Witnesses in a day of wickedness is what Christians ought to be.

When Roman soldiers in 298 in North Africa celebrated an Emperor’s birthday with sacrifices to him as divine, a Christian Centurion named Marcellus refused. In front of all the men, he removed his military belt and threw it down proclaiming loudly, “I serve Jesus Christ the Eternal King. Henceforward I cease to serve your Emperors, and I scorn to worship your gods of wood and stone, which are deaf and dumb idols. If such be the terms of service that men are forced to offer sacrifice to gods and Emperors, I renounce the standards, and refuse to serve." He was cast into prison and appeared before a number of Roman courts. He boldly declared that he was a Christian and could only serve in the Roman army “under the allegiance of Jesus Christ the Son of God the Father Almighty.” At the last he was sentenced to death and was executed with the sword. In the court as the recorder was another Christian called Cassian. He threw down his pen with disgust and spoke of the injustice.He too was thrust into prison. On this day, December 3, 298, Cassian followed Marcellus to death, beheaded for his bold stand.