Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
Victor, Montanus, Lucius and Flavian (259)
Falsely Accused
This quartet were part of a group of eight African martyrs arrested on false charges of being involved in a revolt against the Roman procurator at Carthage. Some of them were clergy under Cyprian, who had been executed the year before.
The group were interrogated and remained in custody, where they received short rations and suffered from hunger and thirst. The priest, Victor, was brought out to be killed immediately; the rest were in prison for several months before being condemned to death. Lucius went to the place of execution first since he felt weak and thought he would not keep up with the others. Montanus felt stronger, and as he went to his death he preached to the non-Christian bystanders and encouraged his brothers. One of the prisoners, Flavian, had his sentence repealed until he was discovered to be a deacon. He was then also beheaded.
Eternal God, who rulest the world from everlasting to everlasting: Speak to our hearts when men faint for fear, and the love of many grows cold, and there is distress of nations upon earth. Keep us resolute and steadfast in all things that cannot be shaken; and make us to lift our eyes and behold, beyond the things that are seen and temporal, the things that are unseen and eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Parish Prayers (no. 26)