During the war between the Greek Emperor Theophilus and the Saracens, the city of Amorium fell due to the betrayal of the military leader Vaditzius. Forty-two defenders of the city were captured and sent to Syria. For seven years, they were tried to be forced to renounce their Christian faith, but they steadfastly endured all trials. In the end, they were sentenced to death. The warrior Theodore, despite the threats, confidently declared that he would not renounce Christ. All the condemned calmly approached the executioners and were beheaded, and their bodies were thrown into the Euphrates River. The saints martyrs are glorified: Theodore, Callistus, Constantine, Theophilus, and Basil.
The traitor Vaditzius did not escape a disgraceful fate and was killed by enemies.
