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.