The memory of the holy martyr Eutychus

Saint Eutychius was originally from the city of Sevastopol [Sevastopol (or Sevastia) is the name of several cities in antiquity; which Sevastopol is understood in this case, <unk> unknown.]

When he heard the good news of Christ, he left his parents and friends and went to his beloved disciple and Apostle John the Theologian [Memory of him 26 September and 8 May]; everywhere following him and imitating his life, Saint Eutychus learned from him the wisdom of God and drew from him, as from a source, the grace of God.

When he met the holy Apostle Paul [His memory on June 29], Eutychus became his companion and labored much with him, preaching the Gospel and courageously enduring all hardships; therefore, this holy Eutychus is considered a disciple of both the Evangelist John the Theologian and the holy Apostle Paul.

This Eutychus is also numbered among the least of the Apostles, and is called an Apostle, though he is not found among the seventy; for he is worthy of the title of Apostle, because he labored with the elders of the Apostles in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, and also because these elders of the Apostles appointed him to be bishop for the ministry of the word (preaching) and offering sacrifice, and finally because with the preaching of the name of Christ he passed away.

Many nations and not only with the other apostles, but one.

Yet he preached the good news not alone, for he was always with the angels who strengthened him and showed him in advance everything that was going to happen to him.

When St. Eutychus was imprisoned and starved for a long time, bread was sent to him from heaven, brought by an invisible hand, and after tasting it, the Apostle of Christ was so strengthened that he thought all the tortures he had been subjected to were nothing.

And when he was hanged naked on a torture stake, and was tormented with iron tools, the fragrance of his blood gushed forth from his clean body, and the air was filled with the fragrance of his blood.

The holy man was also given to be devoured by the beasts, but they became meek like sheep at his sight; but what was most remarkable was that the lion, released upon him, spoke with a human voice, and glorified to all hearing the greatness of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and greatly amazed and even terrified all who beheld the scene.

But what is marvelous? He who was able to open the mouth of Balaam's donkey (Numbers 22:28-31) so that it spoke in human language, could not he open the mouth of a lion, so that it spoke in human language, to rebuke and shame the ungodly and to glorify his almighty power?

As for how the holy Apostle Eutychius ended his feat, it is known that he was brought bound from Ephesus to his homeland Sevastopol and died there.

Eutychus, the chief of the apostles, and the most beautiful of the saints, was martyred and became famous, shining like the sun, illuminating all, and breaking the deep night of ungodliness.