Holy Martyrs Elpidius, Marcellus and Eustochius (361–363)

The holy Martyrs Elpidius, Marcellus and Eustochius suffered in the reign of the Emperor Julian the Apostate (361–363). Saint Elpidius held an important post at the palace court. For confessing Christ he was seized with Marcellus and Eustochius and brought before the king’s court. The martyrs endured many torments, after which the godless burned them in the fire. At the place where the Christians buried the saints’ precious relics, Christ miraculously appeared with a company of angels, and the Lord raised Elpidius from the dead. The emperor ordered the holy martyr to be seized again. During the torture of the Lord’s chosen one, at his prayer, the idols standing nearby were all shattered together. More than six thousand pagans who witnessed this miracle were converted to Christianity, while Saint Elpidius was burned a second time.