Saint Justin the Philosopher – Defender of the Truth

On June 1st (Old Calendar), the Holy Orthodox Church commemorates Saint Justin the Philosopher and Martyr, one of the most remarkable figures of the early Church—a man who bridged the world of classical philosophy and Christian truth with courage, clarity, and unwavering faith.


Born in the early 2nd century in Samaria, Saint Justin was a seeker of truth from his youth. He explored various philosophical schools—Stoicism, Peripateticism, Pythagoreanism, and finally Platonism—in his sincere quest for meaning and the knowledge of God. Yet none of these systems brought him the peace he longed for. It was only when he encountered the testimony of the early Christians and their willingness to suffer for Christ that his heart was moved toward the true philosophy—Holy Orthodoxy.


In his own words, it was an old Christian man, he met during a walk by the sea, who opened to him the path of salvation. The man spoke of the prophets, of the Incarnation of the Logos, and of the crucified and risen Christ—revealing to Justin that the truth he had sought in philosophy was fulfilled not in human reason but in the Revelation of God through Jesus Christ.


After his baptism, Justin dedicated his life to defending the Faith, writing apologies (defenses) addressed to the Roman emperors, and confronting pagan philosophers and heretics alike. His most famous works, the First Apology, and Second Apology, remain foundational to Orthodox Christian apologetics. These writings presented Christianity not as a superstition, but as the truest and most reasonable way of life—surpassing every philosophical system in both moral excellence and truth.


Saint Justin was particularly passionate about the Logos, the Word of God, showing that Christ is not only the fulfillment of prophecy but also the fulfillment of every noble human longing for wisdom and justice. Through his writings, we gain precious insights into the liturgy and life of the early Church, including the celebration of the Eucharist and the baptismal rites—evidence of the continuity of our Orthodox tradition from the very first centuries.


He sealed his testimony with his blood around the year 165 AD, under the persecution of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, refusing to renounce Christ even under torture. Along with several of his disciples, he was beheaded in Rome, and henceforth known as Justin Martyr.


Saint Justin reminds us today that the Orthodox Faith is not blind belief, but a reasonable and radiant faith—capable of withstanding the attacks of philosophy and persecution alike. He teaches us to engage the world not by compromising the truth, but by revealing the truth through love, courage, and the witness of our lives.


As we honor Saint Justin the Philosopher, let us ask for his prayers—that we, too, may boldly speak the truth of Christ in a confused and deceived world, and live as true philosophers: lovers of the Wisdom that is Christ Himself.


Holy Martyr Justin the Philosopher, pray to God for us!