Nereus and Achilleus were first-century soldiers who became Christians. They decided that, as Christians, it was wrong for them to fight for the pagan Roman Empire. So they ran away to the island of Terracina (located southeast of the city of Rome); when they were found, they were beheaded. This occurred during the persecution of Christians under the Roman emperor Trajan. Saint Damasus honored them with a tombstone some years later, at a church dedicated at the site of their deaths. “O miracle of faith!” wrote Damasus, “Suddenly they cease from their fury, they become converted, they flee from the camp of their wicked leader. Professing the faith of Christ, they are happy to witness to its triumph!”
Adapted from “Saints: Becoming an Image of Christ Every Day of the Year”, by Beutner
Catholic Jonesboro 