The Holy Martyrs Lucy the Virgin, Rexus, Anthony, Lucian, Isidor, Dion, Diodorus, Cutonias, Aron, Capicus and Satyrus
Commemorated on July 6
The Holy Martyrs
Lucy the Virgin, Rexus, Anthony, Lucian, Isidor, Dion, Diodorus, Cutonias,
Aron, Capicus and Satyrus:
Saint Lucy, a native
of the Italian district of Campania, from the time of her youth dedicated
herself to God and lived austerely and chastely. And while still quite young,
she was taken captive by Rexus, leader of one of the Germanic tribes, and
carried off into a foreign land. Rexus at first tried to compel Saint Lucy to
make the pagan rituals but, seeing her firmness of faith and readiness to
accept torture for the Name of Christ, he was inspired with profound respect
for her and even permitted her and her servants the use of a separate house,
where they lived in solitude, spending the time in unceasing prayer. Setting
off on military campaigns, Rexus reverently asked the prayer of Saint Lucy and
he returned with victories.
After 20 years Saint
Lucy, having learned that the emperor Diocletian had started up a persecution
against christians, entreated Rexus to send her back to Italy. She wanted to
glorify the Lord together with her fellow countrymen. Rexus, under the influence
of Saint Lucy, by this time had already accepted Christianity and even yearned
with a desire for the deed of martyrdom. Leaving behind his retinue and family,
he set of to Rome together with Saint Lucy. By the sentence of the Roman
prefect Aelius, they were beheaded with a sword. After them were beheaded the
holy martyrs Anthony, Lucian, Isidor, Dion, Diodorus, Cutonias, Aron, Capicus
and Satyrus (+ 301).
© 1996-2001 by translator Fr. S. Janos.