Auxentius of Sebaste

Holy Martyr Auxentius of Sebaste was a priest of the Church of Arabia and suffered for Christ in Sebaste, in Armenia, in the time of Emperor Diocletian (284-305), together with Eustratius, Eugene, Mardarius and Orestes. They are commemorated on 26 December.

Among the first Christians who then received torments was the priest Auxentius, shut in prison. Seeing the steadfastness of the Christians, the governor of the city, the renowned army commander Eustratius, who was a secret Christian, decided to confess his faith openly. For this he was tormented: they beat him, put iron boots on his feet and burned him with fire. After these cruel torments he was burned to death, and Auxentius was beheaded with the sword. Seeing their death, Mardarius, who was of the common people, also confessed his faith and was hung head downward. Before his death he said a prayer that is read at the end of the third hour and at the Midnight Office. Eugene had his tongue torn out, his hands and feet cut off and his head cut off with the sword. The young soldier Orestes confessed himself a Christian and was taken to trial. He was condemned to be burned on a red-⁠hot iron bed, on which he climbed strengthened by the prayer of Eustratius. The last prayer of Saint Eustratius is read at the Saturday Midnight Office. Eustratius died on 13 December by the old calendar.