Holy Martyr Alexander

Life

A Slav. An eighteen-year-old soldier in the army of Emperor Maximilian. He refused, by the emperor's command, to pay homage to the Roman idols, for which he was handed over to Captain Tiberian either to persuade him to renounce Christ, or else to torture and execute him. Since all persuasions were in vain, Tiberian took him along and led him through Macedonia to Constantinople, where he himself had to go on duty. In every town the young Alexander was cruelly tortured; but in every town Christians came forth before him, asking his blessing and encouraging him in his struggle. His mother Pimenia followed after him. During this journey an angel of God appeared to Alexander many times, soothing his torments and encouraging him. At one place called Karasura, the martyr wrought a miracle by prayer; namely, when thirst tormented both him and the soldiers who escorted him, he brought forth a spring of cold water in a dry place. On the bank of the River Ergina, Tiberian ordered the executioner to behead Alexander and cast his body into the water. When the executioner raised his sword over the martyr's head, he saw radiant angels of God round about and became afraid, and his hand went limp. Alexander asked him why his hand had gone limp, and he said that he saw certain radiant youths around him. Desirous of death and union with the Lord, Alexander prayed to God that the angels withdraw, so that the executioner would not be afraid. And so the executioner completed his task in the year 298. Pimenia retrieved the body of her son and honorably buried him. There were many healings at the martyr's grave. After death the martyr appeared to his mother and foretold her own soon departure to the other world.