Celestine

Holy Martyr Celestine received martyrdom in the early Christian centuries, killed with iron made red-⁠hot in the fire. He is commemorated on 25 May.

The Synaxarion says that Celestine walked the road of martyrdom with patience and had a burning desire for the strengthening of the true faith. For this he boldly proclaimed the Gospel of salvation and won souls. His unceasing struggles against falsehood, heresies and idols kindled the anger of the pagan priests. He confessed his faith with youthful vigour and bore the torments giving thanks to God. The torturers, angered that they could not tear Christ from his soul, killed him with red-⁠hot iron. The verses say that Celestine was pierced in the heels with irons and crushed the serpent that lies in wait for the heel.