Byzantine Saints: Martyr Callistratus and 49 Companions (27 September)

About this sermon

Discover the extraordinary life of Saint Callistratus and his 49 companions, Christian soldiers and martyrs commemorated on September 27. Saint Callistratus was born in Carthage and raised in the Christian faith by his devout father. His ancestor Neochorus had served in Palestine during the reign of Emperor Tiberius under Pontius Pilate. According to tradition, Neochorus witnessed the Crucifixion, voluntary death and glorious Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Like his father, Callistratus became a soldier. He distinguished himself among his pagan military companions through his honorable conduct, gentle disposition and devotion to God. While the other soldiers slept, Callistratus remained awake in prayer. One night, a nearby soldier heard him invoking the holy name of Jesus Christ and reported him to the military commander. Callistratus was interrogated and commanded to sacrifice to idols, but he firmly refused to deny Christ. The commander ordered him beaten and dragged over sharp stones. When these tortures failed to break his faith, Callistratus was sewn inside a leather sack and cast into the sea. By the mercy of God, the sack struck a sharp rock and tore open. Dolphins carried Saint Callistratus safely to dry land. After witnessing this miracle, 49 pagan soldiers believed in Jesus Christ. The commander subjected Callistratus and the newly converted soldiers to numerous floggings before throwing them into prison. There Callistratus continued preaching the Word of God and preparing his companions to receive the crown of martyrdom. The martyrs were bound hand and foot and thrown into the depths of a lake behind a dam. Their bonds miraculously broke, and they stood in the water with radiant faces, rejoicing that their Baptism coincided with their suffering for Christ. Bright crowns appeared over their heads, and a heavenly voice called Callistratus and his companions to the eternal habitations. The earth shook, and a nearby idol fell and shattered. After witnessing these wonders, another 135 soldiers believed in Christ. Fearing a military uprising, the commander returned Callistratus and his 49 companions to prison. During the night, they were cut to pieces with swords. The 135 soldiers who had converted buried their sacred relics, and a church was later built at the place of their martyrdom. The witness of Saint Callistratus shows how the courageous faith of one Christian can inspire many others to confess Jesus Christ. 00:00 Saint Callistratus and his companions 00:18 A Christian soldier from Carthage 00:26 Neochorus witnesses Christ’s Passion 00:41 Callistratus is raised in the faith 00:49 His conduct among pagan soldiers 00:57 Praying while the other soldiers sleep 01:04 Betrayed for invoking Jesus Christ 01:11 Refusing to sacrifice to idols 01:20 Beaten and dragged over sharp stones 01:30 Sewn into a sack and thrown into the sea 01:37 Carried safely to shore by dolphins 01:45 Forty-nine soldiers believe in Christ 01:54 Callistratus preaches from prison 02:02 The martyrs confess their faith 02:10 Thrown into the lake 02:19 Heavenly crowns appear 02:28 The earth shakes and an idol falls 02:36 Another 135 soldiers convert 02:44 The commander fears a military uprising 02:51 The martyrs pray in prison 03:00 Slain by the sword 03:07 A church is built at the place of martyrdom https://www.oca.org/saints/lives 🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴 ✝️ SUPPORT THE MISSION 🙏 Donate https://sensusfidelium.com/donate-support/ 📬 Free Catholic Newsletter https://sensusfidelium.com/newsletter/ 📰 Read on Substack https://sensusfidelium.substack.com/ ──────────────────── 📺 WATCH & READ 📺 Sensus Fidelium App https://sensusfidelium.tv/ 📚 Sensus Fidelium Press https://sensusfideliumpress.com/ 👕 Official Merchandise https://sensusfidelium.com/merchandise/ ──────────────────── 🤝 PARTNER WITH US 📣 Advertise on Sensus Fidelium https://sensusfidelium.com/advertise-with-sensus-fidelium/ 🎤 Invite Steve Cunningham to Speak https://sensusfidelium.com/speaking/ ⛪ Parish Formation & Consultation https://sensusfidelium.com/for-parishes/ ──────────────────── 🌎 CATHOLIC COMMUNITY ✝️ Trusted Catholic Businesses https://sensusfidelium.com/catholic-businesses/ 🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴

Topics

• Suffering & Trials