By Bishop Gregorios of Mesaoria
Today, the Church of Cyprus celebrates the memory of Saint Eustathius, Patriarch of Constantinople, who lived in the early 11th century AD, the Holy Martyrs Eusebius, Charalambis and Christina, who were martyred in the fire, and the Holy Martyr Ermias.
Saint Ermias was a virtuous military officer serving in Comana of Cappadocia, round about the middle of 2nd century AD. His courage, bravery and honesty were recognized by his fellow citizens, as well as his great services to the Roman army.
However, when the emperor Marcus Aurelius learned that Ermias was a Christian, through the local ruler Sebastian, with scant regard for his advanced age, he sought to make him reject his faith. In order to make him reject his faith, the emperor told him to offer sacrifice to idols. Saint Ermias denied the suggestion while responding that it would be foolish to let go of the light, and follow voluntarily the darkness.
The tortures he had gone through could not break his faith with God. Not even the fire in which he had been thrown left him intact. Eventually he was beheaded, worthy of the wreath of martyrdom and the honor of the Saints of God.
Saint Ermias is the example for all those who martyred for their faith, by word and deed, and are members of our Christian national army.
SOURCE: Archdiocese of Cyprus
