MARTYR

MARTYR – (Gr. martyria) Literally, “a witness.” Normally, the term is used to describe those who give their lives for Christ. Martyria has two meanings: (1) witness or testimony, especially that which God bears to Christians, and which Christians bear to the world; and (2) martyrdom, especially Christ’s Passion, and the martyrdom of Christians for the faith ^{(John 1:6-15; Acts 6:8-7:60).} It is one of the various customary saint titles used in commemoration at divine services when remembering saints on the Church Calendar. One who has died for the faith.