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| Saint Gordius, Pray for us ! |
⛪ Other Names : Gordius of Caesarea • Gordius the Centurian
⛪ Memorial : 3 January
⛪ Died : Beheaded in 304
ST. GORDIUS, Martyred at CΓ¦sarea, in Cappadocia, was a centurion in the army, but retired to the deserts when the persecution was first raised by Dioclesian. The desire of shedding his blood for Christ made him quit his solitude, whilst the people of that city were assembled in the Circus to solemnize public games in honour of Mars. His extenuated body, long beard and hair, and ragged clothes, drew on him the eyes of the whole assembly; yet, with this strange garb and mein, the graceful air of majesty that appeared in his countenance commanded veneration. Being examined by the governor, and loudly confessing his faith, he was condemned to be beheaded. Having fortified himself by the sign of the cross, he joyfully received the deadly blow. St. Basil, on this festival, pronounced his panegyric at CΓ¦sarea, in which he says several of his audience had been eye-witnesses of the martyr’s triumph.