According to the story preserved by St Basil the Great, a guard watching from the shore saw angels descending with crowns for the soldiers on the ice. He threw off his clothes, declared himself a Christian, and walked out to take the place of the one who had left. By morning there were still forty. Their feast was kept on 10 March in the West for centuries, and still is on 9 March in the East.
Historical Context
The soldiers are said to have prayed together through the night: “Forty wrestlers have come to fight for you, Lord. Let forty receive the crown.”
A March 10 Prayer
Lord Jesus, on this day we remember forty soldiers
who chose to freeze with you rather than live without you.
When I’m offered an easy way out, give me their courage.
When others give up, let me hold on.
And if I fail, give me a second chance, as you gave one to the guard on the shore.
Holy Forty Martyrs, pray for us.
Amen.
A Lenten Prayer for Endurance
Lord, Lent is getting long, and my resolutions are slipping.
Help me finish what I started.
Amen.
For Soldiers of Faith
Lord, bless Christians in the military who stay faithful under pressure.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- On 10 March.
- Midway through Lent.
- When tempted to take the easy way out.
Scripture Connection
“Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” — Revelation 2:10
The guard on the shore saw crowns. Revelation promises the same to everyone who stays faithful to the end.
Related prayers
For soldiers, see the Prayer to St Sebastian. For courage, the Prayer of Fortitude. For March, the March 3 Prayer.