Holy Martyrs Macrobius and Gordian (4th Century); Holy Martyrs Elias, Zoticus, Lucian and Valerian (†320) — September 13 / September 26 (Julian Calendar)

On this day, September 13 according to the Julian Calendar (September 26 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates Holy Martyrs Macrobius and Gordian (4th Century); Holy Martyrs Elias, Zoticus, Lucian and Valerian (†320).

The Holy Martyrs Gordian, Macrobius, Elias, Zoticus, Lucian and Valerian suffered in Paphlagonia (Asia Minor) during the reign of Emperor Licinius (307–324). They served at the imperial court and, because of their outstanding beauty and valour, enjoyed the emperor’s special favour. Later, for boldly confessing Christianity, the martyrs were exiled to Scythia, where they met Zoticus, Lucian and Elias, faithful servants of the Lord. Gordian and Macrobius were the first to die for Christ. After them, around the year 320, Elias, Zoticus, Lucian and Valerian suffered martyrdom. According to one account, Valerian gave up his soul in sorrow and weeping beside the bodies of the martyrs.