Holy Martyrs Maximus, Theodota, and Asclepiodota — September 15 / September 28 (Julian Calendar)

On this day, September 15 according to the Julian Calendar (September 28 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates the Holy Martyrs Maximus, Theodota, and Asclepiodota.

The Holy Martyrs Maximus, Theodota, and Asclepiodota suffered in the early fourth century, in the reign of the Emperor Maximian Galerius (305–311). Maximus and Asclepiodota, noble residents 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 Christians, summoned Maximus and Asclepiodota before him and demanded that they renounce Christ; but seeing their steadfastness, he ordered the confessors to be mercilessly tortured.

A pious citizen named Theodotus exposed the governor’s cruelty. For this he too was seized, hung on a tree, and tortured with iron hooks. Afterward 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 governor subjected them to even harsher torments. A voice from heaven comforted the Lord’s chosen ones, calling them to steadfastness and patience. After several more days of torture the martyrs were thrown to wild beasts in the arena, but the bear set loose upon Maximus and Theodotus began to caress them instead of tearing them apart. St. Asclepiodota was tied to a bull, but the animal would not move from its place. In a rage, Tyrus ordered them all beheaded. Some time later, divine wrath fell upon the ruler whose hands were stained with the martyrs’ holy blood: as he sat in judgment, he was struck dead by lightning.

The memory of the Holy Martyrs Maximus, Theodotus, and Asclepiodota is also kept on February 19.