10th May, SS. Gordian and Epimachus, Martyrs

SS. Gordian and Epimachus, Martyrs

Gordian, a Roman judge, was converted by a holy priest whom Julian, the Apostate, would have liked him to condemn. He was martyred towards 360 and was buried in the crypt where already lay the remains of the martyr St. Epimachus (+ 250), brought from Alexandria.

Sancti tui, Domine, benedicent te: gloriam regni tui dicent, alleluia, alleluia. * Exaltabo te, Deus meus Rex: et benedicam nomini tuo in saeculum, et in saeculum saeculi.

Let the saints bless Thee, O Lord; they shall speak of the glory of Thy kingdom, alleluia, alleluia. * I will extol Thee, O God my King: and I will bless Thy name for ever; yea, for ever and ever.

(Psalm 144:10-11,1 from the Introit of Mass)

Da, quaesumus, omnipotens Deus: ut, qui beatorum Martyrum tuorum Gordiani et Epimachi solemnia colimus, eorum apud te intercessionibus adjuvemur.
Grant, we beseech Thee, O almighty God, that we who keep the festival of Thy holy martyrs Gordian and Epimachus, may be assisted by their intercession with Thee.
(Collect)

From the Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06649a.htm