09/20/2026 – Життя Святих / Lives of the Saints
Св. вмч. Євстатія і тих, що з ним / Greatmartyr Eustáthios Placidas, with his wife and children
The Synaxarion (Lives of the Saints):
Before his Baptism, the Holy Great Martyr Eustáthios was named Plakidas. He was a Roman General during the reigns of Emperors Titus and Trajan. Although he was still a pagan, he was known for his generosity and care for the poor. Because of his good deeds, God called him from idolatry to the true Faith.
One day, while hunting, Plakidas saw a remarkable stag. Between its antlers he saw a radiant Cross and heard the voice of Christ: “Why do you pursue me, Plakidas?”
Plakidas told his wife Tatiana what had happened. She then told him of a dream in which she had been told that they would come to know the true God. They went to a Christian bishop, who baptized the family. Plakidas became Eustáthios, his wife Theopistē, and their sons Agapios and Theopistos.
The Lord then warned Saint Eustáthios that he would suffer many trials, like Job, but would overcome the devil. Soon he lost his servants, cattle, and possessions. He and his family left their home and lived in poverty.
While traveling to Jerusalem, the ship’s owner separated Eustáthios from his wife. Later, while crossing a river with his sons, one child was carried away by a lion and the other by a wolf. Although heartbroken, Saint Eustáthios trusted in God.
For five years he lived humbly in a village, unaware that his sons had been rescued and were living nearby. His wife had also remained safe. Emperor Trajan then ordered soldiers to search for him.
Eustáthios was eventually found and restored to his military rank in Rome. By God’s providence, his two sons became soldiers under his command without knowing their father. After sharing their stories, they realized they were brothers. Their mother recognized them as her sons, and the family was reunited after many long years.
After a Roman victory, Emperor Hadrian ordered a pagan sacrifice. Saint Eustáthios refused and boldly confessed Christ. They remained faithful.
The holy family was thrown to wild beasts, but the animals did not harm them. Then they were placed alive inside a red-hot brass bull. After three days, the bodies of Saint Eustáthios, his wife Theopistē, and their sons were found completely unharmed. He prayed that God would receive them into His Kingdom and help those who called upon them in danger.