There lived a martyr in the time of Emperor Maximian Garelius. He ruled from 305 to 311, first together and then after Emperor Diolectian, the great persecutor of Christians. Isichius was a major military commander close to the emperor, but confessed Christ. Once the emperor issued a decree forbidding the military service of Christians, and if they had already served, they would face great humiliation. The decree required that everyone, even commanders, remove their military clothing and wear a simple tunic. They were to serve the Gentiles. Heshichius had to go through this humiliation. After he was stripped of all the awards, he was ordered to remove a tunic made of thin wool, richly decorated and very expensive, dressed in braces and sent to work with female servants.
A few days later, the emperor summoned Heshichi and asked him how he had been dishonored. He replied, I have been honored in your service, but this honor is temporary. Now it is the opposite, my disgrace is temporary, and the honor of being a follower of Christ is eternal.
The emperor was furious. He ordered Heshichi to be drowned by tying millstones around his neck.
Whether Heshichi’s behavior or something else influenced him, at the end of his life Garelius revised his views on Christianity and issued a new edict on religious tolerance.
Memorial Day
23rd May
The Holy Land Charitable Foundation
Lives of Saints
