Diodorus of Rome

Holy Martyr Diodorus of Rome was a priest and died in the time of Emperor Numerian (283-284), together with many Christians who had gathered to celebrate the day of martyrdom of Saints Chrysanthus and Daria, in their cave near Rome. He is commemorated on 1 April, in the company of Chrysanthus, Daria, Claudius, Hilaria, Jason and Maurus, Diodorus the priest and Marianus the deacon.

Chrysanthus, the son of pagans, found the books of the New Testament, was baptised by the priest Carpophorus and began to preach openly. With his wife, Daria, whom he converted, he lived in virginity. They were tormented, and Chrysanthus and Daria, after the martyrdom of the tribune Claudius with his wife and sons, were buried alive. The Christians gathered in the cave near the place of execution, to celebrate the day of the saints' witness, held services and communed of the Holy Mysteries. Learning of it, the pagan authorities ordered the entrance of the cave stopped up, full of those at prayer. So many Christians perished in torment, of whom two are known by name: the priest Diodorus and the deacon Marianus.