Holy Martyrs Marcian and Martyrius

Life

These saints of God were clerics under Patriarch Paul of Constantinople in the time of Emperor Constantius. After the death of the great Emperor Constantine, the Arian heresy, which until then had been suppressed, came back to life again and began to gain strength. Even Emperor Constantius himself inclined toward this heresy. At the imperial court there were two influential nobles, Eusebius and Philip, both ardent Arians. Through their influence, Patriarch Paul was deposed from his throne and banished to Armenia, where the Arians strangled him. The patriarchal throne was seized by the impious Macedonius. At that time, when Orthodoxy had to wage two fierce battles — against the pagans and against the heretics — Marcian and Martyrius committed themselves with all their strength and determination to the defense of Orthodoxy. Marcian was a reader and Martyrius a subdeacon at the cathedral church, and under Patriarch Paul they had served as the patriarch's notaries (scribes). The Arians first attempted to bribe them, but when these holy men rejected this with contempt, they condemned them to death. When they were led to the place of execution, they raised their hands and prayed to God, thanking Him for the martyr's end of their lives: "Lord, we rejoice that by such a death we depart from this life. Deem us worthy to be partakers of eternal life, Thou our Life!" Then they bowed their holy heads beneath the sword and were beheaded, in the year 355. Upon their wonder-working relics, Saint John Chrysostom later built a church in their name.

From the Hymn of Praise

Tabitha did not die never to live again,But that a miracle might be, that the world might marvel.Beside the lifeless body Peter humbly stoodAnd poured out a warm prayer to the Lord.