On this day, June 24 according to the Julian Calendar (July 7 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates the Holy Martyr Brothers — the Seven: Orentius, Pharnacius, Eros, Firmos, Firmin, Cyricus, and Longinus the Soldier (IV century).
The holy martyrs, the seven brothers — Orentius, Pharnacius, Eros, Firmos, Firmin, Cyricus, and Longinus — were Roman soldiers serving in the imperial army. During the reign of the Emperor Maximian (284–305), the Scythians attacked the Greeks. Orentius was ordered to fight against the Scythian leader Maroth, who was known for his astonishing physical strength. This brave and mighty soldier, together with his six brothers, put his hope in Christ, and once again sought God’s help. He defeated the previously undefeated Scythian chieftain, and this victory decided the outcome of the battle — the Scythians were put to flight.
The emperor prepared to offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving to the pagan gods, and summoned the victorious Orentius to join in. The holy man refused to participate in the sacrifice and boldly confessed that he believed in Christ God and served Him alone. Neither promises of honor and riches nor threats could break the confessor’s resolve. The cruel and ungrateful ruler then commanded that he and his brothers be exiled to the Caucasus.
During the journey, all of them died one by one: first, on June 22, Eros reposed at Paremvol; then Orentius yielded his soul to the Lord — a millstone was tied around his neck and he was thrown into the sea. The Archangel Raphael brought him to the shores of the city of Rize, where he reposed. Pharnacius died on July 3 at Cordyl; the holy Firmos and Firmin on July 7, at Aspar on the eastern coast of the Black Sea; the holy Cyricus at Ziganeia on July 14. The seventh brother, Longinus, gave up his spirit on a ship. A storm drove the vessel to the shores of the city of Bichvinta, and the saint’s remains were buried there.
May the intercessions of the Holy Martyr Brothers — Orentius, Pharnacius, Eros, Firmos, Firmin, Cyricus and Longinus — be with us all.