In their time, while peace prevailed everywhere among the churches, at Caesarea in Palestine Marinus, a man honoured with rank in the army and conspicuous by birth and wealth, had his head cut off for the testimony of Christ, on account of the following cause.
There is a certain honour among the Romans, the vine-staff, of which those who obtain it are said to become centurions. A post being vacant, the order of rank summoned Marinus to this advancement. But when he was already about to receive the honour, another, coming forward before the tribunal, accused him, saying that it was not lawful for that man to share in the Roman dignity according to the ancient laws, seeing that he was a Christian and did not sacrifice to the emperors; and that the office fell rather to himself.
Whereupon the judge—this was Achaeus—being moved, first asked of what mind Marinus was. And when he saw him persistently confessing himself a Christian, he gave him a space of three hours for consideration.
Now when he had come outside the court, Theotecnus, the bishop there, drew him aside and came to him in conversation; and taking him by the hand, led him forward to the church, and stationing him within, close by the sanctuary itself, drew back a little of his cloak and showed him the sword that was girded on him, and at the same time set before him, bringing it near, the writing of the divine Gospels, and bade him choose, of the two, that which was according to his mind. And when, without delay, stretching forth his right hand, he received the divine writing, ‘Hold fast, then,’ said Theotecnus to him, ‘hold fast to God, and mayest thou obtain what thou hast chosen, being empowered by Him; and go in peace.’
Immediately, as he returned thence, a herald cried out, summoning him before the court; for already the appointed space of time was fulfilled. And presenting himself before the court, and displaying a zeal for the faith yet greater, straightway, just as he was, he was led away to death and perfected.