Born to a single family, all seven brothers: Orentius, Pharnacius, Heros, Firmus, Firminus, Cyriacus, Longinus, served as soldiers in the Roman army. These kinsmen battled alongside the Greeks, pushing back the invading Scythians. Their foes were led by Marof, a chieftain famed for his strength and power. Orentius, one of the siblings and a renowned fighter, met Marof in single combat. Calling upon the Lord's name, Orentius overcame Marof and brought the Scythians’ advance to a halt.
News of the victory brought great joy to Maximian, the emperor at that time. He ordered that thanks be given to the pagan idols for the triumph, and he called Orentius, as the victor, to make the offering. The devout soldier, however, confessed his Christian belief with dignity and declined to join the unholy celebration. Orentius proclaimed that his victory over their adversary came through the aid of the one true God, the Lord Jesus Christ.
The emperor dangled many fine gifts before the Christian warrior, hoping he would turn away from his faith. When gifts did not seduce him, threats followed. When they failed, Maximian ordered the brothers into exile to the Caucasus. On their journey, each brother, one by one, surrendered his soul to the Lord. Heros was the first — he met his end on 22 June in Parembola. Another brother, Orentius, was cast into the sea with a heavy stone bound to his neck. Yet, the Archangel Raphael came to his aid, lifting him to the Black Sea's edge at Rize, where Orentius eventually found peace. On 3 July, Saint Pharnacius departed in Cordile. Just three days later, Saints Firmus and Firminus joined him in Aspar, on the Black Sea's eastern coast. After them, Saint Cyriacus left this world. Saint Longinus, the last, passed on 28 July, while he was still at sea. A sudden storm whipped up, driving their ship aground, where his body was found and laid to rest in Pitsunda.
