The saint library

Saint Maximilian of the Seven Sleepers

Young Christian of Ephesus
Ephesus
Feast day: August 4

Group icon: the Seven Sleepers of Ephesus — Maximilian, Exacustodian, Iamblichus, Martinian, Dionysius, Antoninus and Constantine. Image source: Romanian Patriarchate calendar

A life of faith

Maximilian is named among the seven young Christians of Ephesus. The calendar remembers the companions refusing to abandon their faith under Decius and taking refuge in a cave. Their shared traditional account describes a long sleep and their awakening in a later generation.

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

A reflection

The shared remembrance of the Seven Sleepers invites reflection on faith sustained in the company of others.

Read the Orthodox source

Feast dates follow the linked source. Local calendars and commemorations may vary. Themes describe a saint’s life; quiz suggestions do not assign a baptismal patron. Discuss choosing a patron saint with your priest.

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