Ss. Chrysanthus and Daria, Mm. October 25

Saints Chrysanthus and Daria, Martyrs

Chrysanthus and Daria were put to death for Christ, most probably about the year 283, for they were venerated as Martyrs at Rome at a very early date. Not until the fifth century, however, was their Book of Acts composed, wherefrom cometh the following details. They were an husband and wife, of noble faith, which the wife learned from the husband, and they brought to Christ a great number of persons at Rome, she women, and he men. Therefore the Prefect Celerinus caused them to be fast bound in chains, and then baited, like a wild beast, as a sport for the soldiers. After this he was sewn up in an ox’s hide and set in the full heat of the sun ; and thereafter chained hand and foot and cast into a dark prison, which place was to him filled with a great light. Meanwhile Daria was haled to a brothel, but God kept her from insult, and wondrously sustained her, so that she was always rapt in prayer. Lastly they were both of them led to a sandpit upon the Salarian way, where they were thrown alive into a hole, and buried by stones cast upon them. And so they were not divided in winning the victory of martyrdom.

Collect:

We beseech thee, O Lord, that we may in such wise be assisted by the prayers of thy blessed Martyrs, Chrysanthus and Daria: that, like as we do here render them our outward honour, so we may ever feel the succour of their loving-kindness, through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord. Amen.