Holy Martyr Mertius

The holy martyr Mertius was a soldier under Diocletian. During a campaign against the Moors, the commander forced him to offer a sacrifice to the idols. Saint Mertius refused to obey and was subjected to cruel tortures, which he endured with courage. The tormentor, struck by horror and amazement, could not continue the tortures, which lasted until there was not a single whole place on the saint's body; it was covered with scars and wounds. Thrown into prison, the saint languished for eight days from hunger and the cruelty of the jailers. After praying to the Lord, the holy sufferer exclaimed: 'Into Your hands, O Son of God, I commit my spirit' and departed to Christ, for whom he bravely suffered.