Baring-Gould’s sources: Roman Martyrology, introduced by Baronius from the Greek Menzea. Russian Kalendar. Authority The Greek Acts, apparently trustworthy, but not in their original condition; they have been re-written and amplified.] This martyr suffered under Licinius, when he was Emperor of the East, and, contrary to agreement with Constantine, persecuted the Church. Licinius was the more able to do this in the case of believing soldiers, as he could proceed against them for infraction of military discipline; and when he had broken with Constantine he threw off the mask o i tolerance.

Severian was a soldier and a Christian. He had witnessed the martyrdom of the forty soldiers at Sebaste, in Armenia Minor, exposed to a bitter winter night on a frozen pool (March 10); and this glorious martyrdom, far from daunting him, stimulated him to greater zeal. He made no secret o f his faith, but openly, even defiantly, proclaimed his Christianity, and his abhorrence of the gods of Olympus. His words were reported to Lysias, the governor, and he was ordered before him. He maintained his intrepidity through trial and torture. A heavy stone was attached to his feet, and he was torn with iron rakes till he died.