Following the repose of Emperor Constantine the Great, the Arian heresy gained momentum once again, and even Emperor Constantius himself began to lean toward it. Through the influence of two court officials—Eusebius and Philip, both ardent Arians—Patriarch Paul of Constantinople was exiled to Armenia, where he was strangled by the Arians. Marcian was a reader (lector) and Martyrius a subdeacon at the cathedral church; both served as scribes for Patriarch Paul. In their confrontation with the heretics, the two stood firm in defense of Orthodoxy. The Arians first attempted to bribe them, but when they rejected this with contempt, they were sentenced to death. They walked to the place of execution with their hands raised in triumph, praying and giving thanks to God. They were beheaded in the year 355. Saint John Chrysostom later built a church over their relics.

Holy Martyr Anastasius. Saint Tabitha.