Martyr Valerian

Saint Valerian was one of those who suffered martyrdom with Sts Gordian, Macrobius, Elias, Zoticus, and Lucian.

Gordian and Macrobian served in the imperial court, where they enjoyed the particular favor of the emperor. When he found out that they were Christians, he sent them to Scythia. There they met Zoticus, Lucian and Elias, who were also courageous confessors of Christ. Sts Gordian and Macrobius suffered first, then Sts Elias, Zoticus, Lucian and Valerian were tortured and beheaded in Tomis in Scythia (Romania). They suffered at Paphlagonia (Asia Minor) at the beginning of the fourth century during the reign of the Roman emperor Licinius (311-324).