Martyrs Севастийские Пяточисленные, мчч.

The Five Martyrs of Sebaste are a distinct group of five saints who suffered for Christ in the Armenian city of Sebastia during the persecutions of Emperor Diocletian (284–305), most likely around 296–308. Eustratius, a military commander and secret Christian, openly confessed his faith after witnessing the steadfastness of persecuted Christians; after severe torture — beatings, red-hot iron boots, and fire — he was cast into a furnace and died in prayer; his final prayer was incorporated into Orthodox memorial services. Auxentius, a presbyter of the Arabian Church imprisoned alongside Christians, was beheaded following Eustratius's execution. Mardarius, a layman who confessed Christ after witnessing the martyrs' sufferings, was hanged upside down; his prayer likewise entered church liturgical use. Eugene had his tongue torn out, his hands and feet severed, and was beheaded by sword. Orestes, a young soldier who declared himself a Christian, was condemned to be burned alive on a heated iron bed, strengthened by Eustratius's prayer. Their feast is kept on December 13/26.