Martyr1st century

Martyr Justus of Rome

Also known as Justus the Soldier

A Roman soldier who saw a vision of the Life-creating Cross and was martyred by fire at Magnesia.

July 14New Calendar

Feast Day

July 27Old Calendar

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Commemorated as

The Holy Martyr Justus of Rome

Life

Justus was a Roman soldier of the early Christian centuries who, according to the synaxarion tradition, was converted to Christ after the Life-creating Cross of the Lord appeared to him in a vision. Following this experience he professed faith in Christ and distributed his possessions to the poor. He is commemorated by the Orthodox Church on July 14.

The surviving account relates that an official of Magnesia brought Justus to trial as a Christian. After he refused to renounce his faith, he was subjected to various tortures and finally condemned to death. The tradition holds that he was cast into a fire and gave up his soul to God, while the flames did not harm his body.

Little else is recorded of his life beyond this brief martyrdom narrative. He is distinguished in the calendar from the Apostle Justus (also called Joseph Barsabbas), who is commemorated separately on October 30.

Kontakion & Troparion2 hymnsReadHide

KontakionTone 2

(Podoben: “You sought the heights...”) You appeared as a bright star announcing Christ with your radiance,
which is repulsive to this world, O Martyr Justus;
extinguishing the allure of false gods,
you enlighten the faithful,
always interceding for us all.

Text used with permission of the Orthodox Church in America (oca.org).

TroparionTone 3

Your holy martyr Justus, O Lord,
through his sufferings has received an incorruptible crown from You, our God.
For having Your strength, he laid low his adversaries,
and shattered the powerless boldness of demons.
Through his intercessions, save our souls!

Text used with permission of the Orthodox Church in America (oca.org).

Contributions & Legacy

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Conversion and Martyrdom

The defining feature of Justus's life as preserved in the tradition is the vision of the Life-creating Cross, which is said to have moved the Roman soldier to belief in Christ. In response he gave away his property to the poor, an act the account presents as the outward sign of his new faith.

By decree of an official of Magnesia he was tried as a Christian and, after enduring torments, was thrown into a fire. The synaxarion relates that he surrendered his soul to God in the flames, yet his body remained unconsumed.

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A distinct saint of the same name, commemorated October 30; not to be confused with the Roman soldier-martyr.

Apostle Justusof the Seventy

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Browse other saints who share his calling and place.

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Sources: GOARCH calendar; OCA / J. Sanidopoulos cross-check