Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.

Military service was a debated topic within the early Church. Some such as St Maurice, commander of the Roman Theban Legion, as his comrades, continued to serve Christ and the state as long as no conflict arose. Campaigning in the Alps with Emperor Maximian, the men were instructed to sacrifice to the Roman gods and pay homage to the Emperor. They refused worship to the gods but swore allegiance to the Empire. Later when ordered to slaughter local Christians, the Legion refused. The unit was repeatedly subjected to decimation, the killing of every tenth man, until St Maurice and all of the men ended their life as martyrs.

8 x 12”