Today we commemorate the 40 Holy Martyrs of Sebaste. These 40 were all Roman soldiers, but devoted to Christ. A persecution arose under Licinius, and they were accused before their commander. He threatened to strip them of their military status. One of them said that even if he were to take from them their bodies, they would still serve Christ, as He was more dear to them than life itself. The commander ordered them to be stoned. But the stones turned around in mid-air to fall on those who had thrown them. One smashed the teeth of the commander. Then they drove the 40 into a freezing lake with guards all around it. They also set up hot baths on the shore to tempt any of the soldiers to desert Christ and save their skin. One did. Forty crowns descended from Heaven and hovered over the lake. 39 landed on the heads of those who were steadfast. Another soldier who had been guarding them saw this and grabbed the 40th crown from the air, professed Christ and joined the others in the lake. The lake miraculously warmed, so they remained alive until the next day. So the commander had their legs broken and threw them into the lake to drown. They suffered in the year 320.

Through the prayers of the 40 holy martyrs of Sebaste, O Lord our God, have mercy on us and save us!