SAINTS CHRYSANTHUS AND DARIA, MARTYRS OF ROME (MARCH 19)

Sts. Chrysanthus and Daria

Edited by Bp. Joseph (Ancient Church of the West) 

In the days of the Emperor Numerian, there lived in Rome a young man named Chrysanthus, born to a noble and pagan family from Alexandria. His father, desiring to give him the finest education, provided him with the works of philosophers and sages. Yet amidst the clamor of worldly wisdom, Chrysanthus longed for the truth of the Christians, whose faith was so maligned yet so enduring. After much searching, he obtained a copy of the New Testament, and the light of Christ dispelled the shadows of his mind. 

Yearning to be instructed in the Holy Scriptures, he found Carpophoros, a presbyter hiding from persecution, and received from him the grace of holy Baptism. Strengthened by the Spirit, Chrysanthus boldly preached the Gospel, and many were drawn to the faith through his fervent witness. His father, grieved and angered by his son’s conversion, sought to turn him from Christ by marrying him to Daria, a maiden dedicated to Minerva. 

Yet by his gentle persuasion and the example of his chastity, Chrysanthus led Daria to the knowledge of Christ, and together they vowed to live in continence, as brother and sister in the Lord. After his father’s death, they dwelt in separate houses, each drawing others to the path of virtue. Young men flocked to Chrysanthus to learn the way of holiness, while women gathered around Daria, seeking the purity and peace of Christ. 

The fame of their sanctity spread, and the eparch Celerinus, hearing of their influence, sent Chrysanthus to Claudius the tribune to be tortured. But God preserved His servant from harm, and Claudius, witnessing the steadfastness of the saint, believed in Christ, together with his wife Hilaria, their sons Jason and Maurus, and their entire household. The emperor Numerian, learning of this, ordered the family’s execution. Claudius was drowned in the sea, his sons and soldiers beheaded, and Hilaria, after fervent prayer, surrendered her soul to God. 

The holy Daria was condemned to a brothel, but God sent a lion to guard her, striking fear into the wicked while leaving the saint unharmed. One man, attempting to violate her, was cast down by the lion but spared, and hearing the word of truth from Daria, repented. Chrysanthus, meanwhile, was cast into a pit of filth, but a heavenly fragrance surrounded him, and his soul remained at peace. 

At length, both saints were condemned to be buried alive, and thus they received the crown of martyrdom, entering into the joy of their Lord. In the cave where their bodies rested, Christians gathered to honor their memory and partake of the Holy Mysteries. When the authorities learned of this devotion, they sealed the cave, and those worshippers within shared the martyrs’ blessed repose. Among them were the Presbyter Diodorus and the Deacon Marianus, whose names are held in everlasting remembrance. 

COLLECT

O Almighty God, who hast compassed us about with so great a cloud of witnesses, grant that we, encouraged by the steadfast faith and pure love of Thy holy martyrs Chrysanthus and Daria, may persevere in holiness and cleave to Thy truth, that we may receive with them the crown of life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen. 

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