Holy Martyr Callistratus of Carthage and His Companions: Gymnasius, Dalmatus, Heliodorus, Domentianus, and Others (†304) — September 27 / October 10 (Julian Calendar)

On this day, September 27 according to the Julian Calendar (October 10 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates holy Martyr Callistratus of Carthage and His Companions: Gymnasius, Dalmatus, Heliodorus, Domentianus, and Others (†304).

The holy martyr Callistratus was born in the city of Carthage. His grandfather, Neoscorus, served in the military detachment under Pontius Pilate, procurator of Judea, in the days of the Emperor Tiberius (14–37). There, as the ancient text says, he was an eyewitness of the Passion of Christ, a hearer of His Resurrection, and a witness of the wonders that were accomplished at that time.

Callistratus’ father confessed the Christian faith and raised his son in faith and godliness. Like his grandfather and father, Callistratus was a soldier, and among his comrades he stood out for his goodness and humility. At night, when everyone else was asleep, he would rise as usual to pray. Soon the saint was denounced to his commander, who summoned the chosen one of the Lord and demanded that he offer sacrifice to the idols. He received a firm refusal. Callistratus was cruelly tortured, but they could not bend him; then he was sewn into a leather sack and thrown into the sea. By God’s providence the sack caught on a crevice of an underwater rock and tore open, and the saint was freed. Two dolphins brought him to the shore.

Witnessing this miracle, forty-eight soldiers believed in Christ. By order of the commander, all the newly converted were shut up in prison together with Saint Callistratus. There the chosen one of the Lord continued to preach the word of God and to strengthen his fellow strugglers in the faith. When the soldiers were brought again before the authorities, they firmly confessed the Savior, after which their hands and feet were bound and they were thrown into a river. Blessed Callistratus fervently besought the Lord that these waters might become the waters of baptism for the martyrs. And a wonder worthy of astonishment was wrought upon them: their bonds were loosed, and they stood in the water with radiant faces and radiant garments. A shining crown was set on Callistratus’ head, and a voice was heard from heaven: “Fear not, Callistratus; be courageous, you and your flock. Come from now on and rest in the eternal dwellings.” At that moment the earth shook, a nearby pagan temple collapsed, and the idols within it were shattered.

This miracle converted another one hundred and thirty-five soldiers to the true faith. The commander, alarmed at the unrest that might arise in the army, did not proceed to judge them, but shut Callistratus and his company in prison once more. There the saints prayed fervently and gave thanks to God, the Creator of all, who granted them strength to endure their torments. In the night the executioners cut the martyrs limb from limb with swords. The one hundred and thirty-five newly converted soldiers who remained alive reverently committed the holy relics of those who had pleased the Lord to the earth. Afterwards a splendid church was built at the place of the blessed ones’ martyrdom, and in the prison was found a book in which were written the teachings and instructions of the holy martyr.