Saint Mary Ukrainian Orthodox Church

The Holy Forty Martyrs of Sebaste were Roman soldiers of the Twelfth Thundering Legion, stationed in Armenia under Emperor Licinius. They were not rebels or cowards. They were seasoned warriors: men who had bled for their commanders, stood watch for their people, and fought shoulder to shoulder for the good of the empire.

With St. Constantine the Great, Licinius had previously held that all were free to follow the religion of their choice. Around 320 he abandoned these principles and demanded everyone worship state idols. The Forty Martyrs, who had bravely fought for Licinius, would not surrender the Truth. They held to Christ and what is eternally right.

The night was bitterly cold. The commanders ordered the forty who would not deny their faith be thrown into a freezing lake to die. They put a warm bathhouse on shore, glowing with the promise of survival if they would only deny Christ. One man broke. As he entered the bathhouse he collapsed and died.

One of the guards, who had been ordered to keep them in the icey water, saw their faith. He saw the true courage of men willing to die for the Truth. In that moment of clarity he removed his armor, confessed Christ, and entered the waters to die with them. The number held at forty. The few who survived the night were pulled from the freezing water and burned, their ashes thrown into the water.

This is what loyalty looks like: true loyalty that is forged in Eternal Truth. This is honor, courage, and commitment that no earthly leader can destroy.

We’ve been thrown into the freezing waters of moral confusion, spiritual apathy, and relentless pressure, sometimes from within the very ranks sworn to uphold our liberty of conscience. Orders without understanding. Opposition where there should be blessing. Betrayal instead of loyalty. We are offered a warm bathhouse, its door open to those willing to trade their faith for acceptance. But death awaits in that bathhouse.

Remember, brothers and sisters: you do not stand alone in these waters. We stand together with the Forty as one fellowship, supporting each other through prayer, counsel, and, when needed, rightful action. Our weapons are Truth, persistence, and the very regulations that protect our sacred right to worship.

The race is set before us. Stand firm. The King of Glory waits. Through the prayers of the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste, may we endure in the Holy Orthodox Faith as they endured.

Welcome to the Fellowship of the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste.