Synaxarium – Nehasse 20 / August 26
Reading/Verbal Learners
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, one God, Amen
✦ On this radiant day, the Church remembers with love and honor Abba Salama the Interpreter and also commemorates the holy Saint Hizawi (Hizaku).
✦ Salutation to Salama, the wise teacher.
✦ Salutation to James, the Pure and steadfast.
But today’s remembrance carries an even greater wonder—the story of the Seven Holy Sleepers of Ephesus, a miracle so breathtaking that it silenced doubt and strengthened faith for generations.
Long ago, during the cruel reign of Emperor Decius, seven faithful young soldiers served in his army. Though they wore the emperor’s armor, their hearts belonged to Christ.
When Decius demanded worship of lifeless idols, whispers of their faith reached his ears. Furious, he imprisoned them. Yet, before leaving on a journey, Decius released them—imagining they would abandon their devotion in his absence.
But instead of bowing to idols, the seven sought refuge. High upon a mountain near Ephesus, they discovered a cave. With prayerful courage, they sealed its entrance, laid down, and entrusted themselves to God’s care. In their pockets lay silver coins stamped with the face of Decius, a chilling reminder of the world they had left behind.
One by one, they drifted into a mysterious, holy sleep. Days turned into months, months into years…until 372 years had passed.
By then, Decius was long gone, and emperors had risen and fallen. The world had changed—crosses now crowned the city gates, and the Name of Christ was openly praised. It was the reign of Emperor Theodosius.
God, in His wisdom, chose this moment to answer a burning debate in the city: Is there truly a resurrection of the dead?
The seven awoke as if from a single night’s rest. Unaware of the centuries that had slipped away, they sent one among them to purchase bread.
As he walked through the bustling streets of Ephesus, his heart pounded. Something was different. The symbols, the words on people’s lips—it was all transformed. He asked, bewildered, “Is this not Ephesus?”
When he offered his ancient coin at the market, the merchant’s eyes widened. “This bears the mark of Decius! Where did you find this buried treasure?” Crowds gathered, voices rose, and confusion spread like wildfire.
Soon, news reached Bishop Abba Theodore and Emperor Theodosius himself.
The young man stood before them and told his tale:
“We were seven men, soldiers under Decius. To escape idolatry, we hid in a cave. We closed its mouth and lay down…and slept. And behold, my six companions still rest there.”
Intrigued, the emperor, the bishop, and a multitude of people hurried to the cave. There they found the others, alive and holy, along with a brass tablet recording their story from the days of Decius.
The crowd gasped, many falling to their knees in awe. At last, the doubters believed: the resurrection is real. God had shown it with living proof.
After sharing their witness, the seven lay down once more, this time surrendering their souls into the hands of their Creator.
The emperor, filled with reverence, placed their blessed bodies in golden coffins wrapped with silk. And through their relics, miracles and wonders poured forth.
Their names remain a crown of memory:
Maximanus, Tamukigros, Mardimus, John, Constantine, Antonius, and Dionysius.
✦ Salutation to the Seven Holy Brethren, lights of faith and courage.
Glory be to God, Who is wondrous in His Saints. Amen.
Auditory/Aural Learners
Visual/Spatial Learners
