Russian Icon - Martyr Alexander of Rome

Saint Martyr Alexander of Rome (†289) was a Roman soldier serving in the regiment of the tribune Tiberian at Rome. During this period, the Roman emperor Maximian issued an edict by which all citizens were required to go to the temple of Jupiter to offer sacrifice. Alexander refused to follow this order because of his strong Christian faith. As a result of that, Maximian sent Alexander to Thrace, but Alexander died on the way to this Roman province. The Eastern Orthodox Church celebrates him on May 26.