Holy Martyrs Eustratius, Auxentius, Eugene, Mardarius and Orestes 26/12/2010
These five holy men shone as five shining stars at the dark times of the impious Emperors Diocletian and Maximian. Saint Eustratius was a Roman counsellor of ducal rank at the city of Satala, Eugene was his companion soldier, Orestes was also a renowned soldier, Auxentius was a priest while Mardarius was common citizen and a fellow citizen of Eustratius, for they both came from the city of Arauraka. Governors Lysias and Agricola first put Auxentius to the torture as a priest. Seeing the suffering of the innocent Christian, Eustratius came out before Lysius and declared himself as a Christian. During his torturing Eugene also came out before the judge and cried out: “Lysias, I am a Christian, too!” As Saint Orestes threw the javelin, Lysias caught sight of the small gold cross on his chest, which revealed to Lysias that he was a Christian, too. This, Orestes admitted without hesitation. Orestes was a young, good-looking soldier who impressed with his bearing. Auxentius was killed by the sward, Eugene and Mardarius ended their lives in torments, Orestes gave up his soul stretched on a red-hot iron bed, while Eustratius in blazing furnace. Saint Blaise (11 February) served the divine Liturgy in the prison and Saint Eustratius partook of the Holy Communion before his death. Later his relics were translated to Constantinople and laid in the church dedicated to these five holy Martyrs. They were seen at a service in this church, while Saint Orestes alone appeared to Saint Demetrius of Rostov (28 October). Saint Eustratius left us a wonderful prayer that is read at the Saturday All-night Vigil: “Greatly i do exalt Thee, O Lord! “
