Martyrs
Martyr Andrew Stratelates and His Companions
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A Roman commander who confessed Christ and led fellow soldiers to holy Baptism and martyrdom.
Core account checked against Orthodox Church in America — Martyr Andrew Stratelates and his companions, Orthodox Church in America — Martyr Andrew Stratelates and his companions, The Prologue from Ohrid — August 19. Additional ecclesiastical references appear below.
Life and Witness
Commander in the Roman Army
Saint Andrew served as a military commander during the reign of Maximian. Though not yet baptized, he trusted in Christ and encouraged his soldiers to invoke the Savior during a dangerous campaign against Persian forces.
After victory, fellow officers denounced Andrew and those who shared his faith. Military success could not protect them from an empire that demanded pagan sacrifice.
Baptism and the Company of Martyrs
Andrew and his soldiers were released temporarily but chose to seek Holy Baptism rather than safety. Bishop Peter of Tarsus instructed and baptized the company.
The martyrs were pursued into the Taurus Mountains. Refusing to fight their own countrymen, they were slain together like lambs and offered their lives to Christ.
Spring, Relics and Feast
Orthodox tradition relates that a spring appeared at the place of their martyrdom and that healings were granted there. Christians buried the bodies with reverence.
August 19 — Martyr Andrew Stratelates and the 2,593 soldiers who suffered with him.
From the Orthodox Synaxarion
The Prologue from Ohrid records that Andrew’s faith became known through victory in battle and led fellow soldiers to seek Christ. Their common Baptism was followed by a common martyrdom when they refused to return to idolatry.
Historical Record and Ecclesiastical Tradition
The military setting, Andrew's confession and the Baptism and martyrdom of his companions are preserved by the Synaxarion. The traditional number of 2,593 companions is reported as the liturgical-hagiographical figure rather than presented as a surviving imperial personnel register.
Biographical information on this page is based exclusively on the Orthodox ecclesiastical sources listed below.
Orthodox Church in America — Martyr Andrew Stratelates and his companionsOrthodox Church in America — Martyr Andrew Stratelates and his companionsThe Prologue from Ohrid — August 19The Prologue from Ohrid — August 19