Holy Martyrs Maximus, Theodotus and Asclepiodota (+305–311)

The holy Martyrs Maximus, Theodotus and Asclias (Asclepiodota) suffered at the beginning of the fourth century, in the reign of the Emperor Maximian Galerius (305–311). Maximus and Asclias, well-born inhabitants of the city of Marcianopolis, lived piously and by their example converted many pagans to Christianity.

Tyrus, the governor of Thrace, who had come to Marcianopolis to punish the Christians, summoned Maximus and Asclias and demanded that they deny Christ; but when he saw their firmness he ordered the confessors to be beaten mercilessly.

A pious citizen, Theodotus, rebuked the governor for his cruelty. For this he too was seized, hung on a tree and tortured with iron hooks. Then all three martyrs were thrown into prison. Two weeks later Tyrus continued on his way and took the martyrs with him. In the city of Adrianople the lawless man brought still harsher torments down upon them. The Lord’s chosen ones were comforted by a voice sent down from heaven, calling them to firmness and patience. After several days of torture the martyrs were thrown to the beasts in the circus to be torn apart, but the bear let loose on Maximus and Theodotus began to fawn on them. Saint Asclias was tied to a bull, but the beast did not move a step from its place. The furious Tyrus ordered them to be beheaded. Some time later the wrath of God fell upon the ruler whose hands were stained with the holy blood of the martyrs: as he sat on the judgement seat, a thunderbolt struck him down.

The commemoration of Saints Maximus, Theodotus and Asclias (Asclepiodota) is also kept on 19 February.