Commemorated on October 27
Nestor lived during the rule of the pagan emperor Maximian and Diocletion in Thessaloniki. This was also the same time as The Holy Saint Dimitrios, around 296 AD. He was a young man, under the age of 20, and blessed with a handsome appearance but these were not his focus. Nestor was passionate for Christ and he was enthusiastic to serve him with his life.
Saint Dimitirios was taught Nestor the Christian faith, and Nestor saw Dimitrios as a spiritual guide.
After Emperor Maximan came to Thessaloniki and saw what Dimitiros had done, teaching the people freely the Christian faith, he was outraged. After imprisoning Dimitrios, he raised a challenge to the citizens of Thessaloniki.
He built a gladiator style arena where he brought his strongest man. A German champion fighter named Lyaeos. The emperor forced many Christians to fight Lyaeos and they all perished. After he defeated them in a fight, he would throw their bodies onto spears, killing them on impact.
Maximian was overjoyed to see the Christians perish, as he felt this was victory to the Roman Idols.
Nestor would see Maximian’s prideful sneers and was repulsed. He went to visit Saint Dimitiros, knowing of his grace from God, and got down on his knees. He beseeched Dimitrios asking if his prayers could be with Nestor. He sought the blessing of the Saint as he wanted to fight Lyaeos and bring an end to the mockery brought upon the Christians.
Dimtirios gave Nestor his blessing, and signed him with a cross telling him that he would succeed and defeat Lyaeos. He also told him that Nestor would then be put through torments for Christ’s sake. Nestor humbly accepted and with boldness he challenged Lyaeos to a fight.
As Dimitrios prayed, Nestor could feel God’s grace come upon him and he rushed toward Lyaeos without fear.
Lyaeos, seeing Nestor’s a small young man, laughed at his appearance. Even the emperor said “Nestor, who are you to fight the giant Lyaeos. Back down to not lose your life.” Lyaeos and all of those watching made fun of Nestor as their roared with laugher.
Lyaeos spoke down to Nestor and made fun of his God saying “You are Christian and therefore you are weak. “
Nestor responded by loudly saying, “God of Dimitrios, help me! “ He was able to position Lyaeos in a way and then stabbed him with a knife straight in the heart.
To everyone’s surprise, Nestor defeated the giant, and as Lyaeos had done to many, he threw him onto the spears ending his wrath. Nestor also ran to emperor Maximian who sat beside Diocletian, and stabbed him with his spear, but did not kill him.
The emperor was both shocked and full of more hatred than before.
He sentenced Nestor to death, alongside Dimtrios. They first killed Dimitrios and Nestor was then beheaded, and it is on this day we honor him for his bravery and firmness in the faith.
Troparion & Kontakion
Troparion — Tone 5
(Podoben: “Let us the faithful praise…”)
As a friend and companion of Saint Demetrios, / you were an invincible athlete of godliness and contended manfully, O blessed Nestor. / With divine help, you conquered Lyaios, / and by being slain you became a holy sacrifice to our God.
Kontakion — Tone 2
(Podoben: “Thou didst seek the heights…”)
You contested well, therefore you have gained immortal renown, O wise Nestor, / and you became an excellent soldier of the Master Christ, through the prayers of the Martyr Demetrios. / Therefore, with him, pray without ceasing for all of us.