In 166 B.C., under the oppressive rule of the Syrian king Antiochus IV Epiphanes, seven Jewish brothers—Abim, Antonius, Gurias, Eleazar, Eusebonus, Alimus, and Marcellus—along with their mother Solomonia and teacher Eleazar, suffered martyrdom for refusing to abandon their faith and obey pagan customs. Antiochus, who desecrated the Temple and demanded worship of Greek gods, tried to force them to eat forbidden food. The elderly Eleazar was first tortured and killed in Jerusalem for his steadfastness to the Law of Moses. His students, the seven Maccabee brothers, were then arrested and brought to trial in Antioch. One by one, they endured brutal tortures, including mutilation and being thrown into a frying pan, rather than break God's commandments.

The youngest brother was the last to die, encouraged by his mother Solomonia to remain faithful even in the face of death. After witnessing the martyrdom of all her sons, she prayed over their bodies and died as well. Their sacrifice later inspired Judas Maccabeus to lead a revolt against Antiochus, ultimately reclaiming and purifying the desecrated Temple. Their story is recounted in the Second Book of Maccabees (Ch. 8–10), and their courage was honored by early Church Fathers like Saints Cyprian, Ambrose, Gregory Nazianzus, and John Chrysostom.

Troparion — Tone 7

Let us praise the seven Maccabees, / with their mother Salome and their teacher Eleazar; / they were splendid in lawful contest / as guardians of the teachings of the Law. / Now as Christ’s holy martyrs they ceaselessly intercede for the world.

Kontakion — Tone 2

Seven pillars of the Wisdom of God / and seven lampstands of the divine Light, / all-wise Maccabees, greatest of the martyrs before the time of the martyrs, / with them ask the God of all to save those who honor you