Lucian of Rome

Holy Martyr Lucian of Rome suffered in the year 301, in the persecution of Diocletian, with a group of martyrs headed by the Holy Martyr Lucia and Rix (Avtius). The Azbyka page tells their story together and says of Lucian only that he was among those beheaded after them.

Lucia, born in the region of Campania in Italy, had devoted herself to the Lord from youth and lived in strict chastity. While still young she was taken prisoner by Rix, the chief of a Germanic tribe, and carried off to a foreign land. At first Rix forced her to perform the pagan rites, but seeing the strength of her faith and her readiness to accept torments for the name of Christ, he came to hold her in deep respect and gave her and her maidservants a separate small house, where they lived in solitude and unceasing prayer. When he went off on campaigns, Rix reverently asked for Lucia's prayers and returned victorious.

After twenty years Lucia learned that the emperor Diocletian had begun a persecution of Christians and asked Rix to let her go to Italy, to glorify the Lord together with her countrymen. Rix, under her influence, had by then accepted the Christian faith and burned also with a desire for the martyr's struggle. He left his palace and family and went with Lucia to Rome. By the sentence of the prefect Elius they were beheaded with the sword. After them were beheaded Antony, Lucian, Isidore, Dion, Diodorus, Cutonius, Aronos, Capicus and Satur (died 301).

They are commemorated on 19 July, in the new style.