April 12 + Saint Sabbas the Goth

Born in modern day Romania in 334 AD, Sabbas became a Christian in his youth. Fearing that Christianity would undermine Gothic culture, King Athanaric began a brutal persecution of Christians.

The Gothic Prince came to the village of Buzau and asked the villagers if any Christians lived there. They swore to him that there were none. At this, Sabbas came before the Prince and said, "Let no one swear an oath on my behalf. I am a Christian." Touched by his courage, the Prince let Sabbas go saying, "This one can do neither harm nor good."

The following year a priest named Sansal came to the village and celebrated Pascha with Sabbas (who was truly the only Christian there). When the pagans heard of this, they attacked Sabbas' house and seized both men. They dragged Sabbas naked through thorns, then tied both him and Sansal to trees and tried to make them eat meat offered to idols. Neither man would touch the sacrifices.

The Prince then sentenced Sabbas to death and gave him over to the soldiers. Sabbas walked to the place of execution joyfully, singing and praising God. Seeing his goodness, the soldiers tried to free him on the way, but Sabbas refused, telling them that it was their duty to carry out the Prince's command. The soldiers took him to a river, tied a rock to his neck and cast him into the waters, where he gave his soul back to God. Sabbas was 38 years old at the time of his martyrdom.