Hieromartyr Lucian and with Him Maxian the Presbyter and Julian the Deacon (+81–96)

The Hieromartyr Lucian, who in paganism was called Lucius, lived in Rome. He was converted to the Christian faith by the Apostle Paul, who also baptised him. After the martyr’s end of the chief of the apostles Lucian spread the light of Christ’s teaching in Italy. At that time Dionysius the Areopagite (commemorated 3 October), a disciple of the Apostle Paul, came to Rome. The holy Pope Clement (commemorated 25 November) asked him to strengthen the Christians of the Western lands by his preaching and to bring the light of Christ to the pagans too. With him he sent Saint Lucian, newly consecrated bishop, Maxian the presbyter, Julian the deacon, Saturninus and Marcellinus.

From Italy the preachers of the truth set out for Gaul. Marcellinus went with his companions to Spain, Saturninus stayed in Gaul. Dionysius with those accompanying him travelled through Paris from end to end, and from there the blessed Lucian with Maxian and Julian went on to Belgium.

Lucian’s grace-filled preaching converted many pagans to the law of Christ. The holy father was a strict ascetic. In his dealings with people he was distinguished by gentleness; his face, always full of joy, shone with heavenly grace. Soon almost the whole population of Belgium became Christian.

At that time the Roman Emperor Domitian (81–96) began a persecution of Christians and issued a decree that all who refused to offer pagan sacrifice should be cruelly tortured and put to death.

Three of the king’s courtiers were sent to Belgium too to carry out the decree. God revealed to Saint Lucian beforehand that he was to join the company of Christ’s martyrs. He gathered his flock and urged them not to fear threats, torment or death, and then gave thanks to the Lord for the martyr’s end that awaited him. After the prayer Lucian took refuge on a mountain with Maxian the presbyter and Julian the deacon, and from there went on instructing the people.

The emperor’s soldiers tracked down the saints and brought them before the tribunal. After a brief interrogation Maxian and Julian were beheaded.

Then the judge questioned Lucian. He was accused of sorcery and of disobeying the emperor. The saint answered that he was not a sorcerer but a servant of the true Lord, Jesus Christ, and refused to offer sacrifice to idols made by human hands.

Then the courageous confessor was cruelly tortured. He bore the pain meekly and glorified God unceasingly. At last the holy martyr was beheaded. A heavenly light shone over his body, and a voice was heard calling the valiant ascetic to the Kingdom of Heaven. By God’s will Saint Lucian stood up, took his severed head, crossed the river, went to the place where he wished to be buried, and peacefully fell asleep in the sleep of eternity. This very great miracle converted more than five hundred pagans to the law of Christ. Later a church was raised over the saint’s tomb, and the incorrupt relics of Maxian and Julian were also brought there.