Eustratius of Sebaste

Holy Martyr Eustratius of Sebaste, an officer, suffered for Christ together with the holy Auxentius, Eugene, Mardarius and Orestes, in the time of the Emperor Diocletian (284 to 305), at Sebaste in Armenia. Among the first Christians who then received torments was the presbyter Auxentius of the Church of Arabia, shut in prison.

Seeing the steadfastness of the Christians, the city governor of Sataliona, the noble officer Eustratius, a secret Christian, resolved to confess his faith openly. He was beaten, iron boots were put on his feet and he was burned with fire. After these cruel torments he was burned, and Auxentius was beheaded. Seeing their martyrdom, Mardarius, a man of the common people, also confessed his faith and was hung head down. Before his end he spoke a prayer, the one beginning "Master, Lord God, Father Almighty," read in the Russian order 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, was brought to trial and condemned to be burned on a red-⁠hot iron bed, on which he climbed up strengthened by the prayer of Saint Eustratius. The prayer of Eustratius before his death, the one beginning "Magnifying, I magnify You, O Lord," is read at the Saturday midnight office. The martyr Eustratius died on 13 December.

They are commemorated on 26 December (new style), that is 13 December by the old calendar. The hymns of their service call the five sufferers renowned martyrs who despised earthly glory, and Eustratius a bright sun and a wise orator. Their story was also written down by Saint Demetrius of Rostov.