February 15, 2017

Synaxarion of the Holy Martyr Maior of Gaza

St. Maior of Gaza (Feast Day - February 15)

Verses

Scourged throughout with exceeding afflictions,
David stated affirming the Martyr Maior.

Saint Maior* lived during the reigns of Diocletian (284-305) and Maximian (286-305), and was a soldier under the Mauritanian regiment. While in the city of Gaza, he was accused to the ruler of being a Christian. Standing before the tribunal, he confessed to being a Christian, and for this he was continuously beaten for seven days with such vehemence, that thirty-six soldiers beat him one after another. Blood ran like a river from his body, so that it made the ground red. Bravely enduring such harsh punishment, the courageous contestant of Christ journeyed from the earthly military power to the heavenly military power, and delivered his soul into the hands of God, receiving from Him the crown of martyrdom.

Notes:

* He is probably the same person as the Holy Martyr Mairos commemorated on January 11th.