St. Justin (c. 103-165)
A seeker after Truth. Born in Nablus, Samaria to parents of Roman or Greek origin. Justin sought for truth and meaning among the various schools of philosophy of his time. However, one day he met a mysterious wise man on the beaches of Ephesus. This man directed Justin to the Hebrew Scriptures. Through his reading of the Old Testament, Justin was converted to the Truth, Jesus Christ, and was baptized about the year 130. Justin did not leave philosophy behind, but saw in it a preparation for the Gospel. Thus, Justin moved to Rome and opened a school of philosophy, where he taught others about the Christian faith. Written defences of the Christian faith made by Justin to the Roman Government have been preserved to this day, giving us a window into the faith and practice of the early Church. Justin was beheaded for his faith in the year 165.
Prayer
O God, who through the folly of the Cross wondrously taught Saint Justin the Martyr the surpassing knowledge of Jesus Christ, grant us, through his intercession, that, having rejected deception and error, we may become steadfast in the faith.