<p>A DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: The Edict of Toleration was issued on this date in 311 AD by Emperor Galerius. Prior to this, Christians suffered greatly under the persecution orchestrated by Emperor Diocletian (and encouraged by Galerius) from 304 AD. The toleration did not last long, since Galerius died shortly after issuing the edict and Emperor Maximinus II began another persecution. By God&#39;s grace, two years later in 313, Emperor Constantine issued his Edict of Milan making Christianity not only tolerated, but promoted throughout the empire. This persecution reminded me of the words of St Peter, which we&#39;ve been reading for the epistle lessons during this Easter season, particularly 1 Peter 4:12, 16, and 19: &quot;If we suffer as Christians, we can praise God that we bear that name!&quot;</p>