4th century
Holy Hieromartyrs Basil, Ephraim, Eugene, Agathodorus, Elpidius, Capito and Aetherius, Bishops of Cherson
Bishops who, according to tradition, were sent in succession from Jerusalem to preach in Cherson in Taurica (Crimea) in the early 4th century, where most of them were martyred; Eugene was among them.
Biography
According to tradition, in the early 4th century Hermon, patriarch of Jerusalem, sent a succession of bishops to Cherson in Taurica (Crimea) to preach Christianity to its pagan inhabitants. The first sent were Basil and Ephraim; Basil, who according to the Synaxarion raised the local governor's son from the dead and brought many to baptism, was killed by being dragged by the pagans, while Ephraim was beheaded as he taught the Gospel.
After them came the bishops Agathodorus, Elpidius and Eugene, who were likewise killed by unbelievers, and finally Aetherius and Capito. According to tradition, Capito walked unharmed into a blazing furnace to prove the truth of his faith, an act that led many pagans to be baptised. These seven hierarchs are commemorated together as the Hieromartyrs of Cherson.