3rd century
Saint Andrew Stratelates
A Roman officer who led his soldiers to Christianity and was martyred together with them, over 2,500 people in all.
Biography
On a campaign against a large enemy force, command of a small Roman detachment was given to Andrew, a brave Christian officer, by the commander-in-chief Antiochus. Andrew assured his frightened soldiers that they would win if they called on the Christian God in true faith, and they duly crushed the enemy.
Antiochus first praised the victory, but on learning that Andrew had drawn the soldiers to Christianity he sent troops to disarm them; Andrew, however, managed to win these men over as well. Enraged, Antiochus then sent trusted officers who massacred all the Christian soldiers, two thousand five hundred and ninety-three in number.