July 18: Saint Emiliano celebratestranslated

Today, the Church honors the memory of the Holy Martyr Emiliano, who came from Dorystolo in Thrace and lived during the reign of Emperor Julian the Transgressor.  Martyr Aemilianus, served as a slave in the household of a prominent pagan, who, on learning of his Christian status, brutally abused him and threatened him with worse if he did not change his faith.

Not only was the Saint not afraid of the threats, but he courageously went to the pagan temple and with fervent prayer crushed all the idols that were there. This angered the priests, who contrived and succeeded in having him arrested and brought to court.

The firm confession of faith in Jesus Christ on the part of Aemilianus enraged the pagans, who subjected him to various humiliations and horrible tortures, in which his employer himself took the lead with particular severity.

The unshakable faith and bravery that Saint Emiliano displayed, even when he was thrown into the burning fire, where he surrendered his spirit to Christ the Savior, moved the wife of his former master, who buried his remains with splendor and holy reverence, as...