Saturninus of Rome

Holy Martyr Saturninus of Rome was an old Christian prisoner, condemned to forced labour in the persecution of Diocletian and Maximian (284-305), and died beheaded for faith in Christ. He is commemorated in the group of the Holy Hieromartyr Marcellus, pope of Rome.

The emperor Maximian stripped the Christians of military rank and sent them to forced labour. A rich Christian, Thraso, sent the prisoners food and clothing through the deacons Sisinnius and Cyriacus and through Smaragdus and Largus. Seized while helping the prisoners, Sisinnius and Cyriacus were sent to labour; they worked also in place of the aged prisoner Saturninus, and for this Maximian gave Sisinnius to torment under the governor Laodicius. The jailer Apronian believed in Christ when he saw the face of Sisinnius shining with heavenly light, was baptized and was beheaded. Sisinnius and Saturninus were brought into the pagan temple, where they were commanded to sacrifice. Saturninus said: May the Lord turn the pagan idols to dust. In the same instant the tripods on which incense burned before the idols melted. The soldiers Papias and Maurus, seeing the wonder, confessed Christ. After long torments Sisinnius and Saturninus were put to the sword.

Pope Marcellus, who baptized Papias, Maurus and Apronian, died in 310. St Saturninus is commemorated on 20 June, in the new style.