Sisinius of Rome

Holy Hieromartyr Sisinius of Rome was a deacon of Pope Marcellus and was beheaded at Rome in the persecution of Diocletian and Maximian (284-305).

Emperor Maximian, who ruled the western part, stripped all Christians of military ranks and sent them to forced labour. A rich Christian, Thrason, sent food and clothing to the prisoners through Sisinius, Cyriacus, Smaragdus and Largus. Pope Marcellus thanked Thrason, and ordained Sisinius and Cyriacus deacons. Soon, while helping the prisoners, Sisinius and Cyriacus were seized and sent to work. They did not only their own quota but also worked in place of the old prisoner Saturninus, for which Maximian handed Sisinius over for torment to the governor Laodicius. The saint was imprisoned. The prison chief, Apronian, summoned him for questioning, but, seeing his face shining with heavenly light, believed in Christ and was baptized, then went with Sisinius to Pope Marcellus and received chrismation; after the Liturgy the pope gave them the holy Mysteries. On the same day, 7 June, Sisinius and Saturninus, accompanied by Apronian, stood before Laodicius. Apronian confessed that he was a Christian and was beheaded, while Sisinius and Saturninus were thrown into prison. Laodicius ordered them taken to the pagan temple to sacrifice. Saturninus said, "May the Lord turn the pagan idols to dust." At that moment the tripods on which incense burned before the idols melted. At the sight of the wonder the soldiers Papias and Maurus confessed Christ. After long tortures Sisinius and Saturninus were beheaded, while Papias and Maurus were put in prison, where they prayed to be enlightened by holy Baptism, and the Lord helped them to fulfil their saving wish: they came out unnoticed, received baptism from Pope Marcellus and returned to the prison. At the trial they confessed again that they were Christians and died under dreadful tortures. Their bodies were buried by the priest John and Thrason.

Sisinius is commemorated on 20 June, in the new style, with Pope Marcellus and the other martyrs.