Byzantine Saints: Martyr Severian of Sebaste (9 September)

About this sermon

St. Severian of Sebaste was a wealthy imperial counselor whose influence, generosity, and fearless preaching strengthened Christians during the persecution of Emperor Licinius. When Governor Lysias executed the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste, he learned that Severian had encouraged their courage, converted pagans to Christianity, and generously supported imprisoned believers. Soldiers were sent to arrest him—but Severian voluntarily appeared before the governor first and boldly proclaimed his faith in Jesus Christ. Neither torture nor imprisonment could silence him. Even while being led through Sebaste, he instructed the crowds to pursue whatever would benefit their souls and lead them to salvation. Brought before the tribunal again, he continued speaking of Christ until he was suspended from a wall with heavy stones attached to his neck and feet. Remaining steadfast to the end, he surrendered his soul to God. Christians carried his relics honorably toward Sebaste. According to the Synaxarion, the grieving wife of one of Severian’s deceased servants called upon her husband to arise so they could welcome their beloved master’s relics. Miraculously restored to life, the man joined the procession and lived for more than fifteen additional years. Later, an eagle carrying a crown of fragrant flowers revealed the location of St. Severian’s relics. The Holy Martyr Severian of Sebaste is commemorated on September 9 in the Byzantine tradition. Holy Martyr Severian, pray for us! 0:00 St. Severian of Sebaste 0:25 Imperial counselor and courageous Christian 0:33 The Forty Martyrs are executed 0:41 Severian strengthened the martyrs 0:50 Supporting imprisoned Christians 1:07 He voluntarily faces the governor 1:16 Boldly proclaiming Christ 1:24 Tortured for the Faith 1:40 His patience astonishes Lysias 1:47 Imprisoned in the center of Sebaste 1:56 Teaching the crowds about salvation 2:03 Returned to the tribunal 2:11 Ordered to stop speaking of Christ 2:18 Severian’s final torment 2:34 Courageous until death 2:42 His relics return to Sebaste 2:58 A servant dies before the procession 3:15 His grieving wife calls him to arise 3:30 The dead man miraculously rises 3:46 He lives another fifteen years 4:01 An eagle carries a crown of flowers 4:10 The saint’s relics are discovered 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