Martyr

A martyr is one who gives his life for Christ, physically dying as a witness to the faith. Martyr itself comes from the Greek μάρτυς, which means "witness." By traditional liturgical ranking, the martyrs are first among the saints.

Background

Tertullian once said that "the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church," and the Body of Christ continually witnesses to this reality. Where the persecution of the Orthodox faith becomes great enough that Christians are killed for their faith, history typically records a resurgence of faith and piety among the people of that region.

Descriptions of martyrs

Martyrs are known under a number of descriptions. These are:

Martyrs as a whole are those saints who suffered death in Christ's name, for remaining loyal to the true faith, or for refusing to serve idols.

Great Martyrs are those saints who suffered particularly harsh treatment and punishments before suffering death.

Hieromartyrs are those saints who suffered death as priests.

Venerable Martyrs are those saints who suffered death as a member of monastic orders.

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Source

• How Saints are Called