autun), where they converted their host, a rich merchant named Felix. For teaching the gospel, all three were scourged, suspended all day by their hands (tied behind their backs), and thrown into the fire, but the fire did not consume them. Finally their necks were broken with heavy bars, killing them. They were venerated throughout Gaul.