St. Mary Mc. Eustace and his wife, Theopista with their sons: Agapie and Theopistatranslated

Orthodox calendar, September 20 The Holy Great Martyr Eustace and his wife Theopista, with their two sons: Agapia and Theopista The Great Martyr Eustace Placida was one of the best generals of Emperor Trajan (98-117). He had proved his skill in battle since the time of Titus, in 70, when he surrounded and sacked Jerusalem.

While he was hunting, he saw between the horns of a deer he was chasing the image of the cross and the Crucified Savior Jesus Christ.

Then God spoke to him, as he did to Saul on the way to Damascus, and a few days later General Placida received Holy Baptism together with Theopista, his wife, and their two sons, Agapia and Theopista.

After receiving baptism, Eustatius, wanting to thank God, returned to the place in the forest where the theophany took place. Here, God exhorted him to show his faith and not to fear the trials that would come upon him, for He would protect him.

Not long after, trouble began to arise, as all of Eustace's servants and animals began to fall ill and die.

Taking his family, he left the city and boarded a ship to go to Egypt.…