Holy Martyr Gordius

Life

Gordius was born in Caesarea in Cappadocia. Gordius was an officer in the Roman army in the time of Emperor Licinius. But when a terrible persecution of Christians began, Gordius abandoned the army and his rank and withdrew into the Sinai desert. Alone on Mount Horeb, Gordius spent his time in prayer and contemplation about the mysteries of heaven and earth. In particular, Gordius pondered the vanity and nothingness of all that over which people struggle and fight so much on earth, and finally Gordius desired to die and pass into imperishable and incorrupt life. With that desire Gordius descended into the city at the time of some pagan races and games. Gordius presented himself to the governor as a Christian. In vain the governor tried to dissuade Gordius from the faith, with flattery and threats. Gordius remained unshaken and firm as a diamond and said: "Is it not obvious madness to purchase with this short-lived life eternal torment and spiritual destruction?" Condemned to death, Gordius hastened joyfully to the place of execution and along the way spoke to the executioners about the wondrous and sweet teaching of Christ. And with the name of Jesus on his lips Gordius gave up his young body to the sword and his righteous soul to God in the year 320.