The saint library

Saint Orestes

Soldier and martyr
Sebaste 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

Orestes was a soldier whose Christian faith became known when a cross appeared at his neck during military exercises. Lysias ordered his imprisonment with Eustratius and sent both men to Sebaste to be judged by Agricola. Orestes was later killed on a heated iron bed. He is commemorated with Eustratius, Auxentius, Eugene and Mardarius among the five martyrs.

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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