Crescens of Corinth

Holy Martyr Crescens of Corinth was a disciple of Saint Codratus the Martyr and suffered with him in the time of the emperor Decius (249-251). The Azbyka page mentions him among the friends and followers who came to Codratus in the desert.

Codratus was born in the mountains of Rufina, a devout woman who had fled from Corinth during a persecution and died soon after his birth; the infant was fed by a cloud that nourished him with sweet dew. He grew up in the desert, then learned from Christians the light of the faith, studied letters and the art of healing, and spent his time in the mountains in prayer. His friends and followers often came to hear him, among them Cyprian, Dionysius, Anectus, Paul, Crescens and many others.

When the commander Jason, sent by Decius, came to Corinth, Codratus was seized with his friends and thrown into prison. At the trial the saint confessed his faith and encouraged the others. Jason ordered them cast to wild beasts, but the beasts did not touch them; they were dragged through the city bound to chariots and struck with stones, then sentenced to the sword. At the place of death they asked for a little time to pray and, one after another, bowed their heads beneath the sword. The other disciples suffered too: another Dionysius was stabbed, Victorinus, Victor and Nicephorus were crushed alive in a stone mortar, Claudius had his hands and feet cut off, Diodorus threw himself into the fire, Serapion was beheaded, and Papias and Leonidas were drowned in the sea. Many holy women also went willingly to torments.

Saint Crescens is commemorated on 23 March, in the new style. Their passion is also found in the Lives of the Saints by Saint Dimitry of Rostov.