The saint library

Saint Eustratius

Official and martyr
Sebaste and Nicopolis in Armenia
Feast day: December 13

Group icon of the five martyrs: Eustratius, Auxentius, Eugene, Mardarius and Orestes. Image source: Holy Metropolis of Oropos and Phyle — Iconological Synaxarion

A life of faith

Eustratius was a Roman official who openly confessed Christ before Lysias and lost his position. His received life connects his suffering with Auxentius, Eugene, Mardarius and Orestes. Brought before Agricola at Sebaste, he explained Christian teaching at length. Bishop Blaise visited him in prison and gave him Communion. Eustratius was later killed in a furnace.

The Eastern Orthodox Church remembers saints in prayer and commemoration. Their lives offer examples for Christians learning to live their faith.

A reflection

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