Chromatius

Saint Chromatius (Agrestius Chromatius) was a high Roman official, vicar to the city prefect of Rome under Diocletian, and the father of the holy martyr Tiburtius. He lived in the third century.

According to the legend of Saint Sebastian, Chromatius, who had condemned several martyrs to death in the reign of Carinus, was later converted by Tranquillinus and baptized by Polycarp. Tranquillinus had testified that he was cured of gout in baptism, and Chromatius suffered from the same malady; he sent for Polycarp, who baptized him, and he was healed. After becoming a Christian he released the prisoners and freed his slaves, then retired to his country estate, where for many years he welcomed Christians to protect them from persecution. His son Tiburtius was baptized and suffered for Christ. He is commemorated on 11 August as a saint of the undivided Church, by the New Calendar.