Holy Martyr Alexander

Life

Alexander was from the city of Side in Pamphylia. The governor of Emperor Aurelian asked him who and what he was — to which Alexander answered that he was a shepherd of the flock of Christ. And where is this flock of Christ? — the malicious and dark governor asked further. Alexander answered: "Throughout the whole world live men whom Christ God created, of whom those who believe in Him are His sheep, while all who have fallen away from their Creator, who serve created things and the works of human hands — dead idols — as you do, are estranged from His flock, and at the Dread Judgment of God will be placed on the left, with the goats." The wicked judge ordered him first to be beaten with ox-hide whips, then cast into a fiery furnace. But the fire did him no harm. Afterward the flesh was scraped from his body. Finally the governor ordered his head to be cut off. But the moment the judge pronounced the sentence, an evil spirit seized him and he went mad. Howling, he was led to his god — an idol — but on the way he gave up his wicked soul. The holy Alexander suffered between the years 270 and 275.