Maximus of Rome

Holy Martyr Maximus of Rome was a Roman commander converted by the Holy Martyr Cecilia and by Saints Valerian and Tiburtius, and died for Christ around 230. Cecilia, of noble birth, wished to keep her virginity; betrothed to the pagan Valerian, she led him to Bishop Urban, and Valerian believed and brought his brother Tiburtius to the faith as well. The brothers tended the sick and buried the martyrs. The governor Almachius put them to torments and condemned them to death.

The conversion of Maximus

Maximus commanded the soldiers who led the brothers to execution. Amazed at their courage, he asked why they did not fear death and learned that they were leaving a passing life for the eternal one. He took them to his house and listened to their teaching all night. Cecilia came then with a priest, and Maximus was baptized with his whole family. The next day the brothers were beheaded; Maximus confessed before all that he had seen their souls rising to heaven and was beaten with whips until he died.

Cecilia

Learning that Cecilia had given her property to the poor and converted four hundred people, the governor ordered her killed. Three days she was held in a heated bath, but God's grace preserved her. The executioner then struck her with the sword but only wounded her; three more days she stayed alive, strengthening those around her, and died praying.

They are commemorated on 5 December, in the new style.