The holy Martyr Nestor was very young in age, handsome in appearance, and he was known to the holy Great Martyr Demetrios (October 26), for he had instructed Nestor in the faith.
The Emperor was visiting Thessaloniki, and he built a
high platform in the midst of the city so that a gigantic barbarian named
Lyaios could wrestle there and be seen by everyone. Beneath the platform, many
spears and other sharp weapons were placed pointing upward. When Lyaios
defeated his opponents, he threw them down onto the spears and they died. Many
Christians were forced to fight Lyaios and were killed. When Nestor saw how Emperor
Maximian rejoiced over the victories of his champion, he disdained his pride.
Seeing the miracles of Saint Demetrios, however, he took courage and went to
the prison where the holy Martyr was confined and fell at his feet.
“Pray for me, O Servant of God Demetrios,” he said,
“that by your prayers, God may help me to beat Lyaios, and put an end to him
who brings reproach upon the Christians.”
The Saint, after sealing Nestor with the Sign of the
Cross, told him that he would prevail over Lyaios, and then suffer for Christ.
Nestor mounted the platform without fear and exclaimed: “Help me, O God of
Demetrios.” After he defeated Lyaios, he hurled him down onto the spears, where
he gave up his wretched soul.
Maximian became enraged and ordered that both Nestor
and Demetrios should be put to death. Saint Demetrios was stabbed with spears,
and Saint Nestor was beheaded. Thus, by his example, Saint Nestor teaches us
that in every human challenge, we must say with confidence, “The Lord is my
helper, and I will not fear what man shall do to me.” (Psalm
117/118:6, Hebrews 13:6).
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