Maurus of Rome

Holy Martyr Maurus of Rome was a soldier and suffered at Rome in the time of the persecution of Diocletian and Maximian, together with his companion Papias and those of the circle of Saint Marcellus, Bishop of Rome.

The persecution began when Maximian removed Christians from the ranks of the army and sent them to forced labour. Saint Marcellus, helped by the wealthy Christian Thrason, supported the prisoners. The deacons Sisinnius and Cyriacus were seized for their charity. Sisinnius and the aged Saturninus were brought before the governor Laodicius, who ordered them to sacrifice to idols. Saturninus prayed that the Lord would turn the pagan idols to dust, and at once the tripods on which incense was burning melted. Seeing the wonder, the soldiers Papias and Maurus confessed Christ.

After long torments they were cast into prison, where they prayed to receive Holy Baptism. The Lord granted their wish: they went out of the prison unnoticed, were baptized by Saint Marcellus and returned to their cell. At the trial they again declared themselves Christians and died under terrible torture. Their bodies were buried by the presbyter John and Thrason.

Pope Marcellus reposed in the year 310, after being condemned to tend cattle. The Azbyka page gives no date of its own for the death of Maurus. The saint is commemorated on 20 June, in the new style, with Marcellus, Sisinnius, Cyriacus and the others.