Brief introduction
The Romans worshipped many gods and regarded participation in the public religious ceremonies of the empire as an expression of loyalty to the Roman state.
Christians, however, worshipped Christ alone. They proclaimed: “One is holy, one is Lord: Jesus Christ.” For this reason, they refused to offer sacrifices to the pagan gods or to participate in rites that contradicted their faith.
The Roman authorities often interpreted this refusal as an act of disloyalty. Christians were therefore accused, persecuted, tortured, and sometimes put to death. Rome itself became the setting of many such persecutions and martyrdoms.
Eustathius and his entire family were Christians. They were now on their way to Rome, where they would face their final trial.
He refuses to worship the pagan Gods
At the entrance to Rome, General Eustathius was warmly received by Emperor Hadrian and a great crowd of citizens.
The Romans wished to celebrate the army’s victory by offering sacrifices to their gods. Eustathius wore the splendid uniform of a Roman general and rode through the city in a magnificent chariot while thousands of people cheered and applauded.
When the time came to enter the pagan temple and offer sacrifice, however, Eustathius stepped down from his chariot and refused to take part.
His action astonished everyone.
The Emperor asked him:
“Why do you refuse to worship our gods?”
Eustathius replied:
“There is only one true God: Jesus Christ.”
“You are a general of Rome,” the Emperor said, “and yet you do not believe in the gods of Rome?”
“I have already told you,” Eustathius answered. “I worship the one true God.”
“You are ungrateful!” the Emperor declared. “You refuse to honor the gods who helped you defeat your enemies!”
But Eustathius replied:
“How can a rational man worship gods fashioned by human hands? I have no need of such gods.”
The Emperor then threatened him:
“If you do not offer sacrifice, I will strip you of your rank and reduce you to the condition of a common soldier.”
“You may even put me to death,” Eustathius answered, “but I will not deny Christ.”
The Emperor then threatened to execute not only Eustathius but also his wife and children.
Eustathius and his family remained steadfast. Together they declared:
“Do with us whatever you will. We worship Christ alone!”
They were taken away, tortured, and mocked because they would not renounce their faith.
According to the Synaxarion, a hungry lion was then released against them. Instead of attacking them, however, the lion bowed before the holy family and returned peacefully to its cage.
The beast did not harm the servants of God, but the Emperor continued to seek their death.
The crown of Martyrdom
The Emperor ordered that Eustathius, his wife Theopiste, and their sons Agapius and Theopistus be placed inside a bronze bull heated by fire.
Before entering it, the members of the holy family embraced one another and prayed. United in faith and love, they entrusted their souls to their Lord, Jesus Christ.
Three days later, the soldiers opened the bronze vessel in order to recover their remains. They were astonished to discover that the bodies of the martyrs had been preserved unharmed by the fire. Not even a single hair had been burned.
Before their martyrdom, the members of the holy family had prayed that they might remain together even in death and be buried in a single tomb. Their request was granted.
When those who had gathered to witness their execution saw what had happened, they cried out:
“Great is the God of the Christians!”
Many were filled with amazement, although not all had the courage to embrace the Christian faith.
The Christians reverently collected the holy relics of the martyrs and buried them together, according to the family’s final request.
The Church commemorates the Holy Great Martyr Eustathius, his wife Theopiste, and their sons Agapius and Theopistus on September 20. Their steadfast faith, their unity as a family, and their willingness to remain faithful to Christ even unto death continue to inspire Christians throughout the world.
Main source for the entire series of articles on Saint Eustathius the Great Martyr: The Great Synaxaristes of the Orthodox Church, Vol. IX, September 20: “The Life of the Holy Great Martyr Eustathius and His Companions: His Wife Theopiste and His Sons Agapius and Theopistus.”
Next in this series: Christian Martyrdom and Terrorism: An Unbridgeable Difference.
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