The Holy Martyrs Justin, Chariton, Euelpistos, Ierax, Peonus, Valerian, Justus and the Martyress Charita
Commemorated on June 1
The Holy Martyrs
Justin, Chariton, Euelpistos, Ierax, Peonus, Valerian, Justus and the Martyress
Charita suffered at the same time with Saint Justin the Philosopher, in the
year 166. They were brought to Rome and thrown into prison. The saints bravely
confessed their faith in Christ before the court of the city-commander
Rusticus. Rusticus asked Saint Justin, whether in actuality he thought, that
after undergoing tortures he would go to heaven and receive recompense from
God. Saint Justin answered, that not only did he think, but truly he knew and
believed in this.
The city-commander
proposed to all the Christian prisoners that they offer sacrifice to the pagan
gods. But he received their refusal and issued a sentence of death. The saints
were beheaded.
© 1996-2001 by translator Fr. S. Janos.