St. Justin the Martyr
Feast Day: June 1
Born to Greek parents in Samaria, Justin received a classical Greek education but became a Christian around 135. He saw Christianity as the fulfillment of Plato’s highest aspirations. After teaching Christian philosophy at Ephesus, he went to Rome, where he engaged in public debates, opened a school of Christian philosophy and wrote major works in apologetics and philosophy. About 165, during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, Justin was scourged and beheaded with six other Christians after he refused to sacrifice to idols.
