Smaragdus of Sebaste

Holy Martyr Smaragdus of Sebaste is one of the forty martyr soldiers of Sebaste in Armenia, frozen on a lake around the year 320, in the time of Licinius.

The soldiers, all Christians born in Cappadocia, refused to sacrifice to the idols and were led in winter to a lake near the town. They were left unclothed on the ice all night, while near the shore stood a heated bath for whoever would renounce. All night they bore the frost, encouraging one another and singing hymns. One could bear it no more, went out toward the bath and fell dead as the warmth touched him. The guard Aglaius saw a heavenly light over those who remained, confessed that he was a Christian and entered the water beside them. In the morning the executioners broke their shins with hammers; the mother of the youngest, Meliton, urged him not to fear and, while he was still alive, carried him on her shoulders behind the cart until he gave up his spirit, then laid him with the others. The bodies were burned on a pyre and the burned bones thrown 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. Smaragdus is named in their list.

The Forty are commemorated together on 9 March, when the strictness of Lent is eased and the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts is served.