Silvanus the Deacon

Holy Martyr Silvanus the Deacon died a martyr's death in the time of Emperor Diocletian. In 303-304 Diocletian issued four edicts against Christians, ordering the destruction of places of worship, the ban on Christian assemblies and the killing of priests and even of believers who would not sacrifice to the pagan gods.

Silvanus, a deacon of the Church, was among those who preferred death to denying Christ. The sources consulted do not say where and how he died. He is commemorated on 21 August (new style), together with Romulus the Presbyter, Donatus the Deacon and Venustus.