Quiricus of Tarsus

Holy Martyr Quiricus of Tarsus, the child, lived with his mother, Saint Julitta, in Iconium, in the region of Lycaonia in Asia Minor. Saint Julitta was of noble birth and a Christian. Left a widow while young, she raised her son Quiricus, who was three years old.

In the time of the persecution raised against Christians by the emperor Diocletian (284-305), Saint Julitta left the city with her son and two faithful maidservants, leaving behind her house, her property and her slaves. Disguised as a beggar she hid first at Seleucia and then at Tarsus. There, around 305, she was recognised, detained and brought to trial before the governor Alexander. Strengthened by the Lord, the saint answered the judge's questions without fear and firmly confessed her faith in Christ. The governor ordered her beaten with rods. During the torments Saint Julitta repeated that she was a Christian and would not sacrifice to demons.

The child Quiricus wept at the sight of his mother's sufferings and struggled toward her. The governor Alexander tried to caress him, but the boy tore himself away and cried, "Let me go to my mother, I am a Christian". Then the governor flung the child from the height of the platform onto the stone steps; the boy rolled down, striking the sharp corners, and died. The mother, seeing her son torn and broken, gave thanks to God that He had counted the child worthy of the crown of martyrdom. After many cruel tortures Saint Julitta was beheaded with the sword.

The relics of the holy martyrs Quiricus and Julitta were found in the reign of the holy emperor Constantine, equal to the apostles († 337). In their honour a monastery was built near Constantinople and a church not far from Jerusalem. According to popular belief, people pray to the holy Quiricus and Julitta for the happiness of the family and for the recovery of sick children. Saint Quiricus is commemorated on 28 July, in the new style. Their passion is also found in the Lives of the Saints by Saint Dimitry of Rostov.