🔸 October 27 - Saint Nestor of Thessaloniki 🏟️🗡️ 🔸 Today, we commemorate the Holy and Victorious Martyr Saint Nestor of Thessaloniki, the friend and companion of Saint Demetrios the Great-Martyr. Both suffered for Christ in 306 AD during the persecutions of the Roman emperor Galerius Maximian. St Nestor was a young and handsome citizen of Thessaloniki, and was instructed in the True Faith by Saint Demetrios who used his position of influence as a military commander to preach Christianity. When the emperor Maximian arrived in Thessaloniki to celebrate a decisive military victory, he imprisoned his commander Demetrios after learning that he had been using his entrusted position to bring pagans to Christ. As part of the festivities in the city, Maximian arranged for gladiatorial battles to take place in the city’s amphitheater. Citizens watched as the gigantic gladiator Lyaios crushed his opponents - many of whom were Christians whom had been sentenced to death for confessing their faith. When Nestor saw how the emperor Maximian rejoiced in the suffering and killing of Christians at the hands of Lyaios, he decided to voluntarily battle the undefeated gladiator to prove that true strength is with those who believe in Christ. Before the battle, Nestor went to the prison cell where his companion Demetrios was being held, and fell to his feet saying; “Pray for me, O Servant of God, Demetrios, that by your prayers, God may help me to beat Lyaios, and put an end to him who brings reproach upon the Christians.” Saint Demetrios made the sign of the Cross over the young Nestor and sent him off to his David vs Goliath battle. Saint Nestor bravely mounted the battle platform and prayed; “God of Demetrios, help me.” After dodging the charging Lyaios, Nestor managed to fatally stab the barbarian. Watching on, the emperor was enraged to have been shown up by this young Christian, and ordered for Saint Nestor to be beheaded. The emperor also sent soldiers to the cell of Saint Demetrius, ordering them to drive their lances through his chest. And thus, both these valiant and youthful warriors of Christ delivered their souls to the Lord.