Holy Martyrs Juventinus and Maximus the Soldiers (+361–363)

The holy Martyrs Juventinus and Maximus the soldiers were bodyguards of the Emperor Julian the Apostate (361–363). Once, while in Antioch, Julian decided to have all the food in the markets sprinkled with the blood of idol-sacrifices, so as to defile the Christians. Saints Juventinus and Maximus openly condemned the king’s act and denounced him for renouncing the Christian faith. By order of the godless ruler both of them were mercilessly beaten and then strangled in prison. The Church also commemorates them on 9 October.