St. Justin Martyr

1. St. Justin Martyr Christianapologist, born at Flavia Neapolis, about A.D. 100, converted to Christianity about A.D. 130, taught and defended the Christian religion in Asia Minor and at Rome, where he suffered martyrdom about the year 165. Two "Apologies" bearing his name and his "Dialogue with the Jew Tryphon" have come down to us. Leo XIII had a Mass and an Office composed in his honourand set his feast for 14 April.

2. His parents were pagans. As a young man Justin devoted himself to the study of Greek philosophy, notably the writings of Plato and the Stoic philosophers. • His study of the Old and New Testaments caused him to convert to Christianity, and thereafter he strove by his teachings and writings to bring others to the truths he had discovered.

3. Justin was beheaded during the reign of the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius because he refused to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods. • Justin was included in the martyrology of the Roman Catholic Church in the 9th century; his feast day is April 14. • The books that are ascribed to him with certainty are the two Apologies for the Christians, which comprise a clear defense ofChristians against charges of atheism and sedition in the Roman state, and the Dialogue with Trypho the Jew, which professes to be the record of an actual discussion at Ephesus.

4. His writings are valuable for the information they give about the 2nd-century Christian Church. • The First Apology, a defense of the Christian Faith addressed to the Roman Emperor around 150AD • Justin treats of idolatry, heresy, prophecy, and the symbolism of the cross.  • He mentions Plato, Moses, the apostles, and many figures from the new and old testament scriptures.  • Most fascinating is his recounting of the charges against the Christians which led to their execution atheism, cannibalism, etc.... associated which what Romans had heard about their Eucharistic rituals.

5. To correct these misconceptions, Justin provides an outline of baptism and the Eucharistic liturgy of the Roman church at that time which provides us with a priceless glimpse into early Christian worship.  • “ And when the president has given thanks, and all the people have expressed their assent, those who are called by us deacons give to each of those present to partake of the bread and wine mixed with water over which the thanksgiving was pronounced, and to those who are absent they carry away a portion.

6. CHAPTER LXVI -- OF THE EUCHARIST. • And this food is called among us Eukaristia [the Eucharist], of which no one is allowed to partake but the man who believes that the things which we teach are true, and who has been washed with the washing that is for the remission of sins, and unto regeneration, and who is so living as Christ has enjoined....... • For the apostles, in the memoirs composed by them, which are called Gospels, have thus delivered unto us what was enjoined upon them; that Jesus took bread, and when He had given thanks, said, "This do ye in remembrance of Me, this is My body;" and that, after the same manner, having taken the cup and given thanks, He said, "This is My blood;" and gave it to them alone.

7. St. Justin Martyr addressed his Second Apology or Defense of the Christian Faith to the Roman Senatearcound the year 150 AD.