February 25, the feast day of Saint Nestor of Magiddo
Today, the feast day of Saint Nestor of Magiddo, was a Christian bishop and martyr who lived in the 3rd century during the persecution of Christians by Emperor Decius. He is remembered for his courage in defending the Christian faith before the Roman authorities.
Nestor was bishop of the city of Magiddo, in the region of Pamphylia (present-day Turkey). During the reign of Decius (249-251), the Roman Empire intensified the persecution of Christians, requiring them to worship Roman gods. Nestor, as a Christian leader, was arrested and brought before the authorities to be tried.
Before the governor of the province, Nestor refused to renounce his faith and offer sacrifices to pagan idols. His steadfastness angered the Romans, and he was cruelly tortured before being sentenced to death. According to tradition, he was beheaded for his fidelity to Christ.
He is remembered as an example of courage and resistance in the face of persecution, and is venerated as one of the holy martyrs of the early Church.
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