Emilian of Rome

Saint Emilian of Rome, in the world Victorinus, was a Roman by birth and led a sinful life until he was an old man. At last he repented, withdrew to a monastery and became a monk with the name Emilian. For the rest of his days he served God humbly, astonishing the brethren by his uncomplaining obedience and strict fasting. The monks noticed that at night Emilian secretly visited a cave near the monastery. Once the abbot followed him and found him in the cave, praying with tears of contrition and illumined by an unearthly light. He heard a voice: "Emilian, your sins are forgiven."

Deeply moved, the abbot asked the elder after morning services to tell the brethren his secret, and the saint told everyone of God's great mercy toward him. The abbot said to the brethren: "The Lord could have forgiven him in secret, but for our sake He revealed His mercy with light and a voice, so that we might behold His grace toward sinners who repent." Emilian spent the rest of his days in spiritual joy and departed peacefully to the Lord. He is commemorated on 7 March (new style; 20 March on the old calendar).

Greek synaxaria also mention, on the same date, an Emilian the Roman who died a martyr in Rome in 259 with James and Marian.