The publication is a translation into Russian of «Passio of Julius the Veteran» (BHL 4555). Julius was executed on May 27, 303 in the Durostorum in Lower Moesia (now Silistra, Bulgaria). Commentary discusses some aspects of this text, related to the circumstances of the Julius’ martyrdom, the history of early Christianity in the Balkans, and the attitude of Christians to military service. We think that the cause of the martyr’s death was a test of the loyalty of the legion’s soldiers that was connected with the imminent visit of Diocletian (he was in the Durostorum on June 8, 303 - CJ 5.73.4).