Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus
On March 9th, the church remembers the 40 Martyrs who died for their Christian faith in Sebaste. What makes it more amazing is that the martyrs were all soldiers of the Roman Empire during 320 A.D. They were soldiers of Legio XII Fulminata (Armed with Lightning). These soldiers are recounted in the martyrologies for their stand for their faith against persecutions Licinius. The earliest mention of these martyrs is done by Bishop Basil of Caesarea.
Account of Martyrdom
The story of these mysterious martyrs unfolds in the city of Sebaste during the reign of Emperor Licinius in 320 A.D. A garrison of Roman soldiers-- 40 in number -- were stationed in this remote Armenian town. While they were bold, courageous soldiers, they were also devout Christians. Upon hearing of this in Rome, the infuriated Emperor issued an edict, stating that those throughout the Empire who would not worship pagan gods would be tortured and put to death. An additional contingent of soldiers was sent to Sebaste to see exactly where the loyalties of these 40 Christians actually stood.
We are told that to a man, all forty soldiers refused to reject Christ. A cruel death was planned for them. It was bitterly cold in Sebaste at this time of the year, and they were forced to remove their clothes and stand along the shores of a frozen lake, looking across the waters at the glowing fires of the pagans -- where they could go if they would renounce the Lord. Still they refused! As death approached, a band of angels came down from heaven and placed crowns on the heads of these dying saints. It is said that one of the Roman guards was so moved by this glorious sight that he removed his own garments and rushed to die himself at the side of these Christian warriors.
Names of the 40 Martyrs
Ss. Cyrion (Quirio), Candidus, Domnus, Hesychius, Heraclius, Smaragdus, Eunoicus, Valens, Vivianus, Claudius, Priscus, Theodulus, Eutychius, John, Santhias, Helianus, Sisinius, Angius, Aetius, Flavius, Acacius, Ecdicius, Lysimachus, Alexander, Elias, Gorgonius, Theophilus, Dometian, Gaius, Leontius, Athanasius, Cyril, Sacerdon, Nicholas, Valerius, Philoctimon, Severian, Chudion, Aglaius, and Meliton are commemorated by the Church on March 9.
Hymns
Troparion
Together let us honor the holy company united by faith, Those noble warriors of the Master of all. They were divinely enlisted for Christ, And passed through fire and water. Then they entered into refreshment praying for those who cry: Glory to him who has strengthened you! Glory to him who has crowned you! Glory to him who has made you wonderful, O holy Forty Martyrs!
Kontakion
You abandoned all earthly armies, Cleaving to the heavenly Master, O Forty Martyrs of the Lord. Having passed through fire and water, O Blessed Ones, You have fittingly received heavenly glory and many crowns.
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