Severian of Sebaste

Holy Martyr Severian of Sebaste is counted among the Forty Martyr Soldiers of Sebaste in Armenia, who died by freezing around the year 320, in the persecution of Licinius.

In 313 Emperor Constantine the Great issued the edict of freedom of faith; his co-⁠emperor Licinius signed it too, but in his lands the persecution continued. Around 320 a Roman army was stationed in the city of Sebaste, in which there were forty Christian soldiers born in Cappadocia. Their commander, Agricolaus, wished to force them to sacrifice to idols, but they refused. They were arrested, bound and led to a lake near the city. It was winter, toward evening; the soldiers were put on the ice of the lake unclothed, and near the shore a bath had been heated, so that those who renounced Christ could go in and be warmed. All night the soldiers bore the frost bravely, encouraging one another and singing hymns to God. In the morning one could bear it no longer and went out toward the bath, but fell dead as the warmth touched him. Then the prison guard, Aglaius, saw those who remained in the lake shining with heavenly light and joined the martyrs, praying to be numbered among them. To end it, the executioners broke their shins with hammers and cast them into the fire, and threw their burned bones into the river. After three days the martyrs appeared to Bishop Peter of Sebaste and told him of their struggle; the bishop gathered their bones and buried them with honour. The names of the martyrs have been kept, and Severian is among them.

The Forty Martyrs are among the most honoured feasts; on their day, 9 March, the strictness of Lent is eased and the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts is served. Severian is entered on the calendar at 22 March, in the new style.