St. John of Nicomedia did everything he could to stop the persecution of Christians in the early Church, single-handedly standing up to the Roman Empire for the faithful.

When the emperor, Diocletian, published an edict against Christians, he had printed decrees posted in public places throughout the empire. In Nicomedia, which is in modern-day Turkey, these were placed in the forum.

One man, who is remembered as John, was incensed at the decrees and pulled them all down and tore them up. When authorities learned of this, they had John arrested and tortured. It is said that John was ready to receive their suffering and bore their punishment with courage. He was finally burned alive.

St. John of Nicomedia, you were not afraid to stand up to the empire to defend Christians—pray for us!