Holy Martyr Emilianus of Dorostolum — July 18 / July 31 (Julian Calendar)

On this day, July 18 according to the Julian Calendar (July 31 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates the Holy Martyr Emilianus (Emilian), who suffered for Christ during the reign of the Emperor Julian the Apostate (361–363).

The Emperor Julian sought to restore paganism throughout the Roman Empire and issued orders throughout the provinces to persecute Christians and destroy their churches. It was in this dark time that the Holy Martyr Emilianus — a young man from the city of Dorostolum in Moesia (modern Bulgaria) — courageously confessed his faith.

When pagan sacrifices were being performed in the city’s temples, Emilianus entered the temple and overturned the idols and altar of sacrifices. He was immediately seized by the crowd and brought before the city’s governor, who ordered him tortured. The holy martyr endured all his sufferings with great courage and faith.

He was then sentenced to death by fire and was burned alive. As the flames rose around him, Emilianus prayed with thanksgiving to God, and so reposed in the Lord in peace. He is venerated as a martyr by the entire Orthodox Church.