Once again, we see the truth of the Apostle Paul’s words: “All things work together for good to those who love God” (Romans 8:28).
General Eustathius camped outside Beirut. From the entire army, he chose two soldiers whom he considered capable and trustworthy to serve in his tent. Those he selected were, unknowingly, his own two sons.
It is important to emphasize that the soldiers did not know they were brothers, nor did their father realize that the young men serving beside him were his children.
One afternoon, while the general was resting outside his tent, a woman suddenly approached him. She cried out:
“Do you not recognize me? I am Theopiste—your wife!”
What had happened?
The captain had fallen seriously ill soon after arriving in Beirut. After a few days, he died. Before his death, he sincerely apologized to Theopiste and asked for her forgiveness. He left her his house as an inheritance, and she remained there, living a life of prayer and asceticism.
Theopiste then asked Eustathius:
“What about our children? Where are they?”
“I lost them,” he replied.
Meanwhile, the two young soldiers—brothers without knowing it—served side by side in the general’s camp. Yet they had no opportunity to speak about their past or discover their relationship.
Shortly before the army was to depart for Rome in triumph, the two soldiers finally found a moment to talk. As they shared their life stories, they were astonished by the remarkable similarities in their experiences.
Unbeknownst to them, Theopiste was listening nearby, hidden behind the tent. Overcome with emotion, she suddenly ran forward and embraced them both.
At that moment, Eustathius also overheard the conversation and was overcome with amazement and joy.
Thus, in a moment of overwhelming joy, the entire family was reunited.
The army, led by General Eustathius, returned victoriously to Rome. Yet their return would ultimately lead Saint Eustathius and his entire family to martyrdom.
Next in this series: Saint Eustathius and His Family: The Path to Martyrdom
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