The Holy Martyr Victor of Damascus served as a soldier during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius the Philosopher (161–180). When the emperor began persecuting Christians, Victor refused to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods—a ritual meant to prove a soldier’s loyalty to the gods, the emperor, and the state. For his steadfast faith, he was subjected to cruel tortures, yet he remained unharmed through divine strength. By the power of prayer, he overcame a sorcerer who, witnessing Victor’s faith and miracles, renounced his dark arts and converted to Christianity.

Through Saint Victor’s prayers, several blind soldiers miraculously received their sight. Among the witnesses was Stephanida, the young Christian wife of one of Victor’s torturers, who openly praised Christ after seeing the miracle. For her bold confession, she was condemned to a brutal death—tied between two bent palm trees that tore her apart when released. She was only fifteen years old. Soon after, Victor was sentenced to beheading, and before his death, he foretold that his executioners would die within twelve days and their commander would be captured by the enemy in twenty-four—prophecies that were fulfilled exactly as he declared. The martyrs suffered in the second century at Damascus, where their holy relics were laid to rest.

Troparion — Tone 4

Your holy martyrs, O Lord, / through their sufferings have received incorruptible crowns from You, our God. / For having Your strength, they laid low their adversaries, / and shattered the powerless boldness of demons. / Through their intercessions, save our souls!

Kontakion — Tone 8

Today the church honors those who fought the good fight and died for their faith: / The victorious Menas, the noble Victor and the ascetic Vincent. / The church glorifies their divine struggle and cries out with love: / Glory to You, O Christ, the lover of mankind.