Urpasianus

Holy Martyr Urpasianus was a dignitary of Roman Emperor Maximian Gallerius in the early 4th century.

During the Christian persecutions perpetrated under Gallerius martyr Urpasianus renounced his position as a servant of the emperor stating, "Henceforth I am a warrior of the Heavenly King, the Lord Jesus Christ. Take back the insignia that was given to me." [http://www.oca.org/FSLivesAllSaints.asp?SID=4&M=3&D=9] Consequently Urpasianus was tortured and executed by flame.

Holy Martyr Urpasianus is commemorated 9 March in the Eastern Orthodox Church.

References

* [http://www.oca.org/FSLivesAllSaints.asp?SID=4&M=3&D=9 Orthodox Church in America]

See also

*Forty Martyrs of Sebaste also commemorated 9 March
*Martyrs of China, martyred by the state in 19-20th century
*Bartolome Blanco Marquez, martyred under similar circumstances in 20th century Spain