Marcian of Tortona

The Holy Hierarch Marcian of Tortona (Marciano, Marziano) is, according to tradition, the first bishop of Tortona, in northern Italy, which he shepherded for forty-⁠five years. He died, according to some sources, in 117, under Trajan, according to others in 120, under Hadrian. His feast is on 6 March.

Tradition

Tradition says he was born into a pagan family but was brought to the faith by the Holy Apostle Barnabas and then confirmed in the Christian faith by Syrus (Siro), bishop of Pavia. Secundus of Asti is said to have met Marcian at Tortona, when Secundus was still a pagan; the meeting decided him to become a Christian (according to another source, Marcian brought to Christ Secundus, later martyr of Asti, while he was in prison). He is said to have been crucified for his faith; according to another source, he was tortured after forty-⁠five years of episcopate.

What is known

Some have argued that he is the same as Marcian of Ravenna. Documents of the eighth century attest his episcopate. Walafrid Strabo, in response to the building of a church in honour of the saint, indicates that Marcian was the first bishop of the Tortona community and a martyr. His relics, found in the fourth century on the left bank of the river Scrivia by Innocent, bishop of Brescia, now lie in the cathedral of Tortona. A finger bone associated with the saint is kept at Genola, of which he is also patron. He is the patron of the city of Tortona.