Martyr Saturninus of Crete

The Holy Martyr Saturninus of Crete was a native of Gortyna, the chief city of Crete, and suffered for Christ in the mid-third century during the persecution of Emperor Decius (249–251). The Roman governor of Crete — who bore the same name, Decius — fiercely persecuted the Cretan Church and sought out all who confessed Christ. Ten Christians from various cities of the island were brought before him: Theodulus, Saturninus, Euporus, Gelasius, Eunician, Zoticus, Pompius, Agathopus, Basilides, and Evaristus. At trial they steadfastly professed their faith in Christ and denounced the worship of idols. For thirty days they were subjected to brutal tortures meant to force them to recant, yet with God's help they endured, glorifying the Lord. Before their deaths they prayed that God would enlighten their persecutors with the light of true faith. All ten were beheaded. Their relics were discovered in 1898. The Church commemorates the Ten Holy Martyrs of Crete, including Saturninus, on December 23 (Old Style) / January 5 (New Style).