Marinus and Asterius

The Holy Martyrs Marinus and Asterius lived in Caesarea of Palestine in the third century and are commemorated together in the Orthodox calendar. Their story is known from the Ecclesiastical History of Eusebius of Caesarea.

Marinus was a soldier of high standing in the Roman army. When he was about to be promoted to centurion, a rival declared that he was a Christian and could not offer sacrifice to the emperor. Marinus confessed his faith and was given three hours to change his mind. Bishop Theotecnus led him into the church and, showing him his sword and the Gospel book, asked which he would take; Marinus laid his hand on the Gospel. He returned to the tribunal, stood firm, and was beheaded.

Asterius, a Roman senator who was well known and close to the emperors, took the martyr's body on his own robe and buried it with honour. This act brought him to trial in turn; he was condemned and beheaded, around the year 262.

Marinus and Asterius are commemorated on 7 August in the Orthodox synaxaria, and the Roman Martyrology has them on 3 March.