Byzantine Saints: Hieromartyr Cyprian, Virgin Martyr Justina, &Theoctistus, of Nicomedia (2 October)

About this sermon

Discover the inspiring story of Saint Cyprian of Antioch, once a pagan sorcerer who became a bishop and martyr for Christ, alongside the holy Virgin-Martyr Justina and the Martyr Theoctistus of Nicomedia. Raised as a pagan and deeply involved in witchcraft and sorcery, Cyprian was feared for his dark arts and devotion to demons. Yet, through the unwavering faith and purity of Saint Justina, a Christian maiden devoted to Christ, his heart was turned from darkness to light. Her steadfast prayer and fasting overcame all demonic powers and revealed to Cyprian the power of the Cross. Converted and baptized, Cyprian became a priest and then a bishop, bringing countless pagans to the Christian faith. Together with Saint Justina, who entered the monastic life, he endured arrest and brutal torture during the persecutions of Emperor Diocletian. Both were martyred in Nicomedia in 304 AD, along with Theoctistus, a soldier who confessed Christ at their side. ✨ Their relics today are spread across monasteries and churches, including Mount Athos, Nicosia, and the island of Andros. This video recounts their heroic witness, their miracles, and their triumph over the powers of darkness through the sign of the Cross and the name of Christ. 🙏 May the intercessions of Saint Cyprian, Saint Justina, and Martyr Theoctistus strengthen us in faith and protect us from every evil. 00:00 Hieromartyr Cyprian, Justina & Theoctistus 00:26 Cyprian's Pagan Childhood 00:34 Studying Paganism & Sorcery 00:49 Initiated Into the Pagan Priesthood 01:03 Cyprian Becomes a Powerful Sorcerer 01:19 The Holy Virgin Justina 01:26 Justina Dedicates Herself to Christ 01:35 A Marriage Proposal & Cyprian's Sorcery 01:51 Prayer and Fasting Defeat the Devil 02:00 The Power of the Sign of the Cross 02:16 Justina's Faith Defeats the Spells 02:23 Pestilence Comes Upon the City 02:54 Justina Prays for Deliverance 03:02 The Demons Are Defeated 03:10 Cyprian Discovers the Power of Christ 03:19 Cyprian Realizes the Horror of His Past 03:37 God's Mercy Saves Cyprian 03:43 The Devil Admits His Fear of Christ 03:58 “What Will You Do When Christ Himself Stands Before You?” 04:07 Cyprian Uses the Sign of the Cross 04:22 Repentance & Burning His Books 04:31 Cyprian Refuses to Leave the Church 04:38 Baptism & an Extraordinary Conversion 04:45 Reader, Subdeacon, Deacon & Priest 04:53 Cyprian Becomes a Bishop 05:00 Pagans Converted to Christ 05:07 Justina Enters the Monastery 05:14 Cyprian & Justina Are Arrested 05:23 The Martyrdom of St. Justina 05:32 Theoctistus Confesses Christ 05:41 Martyrdom at Nicomedia 05:49 Relics of St. Cyprian & St. Justina 06:19 Their Continuing Legacy https://www.oca.org/saints/lives #SaintCyprian #SaintJustina #ChristianMartyrs #OrthodoxSaints #CatholicSaints #LivesOfTheSaints #October2Saints #EarlyChurch #FaithAndCourage #PowerOfTheCross 🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴 ✝️ SUPPORT THE MISSION 🙏 Donate https://sensusfidelium.com/donate-support/ 📬 Free Catholic Newsletter https://sensusfidelium.com/newsletter/ 📰 Read on Substack https://sensusfidelium.substack.com/ ──────────────────── 📺 WATCH & READ 📺 Sensus Fidelium App https://sensusfidelium.tv/ 📚 Sensus Fidelium Press https://sensusfideliumpress.com/ 👕 Official Merchandise https://sensusfidelium.com/merchandise/ ──────────────────── 🤝 PARTNER WITH US 📣 Advertise on Sensus Fidelium https://sensusfidelium.com/advertise-with-sensus-fidelium/ 🎤 Invite Steve Cunningham to Speak https://sensusfidelium.com/speaking/ ⛪ Parish Formation & Consultation https://sensusfidelium.com/for-parishes/ ──────────────────── 🌎 CATHOLIC COMMUNITY ✝️ Trusted Catholic Businesses https://sensusfidelium.com/catholic-businesses/ 🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴

Topics

• Suffering & Trials