Gordius of Cappadocia, martyr

Born at the end of the 3rd century in the city of Caesarea in Cappadocia into a Christian family. In adulthood, he entered the military service and, showing courage and martial art, was appointed a centurion. During the persecution of Christians in August by Licinius at the beginning of the 4th century, he left the world and retired into the wilderness in order to prepare himself in good deed for confessing the name of Christ the Savior. In 320, Gordius spoke openly to the prefect of the city in defense of Christians. He was seized and after terrible torture they cut off his head.