Saint Peter Balsamus

Saint Peter Balsamus, also known as Peter Abselamus and Peter of Atroa, was a third-century Christian martyr renowned for his physical strength, charity, and piety. Born in Anea, near Eleutheropolis, he faced persecution during the Diocletianic Persecution. Accounts vary regarding his death; one account states that he was tortured and killed at Aulana, near Hebron, and later crucified. Another account claims he was burned alive in Caesarea. Despite these uncertainties, tradition holds that he was martyred around 311 AD. The Greek liturgy commemorates him on October 14, while his feast day in the Roman Martyrology is January 3. He is also honored with a feast on January 13 for another martyr named Peter Absalon, who may be a different individual according to Louis-Sébastien Le Nain de Tillemont's research.