Gordius of Caesarea

Holy Martyr Gordius was a Roman officer, born in Caesarea of Cappadocia, and received a martyr's death around 320, in the time of the emperor Licinius. He is commemorated on 3 January (16 January by the new calendar), in the forefeast of Theophany, together with the Holy Prophet Malachi. He is also honoured by the Roman Catholic Church.

He was born into a Christian family. Having grown to manhood, he entered the army, where he showed bravery and skill, and was made a centurion. When the persecution of Christians began, at the beginning of the fourth century, Gordius laid down the soldier's belt, wealth, kin, friends, slaves and all the comforts of life and withdrew to the desert, to prepare himself for the confession of the name of Christ the Saviour. According to the Serbian source, he withdrew to the desert of Sinai, on Mount Horeb, where he spent his time in prayer and in thought on the mysteries of heaven and earth, and especially on the vanity of the things for which men toil on earth. In the end he wished to die and pass into the incorruptible life.

With this wish he came down to the city at the time of certain races and games and presented himself to the prefect as a Christian. The prefect tried in vain to turn him from the faith, with flatteries and threats. Gordius remained unshaken like a diamond and said that it was plainly folly to buy, with this short life, eternal torment and the perdition of the soul. One source says that he spoke in defence of the Christians.

He was condemned to death and went joyfully to the place of execution, speaking to the executioners on the way of the wonderful and sweet teaching of Christ. After great torments, he was beheaded with the sword, in the circus, with the name of Jesus on his lips, in the year 320. The sources do not agree on the city: one says Caesarea of Cappadocia, another Caesarea Maritima.

In the month of January his service, together with that of the forefeast of Theophany and of the prophet, is composed of three parts, with the stichera and troparia of the canon alternating. The canon of Saint Gordius is the work of Theophanes.