During the persecution of Christians under Emperor Licinius, the deacon Hermilus was also captured. He freely confessed his faith and rejoiced that he was being led to torture for the sake of Christ. In vain did the emperor persuade him to renounce his faith, in vain did he threaten him. “The Lord is with me, I will not fear; what can man do to me?” (Ps. 118:6), Deacon Herminus answered him. After great torture, he was thrown into prison. The jailer was Stratonicus, a secret Christian, who, prompted by Hermilus’ suffering, publicly confessed his faith. Then, by order of the emperor, they tied both of them in a net and threw them into the Danube, not far from Belgrade. After three days, the water washed their bodies ashore. These early Christian martyrs from Belgrade suffered for Christ in the year 315.

Saint James, Bishop of Nisibis. Venerable Maximus Kapsokaliva.