Holy Martyrs of Dorostolum

Commemorated April 28

Martyrs Dada, Maximus and Quinctilian suffered under the emperor Diocletian (284-305 AD), when there came out a decree to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods on the solemn feast days, and to put Christians to death.

Tarquinius and Gabinius, the representatives of the emperor in the city of Dorostolum, made a sumptuous festivity, to which came not only the inhabitants of the city, but also from the surrounding villages. When the festivity finished, someone reported to the emperor, that three brothers, Dada, Maximus and Quinctilian, did not obey the decree of the emperor and withdrew themselves into the Ozovia forest. Soldiers were sent after them, who caught the holy brothers at prayer and led them forth for trial.

The governors interrogated the brothers, who confessed themselves Christians. But Tarquinius offered to St. Maximus to become a pagan priest of the god Zeus. But that one called Zeus a foul adulterer and again confessed the True God. Tarquinius attempted to reason with Sts. Dada and Quinctilian. They said, that their brother well knew the Holy Scripture and they would follow him in everything. They dispatched the martyrs to prison, but there also they pondered only on the salvation of their souls. At midnight when the saints were asleep, the devil appeared to them, up in arms against them. But when the martyrs woke, they beheld an angel who said, "Fear not, for God your hope brings you to Himself. He is not far from you and will sustain you".

In the morning, Tarquinius said to the brothers that the gods had declared their will to him in a drea; give them death if they would not offer sacrifice. The martyrs answered that the Lord had commanded them to endure torments for His Holy Name.

The tortures and interrogations continued constantly from morning to evening for several days. Finally, they pronounced the death sentence against the martyrs, led them out under guard to their forest and beheaded them with a sword (+ 286 AD).