The Lives of the Saints of the Orthodox Church: Volume 5, May

Martyr Christopher of Lycia, and with him Martyrs Callinica and Aquilina, and 200 soldiers (249):

Christopher was a Roman soldier stationed in Lycia during the persecution under Emperor Decius. Known for his great size and strength, Christopher initially served the Roman army, but he was moved by the faith in Christ and openly confessed his conversion. Despite threats and torture, he refused to renounce Christianity.

Callinica and Aquilina, two devout Christian women, joined Christopher in steadfastly proclaiming the faith, encouraging others even under duress. Their example inspired many soldiers under Roman command to convert. Ultimately, about 200 soldiers who had converted alongside Christopher, Callinica, and Aquilina were martyred for their faith.

This collective martyrdom highlights the spread of Christianity within the Roman military and the courage of early Christians who faced brutal imperial persecution. The story of Saint Christopher is often associated with protection and strength, and he is especially revered as a patron saint of travelers.

Saint Maximus III of Jerusalem, Patriarch (350):

Maximus was the Patriarch of Jerusalem during a time when the Church was deeply divided by the Arian controversy, which questioned the divinity of Christ. Maximus was a staunch defender of the Nicene Creed, which affirmed Christ as “of one essence” with the Father. His tenure helped solidify the orthodoxy of the Jerusalem Church.

Maximus oversaw the construction and dedication of holy sites in Jerusalem, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. His leadership strengthened the Christian community during an era of theological disputes and political instability. He is commemorated for his pastoral zeal, courage in defending the faith, and efforts to preserve the Church’s unity.

Venerable Shio the Anchorite of Georgia (6th century):

Shio was one of the Thirteen Assyrian Fathers, a group of monks who traveled from the Middle East to Georgia to revive monastic life and evangelize the Georgian people. He settled as a hermit on Mount Mtshketa, embracing a life of prayer, fasting, and solitude.

His asceticism and holiness attracted many disciples and inspired the foundation of several monasteries in Georgia. Shio’s spiritual legacy includes miracles attributed to him, as well as his role in laying the foundations of Georgian monasticism, which became central to the spiritual and cultural life of the nation.

Monk-martyr Nicholas of Vouneni, Thessaly (901):

Nicholas was a monk living in Thessaly, Greece, during a time when Byzantium faced internal strife and external threats. He was noted for his strict asceticism and fervent prayers. During one of the persecutions against Christians—possibly under iconoclast or Islamic pressures—Nicholas was arrested and executed for his faith.

He is remembered as a monk who embraced martyrdom rather than compromise his Orthodox beliefs. His life exemplifies the courage of monastic witness in times of political and religious turmoil.

Saint Beatus, Apostle of Switzerland (2nd century):

Beatus is traditionally credited as the first Christian missionary to the Alpine regions of Switzerland. He is said to have evangelized around Lake Thun and the surrounding areas, preaching the Gospel to pagan tribes.

According to legend, he lived as a hermit in a cave, often battling spiritual and physical adversaries, symbolized by dragons in local lore. His missionary work laid the foundation for the Christianization of Switzerland. The caves associated with him became pilgrimage sites, and he is venerated as a patron saint of the region.