The Incorrupt Relics of Saint Solomone

When visiting the Patriarchal Cathedral of Saint George in Constantinople (Istanbul), there are three prominent incorrupt relics of female saints displayed for veneration, the first of which is Saint Solomone, followed by Saint Euphemia the Great Martyr and then Saint Theophano the Empress, as one moves towards the sanctuary. Saint Solomone is traditionally attributed to being Solomone, the mother of the Maccabees, whose feast day is August 1; this is the day she is celebrated at the Ecumenical Patriarchate. However, historians have suggested that the relics do not belong to this Solomone, since she is recorded to have been burned to death with the Seven Maccabees. The relic probably belongs to Saint Solomone the Myrrhbearer, mentioned in the Gospels as a follower of Christ, who is celebrated in the Orthodox Church on August 3rd.

The Maccabees as Christian Martyrs (St. Gregory the Theologian)

By St. Gregory the Theologian

The Maccabees: the festival today* is indeed in their honor, though not many recognize them because their martyrdom antedates Christ.** Yet they deserve universal recognition for their unswerving devotion to the ways of their fathers. Consider what they, whose martyrdom preceded Christ's passion, would have achieved if they had been persecuted after the time of Christ and were able to emulate his death on our behalf. If they were able to display valor of this magnitude without the benefit of such a model, how could they not have gained in heroic stature had they undertaken their trial with the example of Christ before them? Not one of those who attained perfection before the coming of Christ accomplished his goal without faith in Christ. While this statement is both arcane and even to a certain extent mystic, I for one consider it very persuasive, as do all who love Christ. For although the Logos was openly proclaimed in his own era, he was made known even before to the pure of mind, as is evident from the large number of persons who achieved honor before this day.

Synaxarion of the Holy Seven Maccabean Martyrs

On the first of this month [August], we commemorate the Holy Seven Maccabee Martyrs: Abim, Antonius, Gurias, Eleazar, Eusebonus, Alimus and Marcellus, together with their mother Solomone, and their teacher Eleazar.

Verses

To Eleazar

You were the first before Christ who endured the flames Eleazar,

Your contest was an example to those who followed your footsteps.

To Solomone

We have another first contestant even before Thekla,

Solomone, who was consumed by fire before Christ.

To the Seven Maccabees

On the sixth of the seventh the seven children were sent,

Through the assault of flames and wheels towards the eighth.

On the first Solomone and her seven sons were consumed.