During the reign of the Roman Emperor Decius, the Church endured fierce persecutions. Many Christians, including members of the clergy, were forced into hiding. When the emperor arrived in Ephesus, he ordered everyone to offer sacrifices to the idols. His soldiers began searching for Christians who refused to obey his commands. Some, fearing torture, renounced their faith, while many others suffered for Christ with great courage.
Among those who remained steadfast there were seven young men: Maximilian, Iamblichus, Martinian, Dionysius, Antoninus (or John), Constantine, and Exacustodianus. Witnessing the sufferings of their fellow believers, they refused to take part in the pagan festivals and sought refuge in the church. Therefore, they were reported to the emperor, who ordered their arrest. Seeing their youth and beauty, he initially decided not to execute them. Instead, he gave them time to reconsider and deny their faith in Christ.
Making use of the time granted to them, the young men distributed their gold and silver to the poor and then hid in a cave to the east of the city. There, knowing the tortures that awaited them, they prayed to the Lord to grant them strength and steadfast faith. While praying, they fell asleep. When the emperor again ordered their arrest, the entrance to the cave had been sealed with stones.
Many years later, during the reign of Emperor Theodosius I, some laborers accidentally discovered the place. The saints, still young in appearance, awoke without any awareness of the time that had passed. Looking toward the city, which seemed changed, they realized that a miracle had taken place.
Iamblichus set out toward Ephesus. However, along the way he was detained because of an ancient silver coin he was carrying. He was brought before the governor and the bishop, who, upon hearing his story, decided to go to the cave. There they found the other young men, who, just as before, were radiant with youthful beauty and divine grace.
Emperor Theodosius recognized the miracle. He spoke with the saints and glorified God for their rising. When they fell asleep once more, he ordered that they be left in peace, as they had requested.
The Church celebrates their memory on August 4.
