During the reign of Emperor Maximian, at the very beginning of the 4th century, the young man Alexander served in the Roman legion. Young, strong, attractive, he differed from other similar young men in that he was a Christian. By order of the emperor, all the legions were
participate in a great festival dedicated to Jupiter, and then make sacrifices to him. Young Alexander refused to participate in the festival and worship idols. When this was reported to the emperor, he sent soldiers to arrest Alexander. At this time, the young man had a vision: an angel appeared to him and warned him of the martyrdom that was ahead of him. When the soldiers arrived, Alexander was waiting for them. At the same time, his face glowed, and some force emanated from his whole figure. The soldiers could not understand what it was and knelt. Alexander informed them that he knew about the order and was willing to follow them voluntarily. Presenting himself before the emperor, the young man repeated once again that he was a Christian and would refuse to worship idols. At first, honors and rewards were promised to him, and then they began to intimidate him, but Alexander’s faith was strong, and he did not give in to either persuasion or threats.
Then the torturers turned to torture. He was tied to a chariot and forced to follow them. He was beaten and mocked. His mother saw his son’s suffering, but as a Christian she only strengthened his faith. Angels appeared to the youth, helping to endure suffering. Soldiers.
Soon they stopped mocking, so they were amazed by Alexander’s fortitude. They decided to bring him to Byzantium, arranging demonstration trials along the way. His mother followed him. It was hard for her to see her son suffer, she cried bitterly. One day, Alexander said that
The next morning his work will be completed. The tribune was tired of the fact that instead of shame, people began to respect Alexander and some accepted Christ. He told him to behead him.
The executioner raised the sword several times, but he did not dare to cut off the head of the martyr, for he saw angels surrounding him. Then Alexander prayed, the angels became invisible and the executioner, asking forgiveness, cut off his head.
Alexander’s body was thrown into the river, but the dogs dragged him out and did not let anyone near him until the martyr’s mother came. She buried her son and immediately miracles began to occur on his grave. Alexander appeared to his inconsolable mother in a dream, comforted her with the promise of a quick meeting in heaven.
Memorial Day
26 May
The Holy Land Charitable Foundation
Lives of Saints
