Gelasius

Saint Gelasius, the holy martyr of Christ, lived during a time of fierce persecution. He gave away all his property and possessions to the poor, put on a long white garment and went to visit those who were facing martyrdom. Since these Christians had been tortured in various ways, Gelasius kissed their wounds and encouraged them to remain steadfast in their confession of Christ. When the pagans saw him doing this, they seized him and brought him before their ruler. Questioned, he proclaimed Christ the true God and denounced the idols as deaf and inanimate objects.

The governor mocked him and had him flogged. Finally he ordered that the saint's head be cut off, and so Gelasius received the unfading crown of martyrdom from the Lord. He should not be confused with the third-⁠century Saint Gelasius, one of the ten martyrs of Crete (23 December), with Saint Gelasius of Palestine (31 December), or with Saint Gerasimus the actor of Heliopolis (27 February). Gelasius is commemorated on 6 June (new style; 19 June on the old calendar).