Maurus of Rome

Holy Martyr Maurus of Rome was a son of the tribune Claudius and of Hilaria, and brother of Jason. His story is bound up with that of the holy martyrs Chrysanthus and Daria, who suffered at Rome in the time of the emperor Numerian (283-284).

Chrysanthus, a young man from a pagan family, found the books of the New Testament, received Baptism from the presbyter Carpophorus and began to preach. His wife Daria, a priestess of Athena, was won for Christ, and the two chose to live in virginity. Denounced to the prefect, Chrysanthus was handed over for torture to the tribune Claudius. The torments did not break his strength, and Claudius, amazed, believed in Christ and was baptized, with his wife Hilaria, his sons Jason and Maurus, all his household and his soldiers.

When Numerian learned of it he ordered them all to be put to death. Claudius was drowned in the sea, and his sons and the soldiers were beheaded. The Christians buried the bodies in a cave nearby. Hilaria went there constantly to pray; she was followed and brought to trial. She asked for a little time to pray and reposed in the very act of prayer. A servant buried her in the cave beside her sons.

Maurus is commemorated on 1 April, in the new style. The account of Saints Chrysanthus and Daria is also found in the Lives of the Saints by Saint Dimitry of Rostov.