Mardarius of Sebaste

Holy Martyr Mardarius of Sebaste was one of the five martyrs of Sebaste in Armenia: Eustratius, Auxentius, Eugene, Mardarius and Orestes. They suffered for Christ in the time of the emperor Diocletian (284-305). Mardarius was of the common people.

Among the first Christians who then received torments was the presbyter Auxentius of the church of Arabia, thrown into prison. Seeing the steadfastness of the Christians, an official of the city, the noble commander Eustratius, a secret Christian, resolved to confess his faith openly. For this he was put to torments: they beat him, put iron boots on his feet and burned him with fire. After these cruel torments he was burned, and Auxentius was beheaded. Seeing their death, Saint Mardarius also confessed his faith and was hung head downward. Before his death he spoke the prayer "Master Lord God, Father Almighty...", which 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 brought to trial; he was sentenced 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 death ("Magnifying, I magnify You, O Lord...") is read on Saturday at the midnight office. Eustratius died on 13 December.

They are commemorated on 26 December, in the new style, and their service in the Menaion is placed on 13 December.