Today, Sunday (June 1, 2025), according to the church calendar, we celebrate the memory of Saints Euelpistus and Hierax martyrs, Saint Pyrrhus the virgin, Saint Thespesius martyr, and Saint Justin martyr. The names celebrated today include: Euelpistus, Euelpistis, Hierax, Gerakas, Geraquas, Gerakis, Gerakina, Pyrrus, Pyros, Pyrrha, Pyra, Thespesius, Thespesis, Thespesia, and Justin.
Saint Justin was born in Flavia Neapolis, Palestine, in 100 AD. His parents, pagan Greeks (his father was named Priscus Bacchius), ensured that Justin received an exceptional theological and philosophical education. However, this did not provide answers to the questions troubling his restless soul. God, seeing the purity and sincerity of his search, responded marvelously. One day, as Justin walked near the sea, he met an elderly man well-versed in the truths of the Holy Scriptures who taught him Christian doctrine after their dialogue. During the reign of Emperor Antoninus Pius, Justin moved to Rome where he submitted an apology to the emperor outlining the basic teachings of Christianity, refuting all accusations against Christians and proving the folly of idols using arguments from the Holy Bible. For this reason, he became known as the Apologist. Justin’s Christ-like actions continued as he preached the word of God and wrote works of apologetic and pastoral character, which angered the pagans. Consequently, the great philosopher and devout Christian was arrested, endured various tortures, and was beheaded in 165 AD. He is honored not only as an apologist for Orthodox faith but also as a glorious martyr. Additionally, June 1st is World Milk Day and World Parents’ Day.