Commemorated on October 25

Marcian and Martyrius were two Christians who participated in the works of the Constantinople Cathedral. Marcian was a chanter during service as well as a reader of the epistle and Martyrius was a subdeacon. 

At this time, they were serving under Saint Paul the Confessor who was Patriarch of Constantinople. Heretics sought after power and they killed Paul in secret, then replaced him with the Arian Macedonius.

They slyly tried to offer gold to Marcian and Martyrius and promised them positions as archbishops. The two confessors did not give in to the heretics as they stood firm to the true doctrine of the faith. The heretics took away their offer of bribe and replaced it with threats of death and slander.

They still abided by the true dogmas of the Orthodox faith, speaking out that it is vital we carry on the wisdom of our early fathers. The heretics resorted to manipulating the emperor and both Marcian and Martyrius were condemned to death. Before death they made known, that they were honored to give their lives for Christ.

They asked God to have mercy on them and to know they were faithful and loyal servants of Jesus Christ. 

Other pious Orthodox Christians then took their bodies and buried them properly. 

When St. John Chrysostom was made Patriarch of Constantinople, he ordered that their bodies were retrieved and their relics placed in a church made in their honor. From that moment, many who were sickly were healed from their holy relics as well as demons being cast out from those who were suffering.

 Glory be unto God for their steadfast love of Christ! 

Troparion & Kontakion

Troparion — Tone 3

In holy zeal you dispelled the error of Arius / and proclaimed the Trinity, one in essence. / Holy martyrs Marcian and Martyrius, / unshaken bulwarks of Orthodoxy, / entreat Christ our God to grant us His great mercy.

Kontakion — Tone 4

(Podoben: “As You were voluntarily raised…”)
From your youth you were good athletes, wise Marcian and Martyrius, / vanquishing the Arian heretics; / you kept the faith perfect by following in the footsteps of your bishop and teacher Paul, / therefore, you are worthy to be with him in eternal life, / as respected defenders of the Holy Trinity.