Julian of Belgium

Holy Hieromartyr Julian of Belgium was a deacon and received a martyr's death in the time of the Emperor Domitian (81-96), together with Bishop Lucian and the presbyter Maximian. The Church commemorates him on 16 June (new style).

Saint Lucian lived in Rome and, in paganism, was named Lucius. The light of faith in Christ he received from the holy Apostle Peter, and he was baptized. After the apostle's death he preached the Gospel in Italy. At that time Saint Dionysius the Areopagite, a disciple of the Apostle Paul, came to Rome. At the request of Saint Clement, pope of Rome, Dionysius agreed to go to preach the Gospel in the western lands and chose companions and helpers. Clement, consecrating Lucian a bishop, sent him with Dionysius, together with Marcellinus, Saturninus, the presbyter Maximian and the deacon Julian.

From Italy the holy preachers sailed to Gaul. Marcellinus and those with him went to Spain, Saturninus to Gaul, Dionysius and the rest to the region of Paris. From there Lucian with Maximian and Julian departed for Belgium. Lucian's preaching was very successful: through his grace-⁠filled word and the example of his life he brought many pagans to Christianity. He was a strict ascetic, who ate in a day only a piece of bread and a little water, gentle in manner, always joyful and bright of face. Soon almost all of Belgium turned to faith in Christ.

Then Emperor Domitian began the second persecution of Christians, after that of Nero, with a decree commanding that all who would not sacrifice to the gods be tortured and put to death. Three officials were sent to Belgium to carry it out. The Lord revealed to Lucian the struggle that awaited him. He gathered his flock, urged them not to fear threats, torments and death, and thanked God for granting him to join the company of the holy martyrs. After prayer Lucian withdrew with Maximian and Julian to the top of a mountain, where he went on teaching the people who accompanied him.

There the emperor's soldiers caught up with them and brought them to trial. Maximian and Julian were asked to renounce Christ and sacrifice to idols, but both firmly refused and were beheaded. Then the judge questioned Lucian, accusing him of sorcery and of disobedience toward the emperor and senate. The saint answered that he was no sorcerer, but a servant of the true God, the Lord Jesus Christ, and refused to sacrifice to idols made by human hands. He was scourged without mercy, and during this he repeated only: "Never will I cease with heart, faith and lips to praise Christ, the Son of God." The martyr was beheaded. Over his body heavenly light shone and the voice of the Saviour was heard, calling the valiant sufferer into the Kingdom of heaven to receive the crown of martyrdom. By the power of God the saint rose, took his severed head, crossed the river and, reaching the place he had chosen for burial, lay down on the ground and reposed in peace. Seeing this great miracle, nearly five hundred pagans turned to Christ. Later a church was raised over the tomb of Lucian, into which the remains of the holy martyrs Maximian and Julian were also moved.