40 Holy Martyrs of Sebaste – The icy testimony of love for Christ

Today, March 22 (according to the new calendar), the Serbian Orthodox Church commemorates the Forty Holy Martyrs of Sebaste —one of the most powerful and moving stories in our tradition. Their martyrdom, like no other, represents loyalty, sacrifice, and unwavering faith in the midst of the greatest trials.

The Thunder Legion and the Call to Witness

The Holy 40 were soldiers of the Roman Legio XII Fulminata – the "Legion of Thunder" – in the service of Emperor Licinius. In 320 AD, the order was issued that all soldiers were to sacrifice to the emperor and the pagan idols. Forty of these men, however, openly confessed: "We are Christians!"

They knew what lay ahead. But their answer was clear: They would rather face their earthly death than deny their Lord.

The Martyrdom on Lake Sebaste

As punishment, they were sent naked onto a frozen lake near Sebaste (present-day Sivas, Turkey) in the dead of night, under guard. A heated bath was within sight, ready to receive those who would deny their faith.

One staggered. He left his brothers and ran to the warm bath – but as soon as he stepped in, he collapsed dead. His body could no longer bear it, and his soul lost the crown of life.

But then something unexpected happened: One of the Roman guards, shaken by the steadfastness of the remaining 39, publicly confessed his faith in Christ, undressed, and voluntarily joined them on the ice. Thus, the number was completed again: Forty martyrs – forty crowns.

The victory of faith

The next morning, the bodies of the saints were burned. But their relics, secretly preserved by believers, soon spread throughout the Orthodox world. The Church honored them not only as martyrs, but as true victors—not of the sword, but of the spirit.

St. Basil the Great composed a sermon in her memory, praising her as a shining example for all Christians. Many Serbian Orthodox monasteries still venerate relics of this saint today.

Why we remember them today

March 22nd is the middle of Great Lent —and that's no coincidence. Her martyrdom is like a mirror for our Lenten journey:

They were tested – just as we are tested during Lent.

They persevered – as we too should persevere, in prayer, in renunciation, in love.

They not only died physically, but lived for Christ – and that is precisely the meaning of every fast.

They remind us that we too need steadfastness in our daily lives: at work, in the family, in our loyalty to the Church, to our values, to God.