Alexander of Adrianople

Saint Alexander of Adrianople, hieromartyr and bishop, was put to death for confessing Christ in the third century at Adrianople, together with the soldier Heraclius and the women Anna, Elizabeth, Theodotia and Glycheria. They are commemorated on 4 November.

That century is known as the time of the spread of Christianity among the pagans. In spite of the persecutions raised against Christians, Bishop Alexander fearlessly brought many pagans to the saving faith and baptized them. The governor of the region where the hierarch lived ordered the soldiers to force him by tortures to deny Christ. The saint patiently bore the terrible torments. Amazed, the soldier Heraclius believed in Christ, for whom Bishop Alexander suffered. After him Anna, Elizabeth, Theodotia and Glycheria confessed themselves Christians.