Hieromartyr
Emilian and with him Martyrs Hilarion, Dionysius, and Hermippus
Hieromartyr Emilian and with him Martyrs Hilarion, Dionysius, and Hermippus
New Calendar August 18 Old Calendar August 31
Why they are a saint
Emilian and with him Martyrs Hilarion, Dionysius, and Hermippus is numbered with the hieromartyrs whose names the Church still reads. A hieromartyr is honored for dying for Christ while serving as a pastor or, in some commemorations, as a named witness of that rank. The calendar keeps his martyrdom as a testimony under persecution.
Limited historical information is available about this saint.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Emilian and as a patron when they bear the name Emilian at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on August 18. As a martyr, he is also asked for courage and faithfulness under trial.
Prayer
O holy Emilian and with him Martyrs Hilarion, Dionysius, and Hermippus, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.