Baring-Gould’s sources: Commemorated by Greeks, Armenians, and Latins. The ancient Roman Martyrology, called that of S. Jerome, on Jan. 7th, as also the Armenians; another on Feb. 13th; another on Feb. 14th; by the Greeks on Jan. 9th. Usuardus, Ado, and the modern Roman Martyrology on Feb. 13th; some ancient ones on Jan. 10th. There are two editions of the Acts of S. Polyeuctus, one in Latin, the other in Greek, based on the original by Nearchus, who took his body to burial after his death. The following account is a literal translation of the later Acts.
Whilst the Christians, especially those in the East, were suffering persecution under the Emperors Decius [Roman emperor 249–251, who ordered everyone to sacrifice to the gods] and Valerian [Roman emperor 253–260, who persecuted bishops and clergy], there were two men very friendly, Polyeuctus and Nearchus by name. Now Nearchus was a Christian, but Polyeuctus was a heathen. But when Decius and Valerian could not be satiated with the blood of the saints, they issued an edict that those Christians who would sacrifice to the gods, should be favoured by the majesty of the empire, but that those who refused should be cruelly punished. Which things being heard, Nearchus, who desired to be dissolved, and to be with Christ, lamented because his comrade, whom he loved as a second self, would be left in peril of eternal damnation. Going therefore to his friend, Polyeuctus, he announced to him that on the morrow their friendship must come to an end. And when he answered that death alone could terminate this, Nearchus said, "You speak the truth, we are about to be separated by death." And he showed him the imperial edict. Then Polyeuctus narrated to Nearchus how Christ had appeared to him in vision, and had taken off his dirty vestment, together with his military harness, and had thrown over him a gorgeous silk robe, linking it at his shoulder with a golden brooch, and had mounted him on a winged horse. Hearing this, Nearchus was glad, and having expounded the vision, and instructed Polyeuctus more fully in the faith, his friend believed perfectly, and began to thirst for martyrdom.
Now when Polyeuctus declared himself openly to be a Christian, and rebuked idolatry, being tried by the persecutors, he was for a long time tortured. And when he had been a long while scourged with rods, the tormentors were weary, and endeavoured to persuade him with bland speeches and promises, to return to the worship of the gods. But he, remaining immoveable in the confession of the Lord, and deriding them, was more furiously beaten.
Then came his wife and only son, and she filled the place with her cries, and held out to him his son, alleging his marriage ties, with many tears and sighs, and laboured to call the saint from martyrdom, by the thoughts of his son, of his wealth, and of his friends. But he, divinely inspired, could not be separated from Christ by any temptations, but all the more exhorted his wife to desert her idols and believe in Christ.
Now when the governors saw that the constancy of the martyr was not to be shaken, they pronounced capital sentence against him. And when the martyr heard this, he gave thanks, and praising God, was led to the place of execution, confirming the faithful with his holy exhortations, so that not a few of the unbelievers were converted. Then, turning to the Blessed Nearchus, he announced to him that he should follow him according to mutual agreement; and bidding him farewell, died a glorious death.
