Saint Gurias Maccabee was one of the Seven Holy Maccabean Brothers who suffered martyrdom during the persecution of Israel under King Antiochus IV Epiphanes. Alongside his brothers and their mother, Solomonia, Gurias was commanded to reject the Law of God and conform to the pagan practices imposed by the king. Refusing to betray the covenant, he remained faithful even in the face of terrible suffering.
The Maccabean brothers endured torture with remarkable courage, encouraging one another to remain steadfast. Rather than preserve his earthly life through compromise, Gurias chose to die in obedience to God. His witness demonstrated unwavering trust in the Lord and confidence that God would vindicate the righteous.
The courage of Gurias and his brothers became a lasting testimony to faithfulness under persecution. Their martyrdom is honored by the Church as a powerful example of devotion to God and as a foreshadowing of the Christian martyrs who would later suffer for the faith.
2 Maccabees 7:1–42
The account of the seven brothers and their mother who suffer martyrdom rather than violate God’s Law.
2 Maccabees 7:14
One of the brothers expresses hope in the resurrection promised by God to the faithful.
2 Maccabees 6:18–31
The martyrdom of Eleazar precedes and inspires the witness of the Maccabean brothers.
Patron of:
Persecuted Believers, Courage, Fidelity to God’s Law, Martyrs
Feast Day:
August 1 (Holy Maccabean Martyrs)
Illustration by: Colton Rompala