When Leo the Isaurian ascended the throne, there began great persecutions against the veneration of the holy icons. The depictions of the saints of the Church were regarded as idols, leading to a distortion of doctrine and the outbreak of fierce disputes. The emperor ordered the destruction of the holy icons, while those who did not share his views were exiled and subjected to torture.
Among them, there was the Patriarch of Constantinople, Germanus, who was forced to leave his position. In his place, the heretic Anastasius was appointed. Many other Christians also rose up, defended the true doctrine, and bore witness for their faith in Christ.
At the Chalke Gate in Constantinople there stood an icon of the Savior. When the emperor and the new patriarch ordered its removal, the people, enraged, reacted by killing the soldiers who attempted to carry out the command. In response, the emperor sent troops, who executed many of the faithful.
Among them, there were the noble defenders of the icons: Julian, Marcian, John, Jacob, Alexios, Demetrios, Photios, Peter, Leontios, and Maria the Patrician.
The saints were imprisoned for eighty days and endured severe tortures. Most were executed by sword, while Maria the Patrician was beheaded. Their bodies were cast into the sea. The venerable Theodosia, a nun clothed in black, also suffered martyrdom with them.
Their memory is commemorated on August 9.
