Tuesday, October 27

Early Church · d. 306

Martyr Nestor of Thessalonica

Young martyr who defeated the gladiator Lyaeus

Nestor was a young Christian of Thessalonica in the time of the emperor Maximian, and a disciple of the great martyr Demetrius, then held in prison for his faith. The emperor's favorite gladiator, a huge Vandal named Lyaeus, was killing challengers in the arena, casting them onto upturned spears, to the delight of the crowds. Grieved that Christians were among the victims, Nestor visited Demetrius in prison and asked his blessing to fight. Demetrius blessed him and foretold both victory and martyrdom. Invoking 'the God of Demetrius,' the youth overcame the giant and threw him onto the spears. The furious emperor, learning the source of his strength, ordered Nestor beheaded, and Demetrius was speared to death in prison shortly after. The Church commemorates Nestor the day after his teacher, honoring in him the courage of faith over brute strength.

Also Commemorated Today