The life of Eustratius, Auxentius, Eugene and companions
His comrade Eugene declared himself a Christian at the sight of Eustratius's suffering, as did the priest Auxentius, already held in prison. When the men were led through the town, Mardarius, an ordinary citizen, saw them from his rooftop, took leave of his wife and children, and joined them in confession. The young soldier Orestes was exposed as a Christian when a cross he wore hidden beneath his clothing slipped into view during weapons drill.
Auxentius was beheaded, and Eugene and Mardarius died under torture. Orestes and Eustratius were sent on to another governor, Agricolaus, and were put to death by fire, Orestes on a heated grate and Eustratius in a furnace. A prayer of thanksgiving attributed to Eustratius as he went to his death is still read at the Saturday Midnight Office. Their relics were later brought to Constantinople and placed in a church built in their honor.
