Marinus of Rome

Holy Martyr Marinus of Rome lived in the time of the emperor Carinus (282-283) and, being of noble birth, though young, held the rank of synkletikos, that is a senator. As a Christian he was seized and compelled to sacrifice to idols. Because he did not obey, they hung him up and cut him with swords, then laid him on fire. After that they threw him on a red-⁠hot pan and then into a boiling cauldron, but by the grace of God Marinus remained unharmed in all the torments. Then they let loose upon the saint wild beasts, lions and bears, but these did not touch him either.

Meanwhile the anger of the pagans grew against the unshaken confessor. They resolved to take him by force into the temple of the idols and compel him to sacrifice. The saint then said: "I wish to sacrifice to the gods." Hearing this declaration, the emperor and those around him rejoiced. But Marinus, entering the temple with them all, prayed to the Lord Jesus Christ, and the idols fell and shattered. The emperor, grieved at this unexpected outburst, at once ordered the martyr's head cut off. So Saint Marinus gave up his spirit to the Lord, and his relics were reverently buried by God-⁠fearing Christians. He suffered around the year 283.

He is commemorated on 29 December, in the new style.