Career

Benjamin was imprisoned a year for his Christian faith, and later released with the condition that he abandon preaching or speaking of his religion. His release was obtained by the Eastern Roman Emperor Theodosius II through an ambassador. However, Saint Benjamin declared that it was his duty to preach Christ and that he could not be silent.

As a consequence, Saint Benjamin was tortured mercilessly until his death in the year 424, specifically, "sharpened reeds stuck under the nails of his fingers and toes."

According to his hagiography, when the king was apprised that Benjamin refused to stop preaching, he "..caused reeds to be run in between the nails and the flesh, both of his hands and feet, and to be thrust into other most tender parts, and drawn out again, and this to be frequently repeated with violence.

Lastly, a knotty stake was thrust into his bowels, to rend and tear them, in which torment he expired.."

He is mentioned also in the Roman Martyrology, but has not been included in the General Roman Calendar.