He was the bishop in Magnesia, and perhaps one of the oldest martyrs for Christ: he died at the hands of his tormentors at 113. His last words were, “Thank you, my brethren, for scraping off the old body and renewing my soul for new and eternal life”. He suffered in 202, during the persecution of Christians under the Roman Emperor Septimus Severus.
Harlampios did not hide his faith but openly confessed it. He endured his tortures manfully, and with his courage brought many people to the faith. Among them was the Emperor's daughter, Gallina who denounced paganism and converted to Christ. The martyr harboured no enmity or hatred, even against his executioners. Before he was beheaded, he raised his hands and prayed for the health and salvation of all people, and the abundance of the earth’s fruit for all.
The words of his famous prayer have survived to our day. “Lord, Thou knowest that men are flesh and blood; forgive them their sins and pour out Thy blessing on all.” The Roman Emperor’s daughter Gallina took his body and buried it.
