Holy Martyrs Julian the Presbyter and Caesarius the Deacon (1st c.) — October 7 / October 20 (Julian Calendar)

On this day, October 7 according to the Julian Calendar (October 20 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates Holy Martyrs Julian the Presbyter and Caesarius the Deacon.

The holy martyrs Julian the Presbyter and Caesarius the Deacon were direct heirs and preachers of the teaching of the holy Apostles; these holy fathers met a martyr’s death for Christ.

Caesarius was seized in the Italian city of Taracina (later Terracina) and taken to the temple of Apollo, but as soon as the saint drew near, the pagan temple collapsed, burying beneath it the people and priests gathered inside. At that time the idolaters also seized the Christian presbyter Julian. By order of the emperor both martyrs were drowned in the sea, but by the will of God their holy bodies rose to the surface of the water. The faithful carried them away and buried them with honor. The incorrupt relics of blessed Caesarius are preserved today in Rome.