Celsius of Egypt

Holy Martyr Celsius of Egypt was the son of the pagan governor Marcian and suffered together with the Holy Martyr Julian, the abbot. The Church commemorates him on 21 January (new style).

Julian, born at Antinoe in Egypt, married by his parents' will Basilissa, a noble and rich maiden, but they remained virgins. After their parents' death they founded two monasteries, of monks and of nuns, both entered monastic life and led them. In the time of Diocletian, Julian suffered terribly for the faith of Christ and by his courage brought to Christ Celsius, the son of his tormentor, the governor Marcian, and the latter's wife, Marcionilla. By raising a dead pagan he converted him too. The converts were baptized by the presbyter Anthony, and the pagan received at baptism the name Anastasius. After imprisonment all received the crown of martyrdom, being put to the sword. With them twenty soldiers and seven children died as martyrs.