Mount Athos weathered lithography (icon) of the Holy Forty Martyrs of Sebaste in pine wood with carved decoration.

The Holy Forty Martyrs martyred in Sebastia of Asia Minor. These Saints were select soldiers of Licinius. When Licinius began a persecution against the Christians, he demanded that his soldiers embrace the idols. However, they refused, as a result of which they were arrested by the prefect Agricola and suffered horrible tortures. Eventually, they were thrown into a frozen lake where they were martyred.

The year 438 AD Empress Pulcheria found the relics of the Saints hidden in the temple of Saint Thyrsus and built a temple in their memory. The Forty Martyrs who martyred in Sebastia are celebrated by the Orthodox Christian Church on March 9 of each year.

Apolytikion of the Holy Forty Martyrs of Sebastia

First Tone

Be entreated, O Lord, by the sufferings endured for You by the Saints, and we pray You, heal all our pain.