Maximus the Persian

Holy Martyr Maximus the Persian suffered in the third century, in the persecution of the emperor Decius (249-251), together with another Persian, Olympius. The Azbyka page commemorates him among the martyrs around Bishop Polychronius of Babylon, the presbyters Parmenius, Elymas and Chrysotelus, the deacons Luke and Mucus and the Persian princes Abdon and Sennis.

Decius, after defeating the Persians and taking their country, began to persecute the Christians there. The bishop Polychronius, the presbyters and the deacons were tormented and killed, then the princes Abdon and Sennis, while Maximus and Olympius were brought the same day before Decius as Christians. For their bold confession of faith in Christ, after cruel tortures, they were beheaded with the sword. For five days their bodies lay unburied, and on the sixth day the Christians buried them secretly by night, with honour.

Abdon and Sennis suffered in 251, and their relics are kept in Rome, in the church of Saint Mark. All are commemorated on 12 August, in the new style.