The Holy Martyrs Eustratios, Auxentius, Eugenius, Mardarius, and Orestes. The Holy Martyr Lucia, Virgin.
Polyeleos Feast. Nativity Fast. Abstention from meat and foods that contain meat.
Ephesians 6:10-17. Luke 21:12-19.
Read Ephesians 6:10-17
Today we celebrate the feast of the holy martyrs Eustratios, Auxentius, Eugenius, Mardarius and Orestes who lived in the third century as well as the holy martyr Lucy. Various stichera at vespers inform us of how they were all martyred:
In the fury of the brutal tyrant, the illustrious Auxentius was beheaded;* Mardarius was crowned as he was hanged;* Eugenius attained the fullness of eternal life as they cut off his hands and tongue;* Orestes fell asleep in the Lord as he was laid on a bed of burning coals;* Eustratios was led like a lamb to the fire for Christ.
Having maintained the purest virginity,* you hastened joyfully into the presence of your Creator.* Renouncing your earthly suitor, you chose Christ as your Bridegroom.* Running the race to its good end, O illustrious Lucy,* you were resplendent as you bore witness to Christ by your faith.* Now you obtain miraculous cures for those who honour you.
The gospel passage we hear today is often read on the feastdays of martyrs. Jesus warns His disciples of the trials and persecution they will endure for His sake. He tells them, “But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony” (Lk. 21:13).
The word “martyr” comes from Greek and means “witness.” The word translated as “testimony” in verse 13 could also be translated as “witness.” By enduring persecution for the sake of Christ, the martyrs are those who “witness” to the truth of Jesus Christ. Jesus goes on to tell His disciples, “Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist” (Lk. 21:14-15). The witness of the martyrs is assisted by divine grace and the Gift of the Holy Spirit. God will help us in times of trial!
Let us endure every hardship in life with patience for the sake of Christ, for He says, “By your patience possess your souls” (Lk. 21:19). Even though the persecution we experience may not lead to our immediate physical death as it did in the cases of Eustratios, Auxentius, Eugenius, Mardarius, Orestes, and Lucy, we can still follow their example and seek to witness God’s love to others throughout our lives.