The Holy Martyr Emilian, a Slav who lived during the reign of Emperor Julian the Apostate (361–363), suffered greatly for his Christian faith. Julian sought to revive pagan worship throughout the Roman Empire and issued a decree that those who refused to honor the pagan gods would face death. Emilian lived in the city of Dorostolum on the Danube River and was secretly a Christian while serving as a slave to a harsh pagan master. According to some accounts, Emilian was the son of a local officer named Sabbatianus, who reacted with rage and violence upon learning of his son's faith. Despite threats and severe punishment, Emilian's devotion to Christ only grew stronger.

Moved by his faith, Emilian entered a pagan temple and destroyed its idols, an act that enraged the townspeople. When an innocent passerby was mistaken for the vandal and attacked, Emilian courageously stepped forward, admitting responsibility. He was arrested and brought before the governor, Capitolinus, where he steadfastly refused to renounce Christ, declaring, “He is my Lord, and I will never deny Him.” He was brutally beaten and condemned to be burned alive, but the flames did not harm him—instead, they consumed some of the surrounding pagans. After the fire died down, Emilian peacefully laid himself on the embers and gave his soul to God. The wife of the pagan ruler, herself a secret Christian, gathered his relics and buried them. In time, a church in Constantinople was built in his honor, where his relics were enshrined.

Troparion — Tone 4

Holy martyr Emilian, / you defended the Church against the idolatry of the pagans. / Because of your faith in Christ, / you were martyred by fire and through a glorious death received your crown. / Pray to Christ God that He may grant us great mercy.

Kontakion — Tone 3

You did not fear the fire, your fellow-servant, / for you were enflamed with divine zeal. / You willingly entered the flames, unconsumed by the fury, / offering yourself in sacrifice to the Lord. / Glorious martyr Emilian, entreat Christ God to grant us His great mercy.