Great martyr · 4th century
Artemius of Antioch
Greatmartyr Artemius at Antioch
New Calendar October 20 Old Calendar November 2
Why they are a saint
Artemius of Antioch was known as imperial prefect in Egypt, martyred under Julian the Apostate. He is in Greek lists asked by police and for hernias. The years given for this life are 4th century. The New Calendar feast is October 20; this memory is kept in the whole Orthodox Church.
Life
Saint Artemius was a prominent military leader under Constantine the Great and his son Constantius, and as viceroy of Egypt did much to spread and strengthen Christianity there. Constantius sent him to bring the relics of the Apostle Andrew from Patras and of the Apostle Luke from Thebes to Constantinople.
Under Julian the Apostate he came to Antioch and publicly denounced the emperor for his impiety. He was cruelly tortured and imprisoned, where Christ appeared to him, and finally he was beheaded. He had foretold Julian's end, which came soon afterwards on the Persian campaign, and his relics were then transferred with honour to Constantinople.
Sources: OCA Lives of the Saints. Retold in our own words.
Traditional patronage
The cited source says he is invoked by those suffering from hernias.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Traditionally asked to pray for police (Greek list), hernias / intestinal disorders. The reason for this custom is not recorded here.
Prayer
O holy Artemius of Antioch, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.
Do not confuse with Righteous child Artemius of Verkola.