Justin, Martyr (June 1)

But the utterances of truth we judge by no separate test, giving full credit to itself. And God, the Father of the universe, who is the perfect intelligence, is the truth. And the Word, being His Son, came to us, having put on flesh, revealing both Himself and the Father, giving to us in Himself resurrection from the dead, and eternal life afterwards. And this is Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord. He, therefore, is Himself both the faith and the proof of Himself and of all things. Wherefore those who follow Him, and know Him, having faith in Him as their proof, shall rest in Him.                                              

 

 

History
Born to pagan parents, and unsatisfied after dabbling in a string of philosophies, Justin converted to Christianity when an old man evangelized him on the sea shore. The witness of the martyrs also had a strong influence on his conversion.  He assumed the position of a philosopher and debated other pagan teachers.  He was turned over to the authorities by one of his opponents and was beheaded, along with 6 followers, circa 165.

You can find Justin's writings here.

Activities
Compare the philosophies Justin explored before he became a Christian
Draw a picture of Justin and the anonymous "old man" on the seashore who introduced him to Christ.  
Read the passages aloud most relevant to Eastertide (I included two in this post).
Point out the doctrines the Church has always cherished--Christ's Atonement, His Bodily Presence, etc. 

And this food is called among us Εὐχαριστία [the Eucharist] ... For not as common bread and common drink do we receive these; but in like manner as Jesus Christ our Saviour, having been made flesh by the Word of God, had both flesh and blood for our salvation, so likewise have we been taught that the food which is blessed by the prayer of His word, and from which our blood and flesh ...are nourished, is the flesh and blood of that Jesus who was made flesh.