Holy Martyrs Eustathius, Thespesios, and Anatolios

Life

The three brothers were from Nicomedia, of pagan parents Philotheus and Eusebeia, who later received the true faith from Saint Anthimus, Bishop of Nicomedia, together with their sons. Philotheus was ordained as a presbyter. When he reposed with his wife, a terrible persecution of Christians began under the wicked Emperor Maximian, and the three sons of Philotheus were brought to trial. They were judged, tortured, interrogated in various ways, and finally condemned to death. Many times angels appeared to them in prison, giving them manna for food and filling their young hearts with strength and courage in suffering. When they were led to the place of execution, two friends approached them, Paladios and Akakios, and conversed with them. And while they were still in conversation, the holy martyrs gave up their souls to God. Then the soldiers cut off their dead heads and took them away to show the judge. They suffered for Christ the Lord around the year 313 and passed into the immortal Kingdom of Christ.