Maximus of Marcianopolis

Holy Martyr Maximus of Marcianopolis suffered at the beginning of the fourth century, in Thrace, in the time of the emperor Maximian Galerius (305-311), together with the Holy Martyr Asclepiodota (also called Asclida) and the Holy Martyr Theodotus.

Maximus and Asclepiodota were notable inhabitants of Marcianopolis who led a devout Christian life and by their example brought many to faith in Christ and to Holy Baptism. In the time of the persecution, the governor of Thrace, Tyris, travelled through the cities under him and persecuted those who believed in Christ. He summoned Maximus and Asclepiodota and urged them to renounce the faith of Christ, and seeing them unmoved, ordered them beaten cruelly. Then a devout man, Theodotus, began to rebuke the governor for his inhumanity. He too was seized, hung on a tree and tormented with iron hooks. The three were thrown into prison. After two weeks Tyris went on and took the martyrs with him. At Adrianople he subjected them to still greater torments, ordering their bodies burned with red-⁠hot plates. In their torments they were comforted by a voice from heaven, which strengthened them in patience.

After several days of torments, the martyrs were thrown to the beasts in the circus, but the she-⁠bear let loose on Maximus and Theodotus began to fawn on them. Asclepiodota was tied to a bull, which stood rooted to the spot. Tyris, angered, went on, and in the village of Saltis, before Philippopolis, urged them again to renounce Christ and at last ordered their heads cut off. After a time he was punished by the wrath of God: lightning struck him as he sat in judgement.

They are commemorated on 28 September, in the new style.