Memory of Martyr Emilian of Silistria

The Orthodox Church commemorates Holy Martyr Emilian, from the Thracian city of Dorostolum and lived under Emperor Julian the Apostate.

Martyr Emilian was a slave of a prominent idolater, who, when he learned that Emilian was a Christian, was so enraged that he fiercely tortured him and threatened him that if he did not renounce Christianity he would continue to torture him.

Instead of being intimidated by the threats, Martyr Emilian went to the pagan temple of the region and smashed all the idols with a hammer.

This action infuriated the pagan priests, who arrested him and brought him before the court.

Marty Emilian was constantly confessing his faith in Jesus Christ and, therefore, enraged the idolaters including his master, who humiliated and cruelly tortured him.

Saint Emilian showed unwavering faith and courage, even when he was thrown into the fire when reposed in the Lord.

However, the wife of his pagan master was deeply moved by his courage and, as a result, she solemnly buried the relics of the Saint treating them with equal respect as humans in their bodies are entirety in the image of God.

Source: Church of Cyprus