A Roman Centurion, the holy Martyr Gordios became incensed when he saw the way that his fellow countrymen who were Christians were being treated during Diocletian’s persecution. Deserting his post in protest, the Saint fled into the wilderness where he determined to cleanse his nous from the taint of the atrocities he witnessed through fasting, prayer, vigil, and meditation on Holy Scripture. Having undergone true martial training in the desert, the Martyr returned to Cappadocia during a feast to the so-called god Mars, and proclaimed his allegiance to the One True God, our Lord Jesus Christ. Dragged before the Governor, Saint Gordius boldly repeated his confession and expressed His desire to suffer for the faith. Threatened with the vilest torments a depraved mind could conceive, the Soldier of Christ stood fast, lamenting only that he had could give his life but once for the Lord. The Devil then sought to undermine his resolve by inspiring his family and friends to visit him in prison, playing on the bonds of affection. The Martyr resisted the temptation through the remembrance of death and exhorted his loved ones to care only for the eternal and not the temporal. Having persevered to the end, Saint Gordios received the crown of Martyrdom by beheading.