During the reign of Licinius, a cruel persecutor of Christians, Saint Ermil, a deacon, was captured and subjected to torture for his faith. He boldly confessed himself to be a Christian and rejected the worship of idols, for which he endured severe tortures, yet he did not lose courage, relying on God. After three days in prison, where an angel strengthened him, Ermil again stood before the king, refusing to offer sacrifices to idols.
The saint endured many sufferings, including beatings and stretching, but continued to pray and glorify God. His friend, Stratonik, a secret Christian, could not hold back his tears upon seeing Ermil's suffering, and was also captured for his faith. Both martyrs were sentenced to death by drowning in the river Ister.
On the way to the river, they joyfully sang, and, being thrown into the water, they accepted their martyr's end. Their holy bodies were found by the faithful and honorably buried near the city of Singidunum. They shared not only sufferings but also glory in heaven, receiving crowns of righteousness from the Lord.
