Holy Great Martyr Eustathius

Saint Eustathius, Placidus, a was a charitable pagan who helped the poor. While hunting, he saw Christ crucified between a stag’s antlers and heard Him call him to faith. He was baptized with his wife Theopistia and their sons. Christ foretold that Eustathius would be tested like Job. Soon he lost his servants and possessions, his wife was taken by a shipowner, and his sons were carried away by a lion and wolf. Remaining faithful, he lived humbly. Emperor Trajan recalled him to command the army. By God’s providence, Eustathius served with his sons, while his wife was found, and the family reunited. After victory, Emperor Adrian demanded pagan sacrifice, but Eustathius confessed Christ and refused. He and his family were condemned. Wild beasts spared them, so they were cast into a red-hot bronze ox. After three days, their bodies were found unharmed, and many witnesses believed in Christ.