In the sixteenth year of the reign of Diocletian, the holy patriarch Hermon sent bishops, among whom were Ephraim and Basil, to Cherson, where they preached Christ. Saint Ephraim, leaving Saint Basil, went to the Scythians and was beheaded on March 7. Saint Basil, rebuking the unbelievers, was exiled and died a martyr's death on the same day, after being cruelly beaten and led to the place of execution.
The body of Saint Basil was left for the dogs to eat, but it was miraculously preserved. Later, the disciples of Saint Basil found three bishops: Eugene, Elpidios, and Agapetos, who also suffered for the faith in Cherson a year after Saint Basil, on the same day.
Several years later, Bishop Epherios came to Cherson and, having received permission from Emperor Constantine, returned to strengthen the Christians. He died on March 7, just like the previous martyrs. He was succeeded by Saint Kapiton, who performed a miracle by entering a fiery furnace and remained unharmed, which led to a mass conversion of the people to Christianity.
Saint Kapiton was later killed by the unbelievers, and his martyr's death occurred on December 21, but his memory is celebrated with the other holy martyrs on March 7. All seven bishops, like seven angels, stand before the Holy Trinity, glorifying God forever. Amen.
