Saint Maximilian of Theveste (d.296)

Maximilian was the son of a Roman soldier. At age 21 he was brought to court and ordered to be enrolled as a soldier--such was the law of the empire. "I refuse to accept military service," he said. "My army is the army of God, and I cannot fight for this world." Dio, the proconsul, or governor, of the region, noted correctly that many Christians were serving the empire. "That is their business," said Maximilian. "I am a Christian too, and I cannot serve." Dio told Maximilian's father to correct his son. "He knows what he believes, and he won't change his mind," said the father, whose name is lost. Dio told Maximilian that he would die unless he changed his mind. "I shall not die," said Maximilian. "When I leave this earth I shall live with Christ." Dio sentenced him to death. He said farewell to his friends and to his father, and he was beheaded. His father, say the annals, went home joyfully, thanking God for having allowed him to send such a gift to heaven. (Taken from "Saints Passionate and Peculiar.")