Januarius the Roman

Holy Martyr Januarius the Roman was the first of the seven sons of Holy Martyr Felicitas: Januarius, Felix, Philip, Silvanus, Alexander, Vitalis and Martial. Felicitas was of a wealthy family of Rome. The pagan priests accused her of insulting the gods by spreading the Christian faith. Holy Felicitas gave away all her property and, with her sons, openly confessed faith in Christ. All were given over to torments. Holy Felicitas, seeing the sufferings of her sons, prayed God that they stand firm in the struggle and enter the Kingdom of Heaven before her. All the sons died as martyrs before the eyes of their mother. After them Holy Felicitas herself suffered martyrdom. The holy family suffered at Rome about the year 164. Saint Gregory the Dialogist dedicated to the martyr Felicitas a eulogy in the third homily delivered in the church that bears her name.

They are commemorated on 7 February (new style).