On this day, June 3 according to the Julian Calendar (June 16 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates the Hieromartyr Lucian of Belgium, with the Priest Maxianus and the Deacon Julian, who suffered under Emperor Domitian (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 baptized him. After the martyrdom of the Prince of the Apostles, Lucian spread the light of Christ’s teaching throughout Italy. At this time, Paul’s disciple Dionysius the Areopagite came to Rome. The holy Pope Clement asked him to strengthen the Christians in the western lands and bring the light of Christ to the pagans. He sent with him the newly-consecrated Bishop Lucian, the Priest Maxianus, the Deacon Julian, Saturninus, and Marcelinus.
From Italy, the preachers of truth set out toward Gaul. Marcelinus went with his companions to Spain, and Saturninus remained in Gaul. Dionysius, with those accompanying him, traveled through Paris from end to end, while the blessed Lucian crossed into Belgium with Maxianus and Julian.
Lucian’s grace-filled preaching converted many pagans to Christ’s law. The holy father was a strict ascetic, gentle in his dealings with people, his face always radiant with heavenly grace. Before long, almost the entire population of Belgium had become Christian.
At that time the Roman Emperor Domitian (81-96) began a persecution of Christians and issued an order to severely torture and execute all who refused to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods. Three of the emperor’s men were dispatched to Belgium as well. 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, tortures, or death, then offered thanksgiving to God for the martyrdom that awaited him. After praying, Lucian took refuge on a mountain with Maxianus the Priest and Julian the Deacon and continued to instruct the people from there.
The emperor’s soldiers tracked down the saints and brought them to trial. After a brief interrogation, the heads of Maxianus and Julian were struck off.
The judge then questioned Lucian. He was charged with sorcery and disobedience to the emperor. The saint replied 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 steadfast confessor was cruelly tortured. He endured the pain with humility and praised God without ceasing. Finally, the holy martyr was beheaded. A heavenly light descended upon his body and a voice was heard calling the valiant struggler toward the heavenly kingdom. By God’s will, Saint Lucian arose, took up his severed head, crossed a river, and came to the place where he wished to be buried, where he peacefully fell asleep in eternal rest. This great miracle converted more than five hundred pagans to Christ’s faith. Later, a church was built over the saint’s grave, and the incorrupt relics of Maxianus and Julian were brought there as well.
May the intercessions of the Hieromartyr Lucian, with Maxianus and Julian, be with us all.