As a part of his suffering and martyrdom at the hands of the Emperor Decius, Saint Christopher was placed into a bronze brazier over a fire. From within the furnace, the great martyr was granted a vision of one like a son of man, shining like the sun, accompanied by a great host with faces all aflame. He saw this irresistible force assailing and demolishing a massive horde of demons that could not stand before them. The saint interpreted this as a spiritual and cosmic fulfillment of the truth revealed to Gehazi by Elisha when they were surrounded by the Syrian army that “those who are with us are greater than those who are with them” (4 Kingdoms 6:16). Therefore, he knew, and through him we know, that despite our circumstances, the Lord is always ultimately victorious over the works of the evil one.
Hymnography
Come, let us honor the contests of godly Christopher; from his triumphant struggles never-failing grace floweth forth to us from Christ, the Bestower of Life. For he mightily quelled the foes; and as the prize, he was given authority over passions, demons, and all pain.
(First Troparia of the Martyr; Lord, I have cried)
Casting off the deep darkness of ignorance and receiving the knowledge of piety, thou troddest the serpent down, that first author of wickedness. Since, O Martyr, thy mind was aflame with desire for God, though didst quench the ungodly conceit of idolatry. Wherefore, as is fitting, in return for thy conflicts, thou now hast received a crown, and thou grantest unfailing cures, O much-suffering Christopher. Intercede with Christ our God that forgiveness of all their transgressions be granted to them that with longing keep thy holy memory.
(Doxasticon of the Martyr; Sessional hymns of Orthros)