St. Cyril of Caesarea became a Christian early in life. Since his father was pagan, he was disowned by his father and put out of the house. He was then brought to the governor, who offered him pardon if he would renounce his Christian faith and sacrifice to the pagan gods. Cyril naturally refused to renounce his faith and stood steadfast in his belief in Christ. St. Cyril was beheaded and died a martyr for Christ (died ca. 251 A.D.).
St. Maximinus of Trier had a good education under the administration of bishop Agritius. Upon the death of Agritius, Maximinus succeeded to the episcopate in 333 A.D. He staunchly opposed the Arian heresy - supporting St. Athanasius, the leading figure against Arianism. St. Maximinus also gave refuge to Paul of Constantinople and others who were victims of the Arians. He convened the Synod of Cologne which also opposed the Arian heresy. Both St. Jerome and St. Athanasius regarded St. Maximinus of Trier as one of the most courageous bishops of his time (died ca. 347 A.D.).
Sts. Sisinnius, Martyrius and Alexander were three brothers coming from Cappadocia, who all migrated to Milan, Italy. Sisinnius was ordained a deacon, while Martirius was conferred the lectorate, both by Bishop Vigilius. The three brothers were sent to the Tyrol as missionaries. Because of the success of the three in their work of converting the pagans, they were attacked. Sisinnius was beaten to death, Martyrius was dragged to his death, and Alexander was burned to death. All three died as martyrs for Christ within the span of just several days (died ca. 397 A.D.).
St. Theodosia of Constantinople was a nun at the monastery of St. Anastasia. She led a group of nuns in resisting a band of soldiers who were ordered to enforce the iconoclastic orders of Emperor Leo III. The soldiers came to destroy the image of Christ over the monastery's main entrance. Because of their resistance, Theodosia was imprisoned and tortured to death - together with twelve other women (died ca. 745 A.D.).
Sts. William Arnaud, Stephen of Narbonne, and Raymond were martyrs along with others. They came to be known as the Martyrs of Toulouse. These three were commissioned by the Pope to combat Albigensianism. William and his companions were given shelter for a night by Count Raymond VII of Toulouse. Some men, probably allied with the Albigensians, entered the castle and killed William, Stephen, Raymond and their companions. Miracles were reported to have happened at their graves (died ca. 1242 A.D.).
Blessed Richard Thirkeld was educated in Oxford before he entered the priesthood at a very late age. As a priest, he performed his duties around the York area in England. When the authorities learned that he was a priest and that he was seen to be visiting a prisoner at night-time, he was arrested and was condemned to die. His execution was kept private as he was greatly venerated by the people (died ca. 1583 A.D.).
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