Elias of Tomis

Holy Martyr Elias of Tomis is commemorated with the holy martyrs Gordian, Macrobius, Zoticus, Lucian and Valerian. They suffered at the beginning of the fourth century, in Paphlagonia (Asia Minor) and in Scythia, in the time of the emperor Licinius (307 to 324).

Gordian came from Cappadocia and Macrobius from Paphlagonia. They were fine young men who served at the imperial court and enjoyed the emperor's special favour. For their firm confession of faith in Christ they were sent into exile in Scythia, where they met Zoticus, Lucian and Elias, confessors of the Name of Christ equally courageous. Gordian and Macrobius suffered first. After them, in the city of Tomis in Scythia, Elias, Zoticus, Lucian and Valerian were tortured and beheaded.

The Church commemorates these martyrs on 26 September, in the new style.