From the Prologue of Ochrid
They were from the city of Emesa in Phoenicia, both of pagan parents. Galaction's mother was barren until she was baptized. After this she brought her husband also to the true Faith, and baptized and raised her son Galaction in the Christian Faith. When Galaction came of age for marriage, his good mother Leucippe reposed, and his father betrothed him to a certain maiden Episteme. Galaction would by no means enter into marriage, so he first counseled Episteme to be baptized, and after that to become a monastic together with him. Both withdrew to Mount Publion, Galaction to a men's monastery and Episteme to a women's monastery. And each of the two showed themselves to be a true luminary in their monastery. First in labor, first in prayer, first in humility and obedience, first in love. They did not leave the monastery, nor did they see each other again except before their death. A fierce persecution arose, and the two of them were brought to trial. And when they were mercilessly flogging Galaction, Episteme wept. Then they flogged her also. After this they cut off their hands, then their feet, and finally their heads. Eutolmius took their bodies and buried them honorably. This Eutolmius had been first a slave of Episteme's parents, and later a monk together with Galaction. He also wrote the life of these wondrous martyrs of Christ, who suffered and received crowns in heaven in the year 253.
