[WorldUrbanLegend] Seven Sleepers
Once upon a time, in the city of Ephesus in Asia Minor, there was a story about seven young people known as "The Seven Sleepers." These young people endured suffering to maintain their holy faith and were later venerated as saints after miraculously waking up.
The story begins during the reign of the Roman Emperor Decius, who persecuted Christians and forced everyone to sacrifice to idols. During this time, the seven young people refused to worship idols and secretly lived in hiding. They climbed Mount Celion and prayed, fasting, and caring for each other. However, eventually, their presence was discovered by the emperor.
The emperor tried to punish them, but they were not afraid of any pain. The emperor locked them in a cave to starve to death, sealing the entrance with stones, leaving them in their own world. Years passed, and after the death of Emperor Decius, over 200 years later, the seven sleepers woke up.
When they awoke, they did not realize how much time had passed and thought it was still the same day. Saint Maximianus told his companion to go to the city to buy some bread. But when Saint Malchus arrived in the city, he was shocked. The streets were filled with references to Christ, and crosses were hanging everywhere. He thought he had come to the wrong city and asked the people, "Is this really Ephesus?"
When the people confirmed it was Ephesus, Saint Malchus was astonished. He decided to buy the bread and return to his companions. However, when he paid for the bread, the shopkeeper was shocked and said, "This young man has found an ancient treasure!" Saint Malchus was confused and was dragged to the church by the people.
At the church, he explained that he had fled from the persecution of Emperor Decius 200 years ago. The bishop, after hearing this, took him to Mount Celion. When they arrived at the cave, they discovered sealed letters between the stones and found the seven sleepers still in the cave.
They gave thanks to God and peacefully passed away. Before they died, they asked the emperor to allow them to remain in the cave until the day of resurrection. The emperor decorated their tomb with precious stones and placed holy treasures there to honor them.
This story was passed down over time, and the Seven Sleepers were revered as saints. Their cave became a famous pilgrimage site, and their remains were moved to Marseille and enshrined in a church.
This legend is not just a miraculous story but a tale of faith, sacrifice, and the courage to follow God's will. Their story continues to inspire many people today.
