During the reign of the Emperor Julian, there began fierce persecutions against Christians. Saint Emilian lived at that time in his native city of Dorostolon in Thracian Moesia, where he was a slave to a harsh and fanatical pagan.
When his master learned of the saint’s deep faith, he attempted to persuade him to worship the pagan gods. After many efforts, he became enraged, insulted him, and had him brutally beaten. However, punishments and threats only strengthened the saint’s courage and faith, so that he began to destroy the idols and the pagan temples.
When his master learned of these actions, he hastened to denounce him, demanding his immediate punishment. Saint Emilian was arrested and boldly confessed his faith. Enraged, the governor ordered that he be tortured.
He humbly endured every hardship, glorifying the true God and asking for His support. Finally, he was thrown onto the fire. Although it could not harm his body, the saint peacefully surrendered his soul to the Lord.
He was buried with great honor by the Christians, while later, after the persecutions had ended, a church was built in his memory. Saint Emilian became a martyr on 18 July 363.
