Mount Athos weathered lithography (icon) of Saint Smaragdus the Martyr in pine wood with carved decoration.

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

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

Apolytikion of 40 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.