[Readingsandsaints] Readings and saints

[Daily Orthodox Readings and Saints]

Scripture Readings and Saints for Thu Jun 7 2007

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Romans 5:10-16
10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the
death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved
by His life.
11 And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord
Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.
12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death
through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned-
13 (For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed
when there is no law.
14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who
had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam,
who is a type of Him who was to come.
15 But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man's
offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the
grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many.
16 And the gift is not like that which came through the one who
sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in
condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted
in justification.
Scripture Reading 1 of 2


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Matthew 8:23-27
23 Now when He got into a boat, His disciples followed Him.
24 And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was
covered with the waves. But He was asleep.
25 Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, "Lord, save
us! We are perishing!"
26 But He said to them, "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?"
Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great
calm.
27 So the men marveled, saying, "Who can this be, that even the winds
and the sea obey Him?"
Scripture Reading 2 of 2



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------ SAINTS/FEASTS FOR TODAY ----------------------------
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Hieromartyr Theodotus the Bishop of Ancyra
The Holy Martyr Theodotus lived in Ancyra of Galatia in the third
century. He was distinguished by his kindliness and concern. At the
height of the persecution under Diocletian (284-305) he provided
Christians with everything they needed, and gave them shelter in his
home. There they secretly celebrated church services.
St Theodotus visited the Christian captives in prison, paid their
bail, and reverently buried the bodies of martyrs who had been thrown
to the wild beasts. Once he buried the bodies of seven holy women
martyrs, who were drowned in the sea (May 18). They reported this to
the governor.
After refusing to offer sacrifice to idols, and denouncing the folly
of paganism, St Theodotus confessed Christ as God, for which they
subjected him to terrible tortures and beheaded him with a sword. They
wanted to burn the holy martyr's body, but could not do so because of
a storm which had arisen, so they gave his holy relics to a certain
Christian for burial.
St Theodotus is also commemorated on May 18.
_________________________________________________________________
Hieromartyr Marcellinus the Pope of Rome
The Hieromartyr Marcellinus, Bishop of Rome, and with him the Holy
Martyrs Claudius, Cyrinus and Antoninus.
St Marcellinus was Bishop of Rome during the height of the persecution
against Christians under Diocletian and Maximian (284-305), when
17,000 men were martyred a single month. During this time St
Marcellinus was also arrested. Arfaid of the fierce tortures, he
burned incense and offered sacrifice to idols. The emperor called him
his friend and clothed him in splendid robes. Although he had
encouraged others to undergo torture for Christ, he gave in to
cowardice. He wept bitterly, filled with remorse.
During this time, a Synod of 180 bishops and presbyters met at the
city of Sinuessa (in Campania). St Marcellinus appeared at the
assembly in penitential sackcloth, his head sprinkled with ashes. He
confessed his sin before the delegates and asked them to judge him.
The Fathers of the Council said, "Judge yourself! From your lips this
sin came forth, from your lips let judgment be pronounced. We know
that even St Peter denied Christ out of fear, but he wept bitterly for
his sin, and received forgiveness from the Lord."
Then Marcellinus pronounced sentence upon himself, "I strip myself of
the priestly dignity, of which I am unworthy. After death, do not bury
my body, but instead throw it to the dogs. Cursed be the one who dares
to bury it."
Upon his return to Rome Marcellinus went to the emperor, threw down
the fine clothing given him, and said that he regretted his
renunciation of Christ. The enraged emperor had him tortured, and
sentenced him to death.
St Marcellinus prayed to the Lord Jesus Christ, Who mercifully
receives sinners who repent, then willingly placed his head beneath
the sword. The holy martyrs Claudius, Cyrinus and Antoninus were
beheaded with him.
The body of St Marcellinus lay for thirty-six days along the wayside.
Appearing in a vision to the new bishop Marcellus, the holy Apostle
Peter said, "Why have you not buried the body of Marcellinus?"
"I fear his curse," replied St Marcellus.
"Perhaps you do not remember," said the Apostle Peter, "that it is
written: 'He that humbles himself shall be exalted.' Therefore, go
bury his body with reverence."
Fulfilling the command of the Apostle Peter, St Marcellus buried the
body of St Marcellinus in a crypt, built for the burial of the bodies
of martyrs by the illustrious Priscilla, along the Via Salaria.
_________________________________________________________________
Martyr Claudius of Rome
Saint Claudius suffered with the hieromartyr Marcellinus, Bishop of
Rome, and the holy martyrs Cyrinus and Antoninus.
Marcellinus was Bishop of Rome during the height of the persecution
against Christians under Diocletian and Maximian (284-305), when
17,000 men were martyred a single month.
Marcellinus renounced the Lord Jesus Christ, then repented and
finished his life with martyrdom. The holy martyrs Claudius, Cyrinus
and Antoninus were beheaded with him.
_________________________________________________________________
Martyr Cyrinus of Rome
Saint Cyrinus suffered with the hieromartyr Marcellinus, Bishop of
Rome, and the holy martyrs Claudius and Antoninus.
Marcellinus was Bishop of Rome during the height of the persecution
against Christians under Diocletian and Maximian (284-305), when
17,000 men were martyred a single month.
Marcellinus renounced the Lord Jesus Christ, then repented and
finished his life with martyrdom. The holy martyrs Claudius, Cyrinus
and Antoninus were beheaded with him.
_________________________________________________________________
Martyr Antoninus of Rome
Saint Antoninus suffered with the hieromartyr Marcellinus, Bishop of
Rome, and the holy martyrs Claudius and Cyrinus.
Marcellinus was Bishop of Rome during the height of the persecution
against Christians under Diocletian and Maximian (284-305), when
17,000 men were martyred a single month.
Marcellinus renounced the Lord Jesus Christ, then repented and
finished his life with martyrdom. The holy martyrs Claudius, Cyrinus
and Antoninus were beheaded with him.
_________________________________________________________________
Hieromartyr Marcellus the Bishop of Rome, and Those With Him
The Hieromartyr Marcellinus, Bishop of Rome, and with him the holy
martyrs Claudius, Cyrinus and Antoninus.
Marcellinus was Bishop of Rome during the height of the persecution
against Christians under Diocletian and Maximian (284-305), when
17,000 men were martyred a single month.
During this time Marcellinus was also arrested. Afraid of the fierce
tortures, he burned incense and offered sacrifice to idols. The
emperor called him his friend and clothed him in splendid robes.
Although he had encouraged others to undergo torture for Christ, he
gave in to cowardice. He wept bitterly, filled with remorse.
During this time, a Synod of 180 bishops and presbyters met at the
city of Sinuessa (in Campania). Marcellinus appeared at the assembly
in penitential sackcloth, his head sprinkled with ashes. He confessed
his sin before the delegates and asked them to judge him. The Fathers
of the Council said, "Judge yourself! From your lips this sin came
forth, from your lips let judgment be pronounced. We know that even
Peter denied Christ out of fear, but he wept bitterly for his sin, and
received forgiveness from the Lord."
Then Marcellinus pronounced sentence upon himself, "I strip myself of
the priestly dignity, of which I am unworthy. After death, do not bury
my body, but instead throw it to the dogs. Cursed be the one who dares
to bury it."
Upon his return to Rome Marcellinus went to the emperor, threw down
the fine clothing given him, and said that he regretted his
renunciation of Christ. The enraged emperor had him tortured, and
sentenced him to death.
Marcellinus prayed to the Lord Jesus Christ, Who mercifully receives
sinners who repent, then willingly placed his head beneath the sword.
The holy martyrs Claudius, Cyrinus and Antoninus were beheaded with
him.
The body of Marcellinus lay for thirty-six days along the wayside.
Appearing in a vision to the new bishop Marcellus, the holy Apostle
Peter said, "Why have you not buried the body of Marcellinus?"
"I fear his curse," replied Marcellus.
"Perhaps you do not remember," said the Apostle Peter, "that it is
written: 'He that humbles himself shall be exalted.' Therefore, go
bury his body with reverence."
Fulfilling the command of the Apostle Peter, Marcellus buried the body
of Marcellinus in a crypt, built for the burial of the bodies of
martyrs by the illustrious Priscilla, along the Via Salaria.
_________________________________________________________________
Hieromartyr Sisinius the Deacon of Rome
St Sisinius the deacon suffered at Rome along with the hieromartyr
Marcellus, Bishop of Rome, the holy deacon Cyriacus; also Smaragdus,
Largus, Apronian, Saturninus, Crescentian, Papias and Maurus and the
holy women martyrs Priscilla, Lucy and the Emperor's daughter Artemia
during the persecution of Diocletian and Maximian (284-305) and their
successors, Galerius (305-311) and Maxentius (305-312).
The emperor Maximian, ruler of the Western Roman Empire, deprived all
Christians of military rank and sent them into penal servitude.
A certain rich Christian, Thrason, sent food and clothing to the
prisoners through the Christians Sisinius, Cyriacus, Smaragdus and
Largus. Marcellus thanked Thrason for his generosity, and ordained
Sisinius and Cyriacus as deacons.
While rendering aid to the captives, Sisinius and Cyriacus also were
arrested and condemned to harsh labor. They fulfilled not only their
own work quota, but worked also for the dying captive Saturninus.
Therefore, Maximian sent Sisinius to Laodicius, the governor of the
district.
They locked the saint in prison. The head of the prison, Apronian,
summoned Sisinius for interrogation but, seeing his face shine with a
heavenly light, he believed in Christ and was baptized. Later, he went
with Sisinius to Marcellus and received Chrismation. Marcellus served
the Liturgy, and they partook of the Holy Mysteries.
On June 7, Sts Sisinius and Saturninus were brought before Laodicius
in the company of Apronian. Apronian confessed that he was a
Christian, and was beheaded. Sts Sisinius and Saturninus were thrown
into prison. Then Laodicius gave orders to bring them to a pagan
temple to offer sacrifice. Saturninus said, "If only the Lord would
turn the pagan idols into dust!"
At that very moment the tripods, on which incense burned before the
idols, melted. Seeing this miracle, the soldiers Papias and Maurus
confessed Christ. After prolonged tortures Sisinius and Saturninus
were beheaded, and Papias and Maurus were locked up in prison, where
they prayed to receive illumination by holy Baptism. The Lord
fulfilled their desire. Leaving the prison without being noticed, they
received Baptism from Marcellus and returned to the prison.
At the trial they again confessed themselves Christians and died under
terrible tortures. Their holy bodies were buried by the priest John
and Thrason.
Sts Cyriacus, Smaragdus, Largus and other Christian prisoners
continued to languish at hard labor.
Diocletian's daughter Artemia suffered from demonic oppression. Having
learned that the prisoner Cyriacus could heal infirmities and cast out
devils, the emperor summoned him to the sick girl. In gratitude for
the healing of his daughter, the emperor freed Cyriacus, Smaragdus and
Largus. Soon the emperor sent Cyriacus to Persia to heal the daughter
of the Persian emperor.
Upon his return to Rome, Cyriacus was arrested on orders of the
emperor Galerius, the son-in-law of Diocletian, who had abdicated and
retired as emperor. Galerius was very annoyed at his predecessor
because his daughter Artemia had converted to Christianity. He gave
orders to drag Cyriacus behind his chariot stripped, bloodied, and in
chains, to be shamed and ridiculed by the crowds.
Marcellus denounced the emperor openly before everyone for his cruelty
toward innocent Christians. The emperor ordered the holy bishop to be
beaten with rods, and dealt severely with him. Sts Cyriacus,
Smaragdus, Largus, and another prisoner, Crescentian, died under
torture. And at this time the emperor's daughter Artemia and another
twenty-one prisoners were also executed with Cyriacus.
Marcellus was secretly freed by Roman clergy. Exhuming the bodies of
the holy martyrs Cyriacus, Smaragdus and Largus, they reburied them on
the estates of two Christian women, Priscilla and Lucy, on the
outskirts of Rome, after they had transformed Lucy's house into a
church.
Ascending the throne, Maxentius gave orders to destroy the church and
turn it into a stockyard, and he sentenced the holy bishop to herd the
cattle. Exhausted by hunger and cold, and wearied by the tortures of
the soldiers, Marcellus became ill and died in the year 310.
_________________________________________________________________
Martyr Cyriacus the Deacon of Rome
St Cyriacus the deacon suffered at Rome along with the hieromartyr
Marcellus, Bishop of Rome, the holy deacon Sisinius; also Smaragdus,
Largus, Apronian, Saturninus, Crescentian, Papias and Maurus and the
holy women martyrs Priscilla, Lucy and the Emperor's daughter Artemia
during the persecution of Diocletian and Maximian (284-305) and their
successors, Galerius (305-311) and Maxentius (305-312).
The emperor Maximian, ruler of the Western Roman Empire, deprived all
Christians of military rank and sent them into penal servitude.
A certain rich Christian, Thrason, sent food and clothing to the
prisoners through the Christians Sisinius, Cyriacus, Smaragdus and
Largus. Marcellus thanked Thrason for his generosity, and ordained
Sisinius and Cyriacus as deacons.
While rendering aid to the captives, Sisinius and Cyriacus also were
arrested and condemned to harsh labor. They fulfilled not only their
own work quota, but worked also for the dying captive Saturninus.
Therefore, Maximian sent Sisinius to Laodicius, the governor of the
district.
They locked the saint in prison. The head of the prison, Apronian,
summoned Sisinius for interrogation but, seeing his face shine with a
heavenly light, he believed in Christ and was baptized. Later, he went
with Sisinius to Marcellus and received Chrismation. Marcellus served
the Liturgy, and they partook of the Holy Mysteries.
On June 7, Sts Sisinius and Saturninus were brought before Laodicius
in the company of Apronian. Apronian confessed that he was a
Christian, and was beheaded. Sts Sisinius and Saturninus were thrown
into prison. Then Laodicius gave orders to bring them to a pagan
temple to offer sacrifice. Saturninus said, "If only the Lord would
turn the pagan idols into dust!"
At that very moment the tripods, on which incense burned before the
idols, melted. Seeing this miracle, the soldiers Papias and Maurus
confessed Christ. After prolonged tortures Sisinius and Saturninus
were beheaded, and Papias and Maurus were locked up in prison, where
they prayed to receive illumination by holy Baptism. The Lord
fulfilled their desire. Leaving the prison without being noticed, they
received Baptism from Marcellus and returned to the prison.
At the trial they again confessed themselves Christians and died under
terrible tortures. Their holy bodies were buried by the priest John
and Thrason.
Sts Cyriacus, Smaragdus, Largus and other Christian prisoners
continued to languish at hard labor.
Diocletian's daughter Artemia suffered from demonic oppression. Having
learned that the prisoner Cyriacus could heal infirmities and cast out
devils, the emperor summoned him to the sick girl. In gratitude for
the healing of his daughter, the emperor freed Cyriacus, Smaragdus and
Largus. Soon the emperor sent Cyriacus to Persia to heal the daughter
of the Persian emperor.
Upon his return to Rome, Cyriacus was arrested on orders of the
emperor Galerius, the son-in-law of Diocletian, who had abdicated and
retired as emperor. Galerius was very annoyed at his predecessor
because his daughter Artemia had converted to Christianity. He gave
orders to drag Cyriacus behind his chariot stripped, bloodied, and in
chains, to be shamed and ridiculed by the crowds.
Marcellus denounced the emperor openly before everyone for his cruelty
toward innocent Christians. The emperor ordered the holy bishop to be
beaten with rods, and dealt severely with him. Sts Cyriacus,
Smaragdus, Largus, and another prisoner, Crescentian, died under
torture. And at this time the emperor's daughter Artemia and another
twenty-one prisoners were also executed with Cyriacus.
Marcellus was secretly freed by Roman clergy. Exhuming the bodies of
the holy martyrs Cyriacus, Smaragdus and Largus, they reburied them on
the estates of two Christian women, Priscilla and Lucy, on the
outskirts of Rome, after they had transformed Lucy's house into a
church.
Ascending the throne, Maxentius gave orders to destroy the church and
turn it into a stockyard, and he sentenced the holy bishop to herd the
cattle. Exhausted by hunger and cold, and wearied by the tortures of
the soldiers, Marcellus became ill and died in the year 310.
_________________________________________________________________
Martyr Smaragdus of Rome
Saint Smaragdus suffered at Rome with the hieromartyr Marcellus,
Bishop of Rome, and the holy deacons Sisinius and Cyriacus; also
Apronian, Saturninus, Largus, Papias, Crescentian, and Maurus and the
holy women martyrs Lucina (Lucy), and the emperor's daughter Artemia
during the persecution of Diocletian and Maximian (284-305) and their
successors, Galerius (305-311) and Maxentius (305-312).
The emperor Maximian, ruler of the Western Roman Empire, deprived all
Christians of military rank and sent them into penal servitude.
A certain rich Christian, Thrason, sent food and clothing to the
prisoners through the Christians Sisinius, Cyriacus, Smaragdus and
Largus. Marcellus thanked Thrason for his generosity, and ordained
Sisinius and Cyriacus as deacons.
While rendering aid to the captives, Sisinius and Cyriacus also were
arrested and condemned to harsh labor. They fulfilled not only their
own work quota, but worked also for the dying captive Saturninus.
Therefore, Maximian sent Sisinius to Laodicius, the governor of the
district.
They locked the saint in prison. The head of the prison, Apronian,
summoned Sisinius for interrogation but, seeing his face shine with a
heavenly light, he believed in Christ and was baptized. Later, he went
with Sisinius to Marcellus and received Chrismation. Marcellus served
the Liturgy, and they partook of the Holy Mysteries.
On June 7, Sts Sisinius and Saturninus were brought before Laodicius
in the company of Apronian. Apronian confessed that he was a
Christian, and was beheaded. Sts Sisinius and Saturninus were thrown
into prison. Then Laodicius gave orders to bring them to a pagan
temple to offer sacrifice. Saturninus said, "If only the Lord would
turn the pagan idols into dust!"
At that very moment the tripods, on which incense burned before the
idols, melted. Seeing this miracle, the soldiers Papias and Maurus
confessed ChriAfter prolonged tortures Sisinius and Saturninus were
beheaded, and Papias and Maurus were locked up in prison, where they
prayed to receive illumination by holy Baptism. The Lord fulfilled
their desire. Leaving the prison without being noticed, they received
Baptism from Marcellus and returned to the prison.
At the trial they again confessed themselves Christians and died under
terrible tortures. Their holy bodies were buried by the priest John
and Thrason.
Sts Cyriacus, Smaragdus, Largus and other Christian prisoners
continued to languish at hard labor.
Diocletian's daughter Artemia suffered from demonic oppression. Having
learned that the prisoner Cyriacus could heal infirmities and cast out
devils, the emperor summoned him to the sick girl. In gratitude for
the healing of his daughter, the emperor freed Cyriacus, Smaragdus and
Largus. Soon the emperor sent Cyriacus to Persia to heal the daughter
of the Persian emperor.
Upon his return to Rome, Cyriacus was arrested on orders of the
emperor Galerius, the son-in-law of Diocletian, who had abdicated and
retired as emperor. Galerius was very annoyed at his predecessor
because his daughter Artemia had converted to Christianity. He gave
orders to drag Cyriacus behind his chariot stripped, bloodied, and in
chains, to be shamed and ridiculed by the crowds.
Marcellus denounced the emperor openly before everyone for his cruelty
toward innocent Christians. The emperor ordered the holy bishop to be
beaten with rods, and dealt severely with him. Sts Cyriacus,
Smaragdus, Largus, and another prisoner, Crescentian, died under
torture. And at this time the emperor's daughter Artemia and another
twenty-one prisoners were also executed with Cyriacus.
Marcellus was secretly freed by Roman clergy. Exhuming the bodies of
the holy martyrs Cyriacus, Smaragdus and Largus, they reburied them on
the estates of two Christian women, Priscilla and Lucy, on the
outskirts of Rome, after they had transformed Lucy's house into a
church.
Ascending the throne, Maxentius gave orders to destroy the church and
turn it into a stockyard, and he sentenced the holy bishop to herd the
cattle. Exhausted by hunger and cold, and wearied by the tortures of
the soldiers, Marcellus became ill and died in the year 310.
The holy women Pricilla and Lucy were banished from Rome in disgrace,
and their estates confiscated and plundered.
_________________________________________________________________
Martyr Largus of Rome
Saint Largus suffered with the hieromartyr Marcellus, Bishop of Rome,
and the holy deacons Sisinius and Cyriacus; also Smaragdus, Apronian,
Saturninus, Crescentian, Papias and Maurus and the holy women martyrs
Priscilla, Lucy and the Emperor's Daughter Artemia suffered in Rome
during the time of the persecution of Diocletian and Maximian
(284-305) and their successors, Galerius (305-311) and Maxentius
(305-312).
The emperor Maximian, ruler of the Western Roman Empire, deprived all
Christians of military rank and sent them into penal servitude.
A certain rich Christian, Thrason, sent food and clothing to the
prisoners through the Christians Sisinius, Cyriacus, Smaragdus and
Largus. Marcellus thanked Thrason for his generosity, and ordained
Sisinius and Cyriacus as deacons.
While rendering aid to the captives, Sisinius and Cyriacus also were
arrested and condemned to harsh labor. They fulfilled not only their
own work quota, but worked also for the dying captive Saturninus.
Therefore, Maximian sent Sisinius to Laodicius, the governor of the
district.
They locked the saint in prison. The head of the prison, Apronian,
summoned Sisinius for interrogation but, seeing his face shine with a
heavenly light, he believed in Christ and was baptized. Later, he went
with Sisinius to Marcellus and received Chrismation. Marcellus served
the Liturgy, and they partook of the Holy Mysteries.
On June 7, Sts Sisinius and Saturninus were brought before Laodicius
in the company of Apronian. Apronian confessed that he was a
Christian, and was beheaded. Sts Sisinius and Saturninus were thrown
into prison. Then Laodicius gave orders to bring them to a pagan
temple to offer sacrifice. Saturninus said, "If only the Lord would
turn the pagan idols into dust!"
At that very moment the tripods, on which incense burned before the
idols, melted. Seeing this miracle, the soldiers Papias and Maurus
confessed ChriAfter prolonged tortures Sisinius and Saturninus were
beheaded, and Papias and Maurus were locked up in prison, where they
prayed to receive illumination by holy Baptism. The Lord fulfilled
their desire. Leaving the prison without being noticed, they received
Baptism from Marcellus and returned to the prison.
At the trial they again confessed themselves Christians and died under
terrible tortures. Their holy bodies were buried by the priest John
and Thrason.
Sts Cyriacus, Smaragdus, Largus and other Christian prisoners
continued to languish at hard labor.
Diocletian's daughter Artemia suffered from demonic oppression. Having
learned that the prisoner Cyriacus could heal infirmities and cast out
devils, the emperor summoned him to the sick girl. In gratitude for
the healing of his daughter, the emperor freed Cyriacus, Smaragdus and
Largus. Soon the emperor sent Cyriacus to Persia to heal the daughter
of the Persian emperor.
Upon his return to Rome, Cyriacus was arrested on orders of the
emperor Galerius, the son-in-law of Diocletian, who had abdicated and
retired as emperor. Galerius was very annoyed at his predecessor
because his daughter Artemia had converted to Christianity. He gave
orders to drag Cyriacus behind his chariot stripped, bloodied, and in
chains, to be shamed and ridiculed by the crowds.
Marcellus denounced the emperor openly before everyone for his cruelty
toward innocent Christians. The emperor ordered the holy bishop to be
beaten with rods, and dealt severely with him. Sts Cyriacus,
Smaragdus, Largus, and another prisoner, Crescentian, died under
torture. And at this time the emperor's daughter Artemia and another
twenty-one prisoners were also executed with Cyriacus.
Marcellus was secretly freed by Roman clergy. Exhuming the bodies of
the holy martyrs Cyriacus, Smaragdus and Largus, they reburied them on
the estates of two Christian women, Priscilla and Lucy, on the
outskirts of Rome, after they had transformed Lucy's house into a
church.
Ascending the throne, Maxentius gave orders to destroy the church and
turn it into a stockyard, and he sentenced the holy bishop to herd the
cattle. Exhausted by hunger and cold, and wearied by the tortures of
the soldiers, Marcellus became ill and died in the year 310.
The holy women Pricilla and Lucy were banished from Rome in disgrace,
and their estates confiscated and plundered.
_________________________________________________________________
Martyr Apronian of Rome
Saint Apronian suffered at Rome with the hieromartyr Marcellus, Bishop
of Rome, and the holy deacons Sisinius and Cyriacus; also Smaragdus,
Saturninus, Largus, Papias, Crescentian, and Maurus and the holy women
martyrs Lucina (Lucy), and the emperor's daughter Artemia during the
persecution of Diocletian and Maximian (284-305) and their successors,
Galerius (305-311) and Maxentius (305-312).
The emperor Maximian, ruler of the Western Roman Empire, deprived all
Christians of military rank and sent them into penal servitude.
A certain rich Christian, Thrason, sent food and clothing to the
prisoners through the Christians Sisinius, Cyriacus, Smaragdus and
Largus. Marcellus thanked Thrason for his generosity, and ordained
Sisinius and Cyriacus as deacons.
While rendering aid to the captives, Sisinius and Cyriacus also were
arrested and condemned to harsh labor. They fulfilled not only their
own work quota, but worked also for the dying captive Saturninus.
Therefore, Maximian sent Sisinius to Laodicius, the governor of the
district.
They locked the saint in prison. The head of the prison, Apronian,
summoned Sisinius for interrogation but, seeing his face shine with a
heavenly light, he believed in Christ and was baptized. Later, he went
with Sisinius to Marcellus and received Chrismation. Marcellus served
the Liturgy, and they partook of the Holy Mysteries.
On June 7, Sts Sisinius and Saturninus were brought before Laodicius
in the company of Apronian. Apronian confessed that he was a
Christian, and was beheaded. Sts Sisinius and Saturninus were thrown
into prison. Then Laodicius gave orders to bring them to a pagan
temple to offer sacrifice. Saturninus said, "If only the Lord would
turn the pagan idols into dust!"
At that very moment the tripods, on which incense burned before the
idols, melted. Seeing this miracle, the soldiers Papias and Maurus
confessed ChriAfter prolonged tortures Sisinius and Saturninus were
beheaded, and Papias and Maurus were locked up in prison, where they
prayed to receive illumination by holy Baptism. The Lord fulfilled
their desire. Leaving the prison without being noticed, they received
Baptism from Marcellus and returned to the prison.
At the trial they again confessed themselves Christians and died under
terrible tortures. Their holy bodies were buried by the priest John
and Thrason.
Sts Cyriacus, Smaragdus, Largus and other Christian prisoners
continued to languish at hard labor.
Diocletian's daughter Artemia suffered from demonic oppression. Having
learned that the prisoner Cyriacus could heal infirmities and cast out
devils, the emperor summoned him to the sick girl. In gratitude for
the healing of his daughter, the emperor freed Cyriacus, Smaragdus and
Largus. Soon the emperor sent Cyriacus to Persia to heal the daughter
of the Persian emperor.
Upon his return to Rome, Cyriacus was arrested on orders of the
emperor Galerius, the son-in-law of Diocletian, who had abdicated and
retired as emperor. Galerius was very annoyed at his predecessor
because his daughter Artemia had converted to Christianity. He gave
orders to drag Cyriacus behind his chariot stripped, bloodied, and in
chains, to be shamed and ridiculed by the crowds.
Marcellus denounced the emperor openly before everyone for his cruelty
toward innocent Christians. The emperor ordered the holy bishop to be
beaten with rods, and dealt severely with him. Sts Cyriacus,
Smaragdus, Largus, and another prisoner, Crescentian, died under
torture. And at this time the emperor's daughter Artemia and another
twenty-one prisoners were also executed with Cyriacus.
Marcellus was secretly freed by Roman clergy. Exhuming the bodies of
the holy martyrs Cyriacus, Smaragdus and Largus, they reburied them on
the estates of two Christian women, Priscilla and Lucy, on the
outskirts of Rome, after they had transformed Lucy's house into a
church.
Ascending the throne, Maxentius gave orders to destroy the church and
turn it into a stockyard, and he sentenced the holy bishop to herd the
cattle. Exhausted by hunger and cold, and wearied by the tortures of
the soldiers, Marcellus became ill and died in the year 310.
The holy women Pricilla and Lucy were banished from Rome in disgrace,
and their estates confiscated and plundered.
_________________________________________________________________
Martyr Saturninus of Rome
Saint Saturninus suffered at Rome with the hieromartyr Marcellus,
Bishop of Rome, and the holy deacons Sisinius and Cyriacus; also
Smaragdus, Largus, Apronian, Papias, Crescentian, and Maurus and the
holy women martyrs Lucina (Lucy), and the emperor's daughter Artemia
during the persecution of Diocletian and Maximian (284-305) and their
successors, Galerius (305-311) and Maxentius (305-312).
The emperor Maximian, ruler of the Western Roman Empire, deprived all
Christians of military rank and sent them into penal servitude.
A certain rich Christian, Thrason, sent food and clothing to the
prisoners through the Christians Sisinius, Cyriacus, Smaragdus and
Largus. Marcellus thanked Thrason for his generosity, and ordained
Sisinius and Cyriacus as deacons.
While rendering aid to the captives, Sisinius and Cyriacus also were
arrested and condemned to harsh labor. They fulfilled not only their
own work quota, but worked also for the dying captive Saturninus.
Therefore, Maximian sent Sisinius to Laodicius, the governor of the
district.
They locked the saint in prison. The head of the prison, Apronian,
summoned Sisinius for interrogation but, seeing his face shine with a
heavenly light, he believed in Christ and was baptized. Later, he went
with Sisinius to Marcellus and received Chrismation. Marcellus served
the Liturgy, and they partook of the Holy Mysteries.
On June 7, Sts Sisinius and Saturninus were brought before Laodicius
in the company of Apronian. Apronian confessed that he was a
Christian, and was beheaded. Sts Sisinius and Saturninus were thrown
into prison. Then Laodicius gave orders to bring them to a pagan
temple to offer sacrifice. Saturninus said, "If only the Lord would
turn the pagan idols into dust!"
At that very moment the tripods, on which incense burned before the
idols, melted. Seeing this miracle, the soldiers Papias and Maurus
confessed ChriAfter prolonged tortures Sisinius and Saturninus were
beheaded, and Papias and Maurus were locked up in prison, where they
prayed to receive illumination by holy Baptism. The Lord fulfilled
their desire. Leaving the prison without being noticed, they received
Baptism from Marcellus and returned to the prison.
At the trial they again confessed themselves Christians and died under
terrible tortures. Their holy bodies were buried by the priest John
and Thrason.
Sts Cyriacus, Smaragdus, Largus and other Christian prisoners
continued to languish at hard labor.
Diocletian's daughter Artemia suffered from demonic oppression. Having
learned that the prisoner Cyriacus could heal infirmities and cast out
devils, the emperor summoned him to the sick girl. In gratitude for
the healing of his daughter, the emperor freed Cyriacus, Smaragdus and
Largus. Soon the emperor sent Cyriacus to Persia to heal the daughter
of the Persian emperor.
Upon his return to Rome, Cyriacus was arrested on orders of the
emperor Galerius, the son-in-law of Diocletian, who had abdicated and
retired as emperor. Galerius was very annoyed at his predecessor
because his daughter Artemia had converted to Christianity. He gave
orders to drag Cyriacus behind his chariot stripped, bloodied, and in
chains, to be shamed and ridiculed by the crowds.
Marcellus denounced the emperor openly before everyone for his cruelty
toward innocent Christians. The emperor ordered the holy bishop to be
beaten with rods, and dealt severely with him. Sts Cyriacus,
Smaragdus, Largus, and another prisoner, Crescentian, died under
torture. And at this time the emperor's daughter Artemia and another
twenty-one prisoners were also executed with Cyriacus.
Marcellus was secretly freed by Roman clergy. Exhuming the bodies of
the holy martyrs Cyriacus, Smaragdus and Largus, they reburied them on
the estates of two Christian women, Priscilla and Lucy, on the
outskirts of Rome, after they had transformed Lucy's house into a
church.
Ascending the throne, Maxentius gave orders to destroy the church and
turn it into a stockyard, and he sentenced the holy bishop to herd the
cattle. Exhausted by hunger and cold, and wearied by the tortures of
the soldiers, Marcellus became ill and died in the year 310.
The holy women Pricilla and Lucy were banished from Rome in disgrace,
and their estates confiscated and plundered.
_________________________________________________________________
Martyr Papias of Rome
Saint Papias suffered at Rome with the hieromartyr Marcellus, Bishop
of Rome, and the holy deacons Sisinius and Cyriacus; also Smaragdus,
Largus, Apronian, Saturninus, Crescentian, and Maurus and the holy
women martyrs Lucina (Lucy), and the emperor's daughter Artemia during
the persecution of Diocletian and Maximian (284-305) and their
successors, Galerius (305-311) and Maxentius (305-312).
The emperor Maximian, ruler of the Western Roman Empire, deprived all
Christians of military rank and sent them into penal servitude.
A certain rich Christian, Thrason, sent food and clothing to the
prisoners through the Christians Sisinius, Cyriacus, Smaragdus and
Largus. Marcellus thanked Thrason for his generosity, and ordained
Sisinius and Cyriacus as deacons.
While rendering aid to the captives, Sisinius and Cyriacus also were
arrested and condemned to harsh labor. They fulfilled not only their
own work quota, but worked also for the dying captive Saturninus.
Therefore, Maximian sent Sisinius to Laodicius, the governor of the
district.
They locked the saint in prison. The head of the prison, Apronian,
summoned Sisinius for interrogation but, seeing his face shine with a
heavenly light, he believed in Christ and was baptized. Later, he went
with Sisinius to Marcellus and received Chrismation. Marcellus served
the Liturgy, and they partook of the Holy Mysteries.
On June 7, Sts Sisinius and Saturninus were brought before Laodicius
in the company of Apronian. Apronian confessed that he was a
Christian, and was beheaded. Sts Sisinius and Saturninus were thrown
into prison. Then Laodicius gave orders to bring them to a pagan
temple to offer sacrifice. Saturninus said, "If only the Lord would
turn the pagan idols into dust!"
At that very moment the tripods, on which incense burned before the
idols, melted. Seeing this miracle, the soldiers Papias and Maurus
confessed ChriAfter prolonged tortures Sisinius and Saturninus were
beheaded, and Papias and Maurus were locked up in prison, where they
prayed to receive illumination by holy Baptism. The Lord fulfilled
their desire. Leaving the prison without being noticed, they received
Baptism from Marcellus and returned to the prison.
At the trial they again confessed themselves Christians and died under
terrible tortures. Their holy bodies were buried by the priest John
and Thrason.
Sts Cyriacus, Smaragdus, Largus and other Christian prisoners
continued to languish at hard labor.
Diocletian's daughter Artemia suffered from demonic oppression. Having
learned that the prisoner Cyriacus could heal infirmities and cast out
devils, the emperor summoned him to the sick girl. In gratitude for
the healing of his daughter, the emperor freed Cyriacus, Smaragdus and
Largus. Soon the emperor sent Cyriacus to Persia to heal the daughter
of the Persian emperor.
Upon his return to Rome, Cyriacus was arrested on orders of the
emperor Galerius, the son-in-law of Diocletian, who had abdicated and
retired as emperor. Galerius was very annoyed at his predecessor
because his daughter Artemia had converted to Christianity. He gave
orders to drag Cyriacus behind his chariot stripped, bloodied, and in
chains, to be shamed and ridiculed by the crowds.
Marcellus denounced the emperor openly before everyone for his cruelty
toward innocent Christians. The emperor ordered the holy bishop to be
beaten with rods, and dealt severely with him. Sts Cyriacus,
Smaragdus, Largus, and another prisoner, Crescentian, died under
torture. And at this time the emperor's daughter Artemia and another
twenty-one prisoners were also executed with Cyriacus.
Marcellus was secretly freed by Roman clergy. Exhuming the bodies of
the holy martyrs Cyriacus, Smaragdus and Largus, they reburied them on
the estates of two Christian women, Priscilla and Lucy, on the
outskirts of Rome, after they had transformed Lucy's house into a
church.
Ascending the throne, Maxentius gave orders to destroy the church and
turn it into a stockyard, and he sentenced the holy bishop to herd the
cattle. Exhausted by hunger and cold, and wearied by the tortures of
the soldiers, Marcellus became ill and died in the year 310.
The holy women Pricilla and Lucy were banished from Rome in disgrace,
and their estates confiscated and plundered.
_________________________________________________________________
Martyr Maurus of Rome
Saint Maurus suffered at Rome with the hieromartyr Marcellus, Bishop
of Rome, and the holy deacons Sisinius and Cyriacus; also Smaragdus,
Largus, Apronian, Saturninus, Crescentian, Papias, and the holy women
martyrs Lucina (Lucy), and the emperor's daughter Artemia during the
persecution of Diocletian and Maximian (284-305) and their successors,
Galerius (305-311) and Maxentius (305-312).
The emperor Maximian, ruler of the Western Roman Empire, deprived all
Christians of military rank and sent them into penal servitude.
A certain rich Christian, Thrason, sent food and clothing to the
prisoners through the Christians Sisinius, Cyriacus, Smaragdus and
Largus. St Marcellus thanked Thrason for his generosity, and ordained
Sisinius and Cyriacus as deacons.
While rendering aid to the captives, Sisinius and Cyriacus also were
arrested and condemned to harsh labor. They fulfilled not only their
own work quota, but worked also for the dying captive Saturninus.
Therefore, Maximian sent Sisinius to Laodicius, the governor of the
district.
They locked the saint in prison. The head of the prison, Apronian,
summoned St Sisinius for interrogation but, seeing his face shine with
a heavenly light, he believed in Christ and was baptized. Later, he
went with Sisinius to St Marcellus and received Chrismation. St
Marcellus served the Liturgy, and they partook of the Holy Mysteries.
On June 7, Sts Sisinius and Saturninus were brought before Laodicius
in the company of Apronian. St Apronian confessed that he was a
Christian, and was beheaded. Sts Sisinius and Saturninus were thrown
into prison. Then Laodicius gave orders to bring them to a pagan
temple to offer sacrifice. Saturninus said, "If only the Lord would
turn the pagan idols into dust!"
At that very moment the tripods, on which incense burned before the
idols, melted. Seeing this miracle, the soldiers Papias and Maurus
confessed Christ. After prolonged tortures Sisinius and Saturninus
were beheaded, and Papias and Maurus were locked up in prison, where
they prayed to receive illumination by holy Baptism. The Lord
fulfilled their desire. Leaving the prison without being noticed, they
received Baptism from St Marcellus and returned to the prison.
At the trial they again confessed themselves Christians and died under
terrible tortures. Their holy bodies were buried by the priest John
and Thrason.
Sts Cyriacus, Smaragdus, Largus and other Christian prisoners
continued to languish at hard labor.
Diocletian's daughter Artemia suffered from demonic oppression. Having
learned that the prisoner St Cyriacus could heal infirmities and cast
out devils, the emperor summoned him to the sick girl. In gratitude
for the healing of his daughter, the emperor freed Cyriacus, Smaragdus
and Largus. Soon the emperor sent St Cyriacus to Persia to heal the
daughter of the Persian emperor.
Upon his return to Rome, St Cyriacus was arrested on orders of the
emperor Galerius, the son-in-law of Diocletian, who had abdicated and
retired as emperor. Galerius was very annoyed at his predecessor
because his daughter Artemia had converted to Christianity. He gave
orders to drag St Cyriacus behind his chariot stripped, bloodied, and
in chains, to be shamed and ridiculed by the crowds.
St Marcellus denounced the emperor openly before everyone for his
cruelty toward innocent Christians. The emperor ordered the holy
bishop to be beaten with rods, and dealt severely with him. Sts
Cyriacus, Smaragdus, Largus, and another prisoner, Crescentian, died
under torture. And at this time the emperor's daughter Artemia and
another twenty-one prisoners were also executed with St Cyriacus.
St Marcellus was secretly freed by Roman clergy. Exhuming the bodies
of the holy martyrs Cyriacus, Smaragdus and Largus, they reburied them
on the estates of two Christian women, Priscilla and Lucy, on the
outskirts of Rome, after they had transformed Lucy's house into a
church.
Ascending the throne, Maxentius gave orders to destroy the church and
turn it into a stockyard, and he sentenced the holy bishop to herd the
cattle. Exhausted by hunger and cold, and wearied by the tortures of
the soldiers, St Marcellus became ill and died in the year 310.
The holy women Pricilla and Lucy were banished from Rome in disgrace,
and their estates confiscated and plundered.
_________________________________________________________________
Martyr Crecentian of Rome
Saint Crescentian suffered at Rome with the hieromartyr Marcellus,
Bishop of Rome, and the holy deacons Sisinius and Cyriacus; also
Smaragdus, Largus, Apronian, Saturninus, Crescentian, Papias and
Maurus and the holy women martyrs Lucina (Lucy), and the emperor's
daughter Artemia during the persecution of Diocletian and Maximian
(284-305) and their successors, Galerius (305-311) and Maxentius
(305-312).
The emperor Maximian, ruler of the Western Roman Empire, deprived all
Christians of military rank and sent them into penal servitude.
St Marcellus denounced the emperor openly before everyone for his
cruelty toward innocent Christians. The emperor ordered the holy
bishop to be beaten with rods, and dealt severely with him. Sts
Cyriacus, Smaragdus, Largus, and another prisoner, Crescentian, died
under torture. And at this time the emperor's daughter Artemia and
another twenty-one prisoners were also executed with Cyriacus.
Marcellus was secretly freed by Roman clergy. Exhuming the bodies of
the holy martyrs Cyriacus, Smaragdus and Largus, they reburied them on
the estates of two Christian women, Priscilla and Lucy, on the
outskirts of Rome, after they had transformed Lucy's house into a
church.
Ascending the throne, Maxentius gave orders to destroy the church and
turn it into a stockyard, and he sentenced the holy bishop to herd the
cattle. Exhausted by hunger and cold, and wearied by the tortures of
the soldiers, Marcellus became ill and died in the year 310.
_________________________________________________________________
Martyr Priscilla of Rome
Saint Priscilla suffered at Rome with the hieromartyr Marcellus,
Bishop of Rome, and the holy deacons Sisinius and Cyriacus; also
Smaragdus, Largus, Apronian, Saturninus, Crescentian, Papias and
Maurus and the holy women martyrs Lucina (Lucy), and the emperor's
daughter Artemia during the persecution of Diocletian and Maximian
(284-305) and their successors, Galerius (305-311) and Maxentius
(305-312).
The emperor Maximian, ruler of the Western Roman Empire, deprived all
Christians of military rank and sent them into penal servitude. At
this time the emperor's daughter Artemia and another twenty-one
prisoners were executed with St Cyriacus, then buried.
The bodies of the holy martyrs Cyriacus, Smaragdus and Largus were
exhumed and reburied on the estates of two Christian women, Priscilla
and Lucy, on the outskirts of Rome, after they had transformed Lucy's
house into a church.
Ascending the throne, Maxentius gave orders to destroy the church and
turn it into a stockyard, and he sentenced the holy Bishop Marcellus
to herd the cattle. Exhausted by hunger and cold, and wearied by the
tortures of the soldiers, Marcellus became ill and died in the year
310.
The holy women Pricilla and Lucy were banished from Rome in disgrace,
and their estates confiscated and plundered.
_________________________________________________________________
Martyr Lucina (Lucy) of Rome
Saint Lucina (Lucy) suffered at Rome with the Hieromartyr Marcellus,
Bishop of Rome, and the holy deacons Sisinius and Cyriacus; also
Smaragdus, Largus, Apronian, Saturninus, Crescentian, Papias and
Maurus and the holy women martyrs Priscilla, and the emperor's
daughter Artemia during the persecution of Diocletian and Maximian
(284-305) and their successors, Galerius (305-311) and Maxentius
(305-312).
The emperor Maximian, ruler of the Western Roman Empire, deprived all
Christians of military rank and sent them into penal servitude. At
this time the emperor's daughter Artemia and another twenty-one
prisoners were executed with St Cyriacus, then buried.
The bodies of the holy martyrs Cyriacus, Smaragdus and Largus were
exhumed and reburied on the estates of two Christian women, Priscilla
and Lucy, on the outskirts of Rome, after they had transformed Lucy's
house into a church.
Ascending the throne, Maxentius gave orders to destroy the church and
turn it into a stockyard, and he sentenced the holy Bishop Marcellus
to herd the cattle. Exhausted by hunger and cold, and wearied by the
tortures of the soldiers, Marcellus became ill and died in the year
310.
The holy women Pricilla and Lucy were banished from Rome in disgrace,
and their estates confiscated and plundered.
_________________________________________________________________
Martyr Princess Artemia of Rome
Saint Artemia was the daughter of the Emperor Diocletian, and suffered
from demonic oppression. Learning that the prisoner St Cyriacus could
heal infirmities and cast out devils, the emperor summoned him to the
sick girl. In gratitude for healing his daughter, the emperor freed
Cyriacus, Smaragdus and Largus. Soon the emperor sent St Cyriacus to
Persia to heal the daughter of the Persian emperor.
Upon his return to Rome, St Cyriacus was arrested on orders of the
emperor Galerius, the son-in-law of Diocletian, who had abdicated and
retired as emperor. Galerius was very annoyed at his predecessor
because his daughter Artemia had converted to Christianity. He gave
orders to drag St Cyriacus behind his chariot stripped, bloodied, and
in chains, to be shamed and ridiculed by the crowds.
St Marcellus denounced the emperor openly before everyone for his
cruelty toward innocent Christians. The emperor ordered the holy
bishop to be beaten with rods, and dealt severely with him. Sts
Cyriacus, Smaragdus, Largus, and another prisoner, Crescentian, died
under torture. And at this time the emperor's daughter Artemia and
another twenty-one prisoners were also executed with St Cyriacus.
_________________________________________________________________
Martyr Kyriake of Caesarea, in Palestine
The holy women martyrs Kyriake, Kaleria (Valeria), and Mary lived in
Palestinian Caesarea during the persecution under Diocletian
(284-305). Having received instruction in the Christian Faith, they
abandoned paganism, settled in a solitary place and spent their lives
in prayer, beseeching the Lord that the persecution against Christians
would come to an end, and that the Faith of Christ would shine
throughout all the world.
The governor tried to force them to worship idols, but they bravely
confessed their faith in Christ. For this reason, they were tortured
and received the crown of martyrdom.
_________________________________________________________________
Martyr Caleria of Caesarea, in Palestine
The Holy Women Martyrs Caleria (Valeria), Kyriake and Mary lived in
Palestinian Caesarea during the persecution under Diocletian
(284-305). Having received instruction in the Christian Faith, they
abandoned paganism, settled in a solitary place and spent their lives
in prayer, beseeching the Lord that the persecution against Christians
would come to an end, and that the Faith of Christ would shine
throughout all the world.
The governor tried to force them to worship idols, but they bravely
confessed their faith in Christ. For this reason, they were tortured
and received the crown of martyrdom.
_________________________________________________________________
Martyr Mary of Caesarea in Palestine
The holy women martyrs Mary, Kaleria (Valeria), and Kyriake lived in
Palestinian Caesarea during the persecution under Diocletian
(284-305). Having received instruction in the Christian Faith, they
abandoned paganism, settled in a solitary place and spent their lives
in prayer, beseeching the Lord that the persecution against Christians
would come to an end, and that the Faith of Christ would shine
throughout all the world.
The governor tried to force them to worship idols, but they bravely
confessed their faith in Christ. For this reason, they were tortured
and received the crown of martyrdom.
_________________________________________________________________
Martyr Zinaida (Zenais) of Caesarea in Palestine
No information available at this time.
_________________________________________________________________