Saints Theodulus and Julian, Martyrs
  February 17th  

    St. Theodulus and St. Julian suffered at Caesarea in Palestine immediately after the five Egyptians commemorated on the 16th, but they are mentioned under this date in the Roman Martyrology. Theodulus, a wise and pious old man, occupied one of the most honourable positions in the household of Firmilian, the governor of Palestine, who held him in great esteem. After witnessing the fortitude and patience of the five saints, he visited the prison and held the martyrs up as examples to encourage the other confessors and to prepare them for a similar ordeal. Firmilian was so furious at this action on the part of his old servant that he sent for him, reproached him sternly for his ingratitude and, without hearing his defence, condemned him to be crucified. Theodulus received the sentence gladly, and went joyfully to a form of death which so closely resembled that of his Saviour and by means of which he would speedily be united with Him.

    Julian, who shared his triumph, was only a catechumen, held in great honour by the faithful on account of his exemplary character. He had been absent from Caesarea and had scarcely arrived back when he was informed of the sufferings and of the execution of the martyrs which had just been taking place. At once he ran to the spot, and finding that all was over he expressed his veneration by kissing and embracing the bodies of the saints. The guards apprehended him and took him to the governor, who, perceiving that he was as determined as the rest, wasted no time in useless cross-examination but immediately ordered him to be burnt. Julian thanked God for the honour, and asked Him to accept his life as a voluntary sacrifice. His cheerfulness whilst he was being tortured bu slow fire amazed his executioners and the spectators.

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As in the case of SS. Elias and his companions, so our knowledge of SS. Theodulus and Julian depends entirely upon Eusebius, as cited above.

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Butler's Lives of The Saints, Herbert J. Thurston, S.J. and Donald Attwater Nihil Obstat: PATRICIVS MORRIS, S.T.D., L.S.S., CENSOR DEPVTATVS. Imprimatur: E. MORROGH BERNARD, VICARIVS GENERALIS WESTMONASTERII: DIE XXIII FEBRVARII MCMLIII