Saint Justin Martyr the Philosopher Icon - S527

Saint Justin was born in Palestine in the year 103. He was incredibly intelligent and had a love of knowledge, which led him to a fervent study of Greek philosophy. After probing the depths of Plato and others, he concluded that none of them could reveal divine truth.

He discovered the way to Jesus Christ, Truth Himself, and was baptized at age 30. His fervor for Christ was even greater than his fervor for philosophy. He used his training in philosophy to preach the Gospel among the Greeks and Romans, always wearing the distinctive robes of a philosopher.

Under the persecutions of Antoninus Pius, Justin wrote his famous Apologies (defenses) and delivered them to the Emperor. In these Apologies, he proved the Christians were being falsely accused of crimes.

Saint Justin also engaged in philosophical debates with enemies of Christ. In his famous Dialogue with the Jewish rabbi Trypho, he used philosophy and the Old Testament to prove the Christian claims about Christ. Likewise he wrote against paganism and heresy.

He traveled to Rome to defend the Christians suffering under Marcus Aurelius. He was arrested with six others, and refusing to sacrifice to the pagan gods, they were all beheaded in the year 167.

Saint Justin's feast is celebrated on June 1. He is especially invoked as an intercessor for students.

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