Holy Martyrs Macrobius and Gordian (IV); Holy Martyrs Elias, Zoticus, Lucian and Valerian (+320)

The holy Martyrs Gordian, Macrobius, Elias, Zoticus, Lucian and Valerian suffered in Paphlagonia (Asia Minor) in the reign of the Emperor Licinius (307–324). They served at the palace court and, for their outstanding beauty and valour, enjoyed the king’s special favour. Then, for their courageous confession of Christianity, the martyrs were exiled to Scythia, where they met Zoticus, Lucian and Elias, faithful servants of the Lord. Gordian and Macrobius were the first to die for Christ. After them, around 320, Elias, Zoticus, Lucian and Valerian suffered. According to one account, Valerian gave up his spirit in grief and weeping beside the bodies of the martyrs.