Marcellinus of Spain

Saint Marcellinus of Spain was one of those who set out with Saint Dionysius the Areopagite to preach the Gospel in the western lands, and he went to Spain. The Azbyka page commemorates him in the life of the Holy Hieromartyr Lucian, the presbyter Maxian and the deacon Julian, of Marcellinus and Saturninus.

Lucian, in the time of paganism Lucius, was enlightened by the holy Apostle Peter and preached in Italy. Saint Dionysius the Areopagite came then to Rome and, at the request of Pope Clement, agreed to go and preach in the western lands. Pope Clement consecrated Lucian a bishop and sent him with Dionysius, together with Marcellinus and Saturninus, the presbyter Maxian and the deacon Julian. From Italy they went toward Gaul, and there they parted: Marcellinus, with those who accompanied him, set out for Spain, Saturninus for Gaul, Dionysius for the region of Paris, and Lucian with Maxian and Julian for Belgium. About what Marcellinus did in Spain and about his end, the page says nothing.

In Belgium, in the persecution of Domitian (81-96), Lucian, Maxian and Julian were brought to trial. Maxian and Julian refused to renounce Christ and to sacrifice to idols and were beheaded. Lucian was scourged and beheaded; the saint said he would not cease to praise Christ, and, by a wonder, with his severed head in his hands, he crossed a river and lay down at the place he had chosen for his burial. About five hundred pagans believed on seeing this.

They are commemorated on 16 June, in the new style.