SEVEN SLEEPERS

[Other] The seven Christian youths of Ephesus. According to legend they fled during the Diocletian persecution (250 CE) to a cave in Mount Celion. The cave was walled up by their pursuers and they fell asleep. Some 200 years later, during the reign of Theodosius II, they awoke. One of them went into the city for provisions and upon his return, they fell asleep again; this time until the resurrection. Their names are given as Constantius, Dionysius, Joannes, Maximianus, Malchus, Martinianus and Serapion. This particular legend was current in the 6th century and was referred to by Gregory of Tours.