27 ВЕРЕСНЯ / SEP 27

Saint Callistratus was a native of Carthage. His ancestor Neochorus had served under the emperor Tiberius in Palestine, under Pontius Pilate, and witnessed the suffering, death, and glorious Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Saint Callistratus was raised by his Christian father in faith and piety. Like his father, he became a soldier and was known among his pagan comrades for his good conduct and gentle disposition.

At night, while others slept, he often remained awake in prayer. A soldier heard him invoking the Name of Jesus Christ and reported him to the military commander. Callistratus was ordered to offer sacrifice to idols, but he firmly refused. He was beaten, covered with wounds, and dragged over sharp stones, yet he remained steadfast in faith.

The saint was then sewn into a leather sack and thrown into the sea. By God’s mercy, the sack struck a rock and tore open, and Saint Callistratus reached the shore unharmed, carried by dolphins. Seeing this miracle, forty-nine soldiers believed in Christ. The military commander had them imprisoned and subjected them to further tortures.

In prison, Saint Callistratus continued to preach Christ and strengthened the soldiers for martyrdom. They were later bound and thrown into a great lake, but their bonds broke. Standing unharmed in the water, they rejoiced in their faith. Bright crowns appeared above them, and they heard a heavenly voice calling them to eternal rest.

Seeing these miracles, another 135 soldiers believed in Christ. Fearing a revolt, the commander imprisoned Saint Callistratus and his forty-nine companions again. They continued to pray and give thanks to God for the strength to endure their sufferings.

At night, by order of the commander, the martyrs were killed with swords. Their holy relics were buried by the 135 soldiers who had remained alive. Later, a church was built at the place of their martyrdom, as Saint Callistratus had foretold.