The Relics of Sts. Chrysanthos and Daria in the Church of Santi Apostoli of Rome

After their martyrdom in Rome along the Via Salaria, Saints Chrysanthos and Daria were buried in the nearby Catacomba di Trasone. When the catacombs were abandoned in the ninth century, the relics of the two Saints were originally taken to Santi Apostoli. They are now claimed to be enshrined in several locations, most notably at the Cathedral of Reggio Emilia where a 2011 analysis found the human remains of an age and makeup corresponding to the documented origins.

Holy Martyrs Diodoros the Presbyter and Marianos the Deacon

Sts. Diodoros and Marianos (Feast Day - March 19)

Verses

The cave was like an altar. Within is offered,
The sacrificer of Christ, and his levite with him.

 

The Holy Martyrs Diodoros the Presbyter and Marianos the Deacon suffered martyrdom after the martyrdom of Saints Chrysanthos and Daria.

In a cave near the place of execution of the Holy Martyrs Chrysanthos and Daria in Rome, Christians began to gather to honor the anniversary of the their martyrdom. They celebrated Church services and partook of the Holy Mysteries. Learning of this, the pagan authorities sealed the entrance to the cave, and those within received the crown of martyrdom.

Two of these martyrs are known by name: the Presbyter Diodoros and the Deacon Marianos. Their relics rest today in the Church of the Holy Apostles in Rome.

The Tomb of Saints Chrysanthos and Daria in Rome (St. Gregory of Tours)

By St. Gregory of Tours

(Glory of the Martyrs 37)

According to the history of his suffering, after the martyr Chrysanthos received the crown of martyrdom with the virgin Daria he graciously performed many healings for people. For this reason a crypt of wonderful workmanship was constructed over their tombs.* The crypt was vaulted in the manner of arches and stood on a very solid foundation. When a crowd of people gathered for his festival, an evil emperor had a wall constructed across the entrance to the crypt to trap the people inside and ordered that the shrine be covered by sand and rocks. A large mound was built on top. The records of the martyr's struggle clearly state that this is what happened. For a long time the crypt remained buried by this covering. Finally the city of Rome discarded its idols and yielded to Christ the Lord. Already during previous years no one knew the location of this mausoleum, until the Lord Jesus revealed and exposed it. A wall divided the place; on one side the tombs of the martyrs Chrysanthos and Daria were separated, on the other side the bodies of the other saints were placed in one tomb. But the builder left an open window in this wall that had been placed in the middle, so that a panorama was available for viewing the bodies of the saints.

Synaxarion of the Holy Martyrs Chrysanthos and Daria

On the nineteenth of this month, we commemorate the Holy Martyrs and Couple Chrysanthos and Daria.

Verses

Although the living ones expired entering the pit,
Chrysanthos and Daria live in the heavens.
On the nineteenth the couple shared the same sepulchral mound.

These Saints lived during the reign of Emperor Numerian (283-284). Chrysanthos was the son of a ruling senator in Alexandria, whose name was Polemonos, while Daria was from Athens. Because Chrysanthos was catechized in the faith of Christ by a certain Bishop who was hidden in a cave, and baptized by him, for this reason he preached Christ. When the father of the Saint learned of this, he had him imprisoned, and punished him by starving him for many days. Because the Saint remained unshaken in his faith in Christ, his father brought a beautiful maiden from Athens, whose name was Daria, and who was a philosopher, and compelled his son Chrysanthos to take her as his wife, in order that by falling passionately in love, he would change from his faith in Christ. When the Saint saw her, he treated her like a sister and not a wife. They therefore both agreed to remain virgins until death. Hence instead of Daria persuading Chrysanthos, Chrysanthos persuaded Daria with his teachings. Wherefore she renounced her ancestral impiety, believed in Christ and received Holy Baptism.

Saints Chrysanthos and Daria Resource Page

Sts. Chrysanthos and Daria (Feast Day - March 19)

Verses

Although the living ones expired entering the pit,
Chrysanthos and Daria live in the heavens.
On the nineteenth the couple shared the same sepulchral mound.

Synaxarion of the Holy Martyrs Chrysanthos and Daria

Holy Martyrs Chrysanthos and Daria

Saints Chrysanthos and Daria as Models for our Lives

March: Day 19: Saints Chrysanthos and Daria

Holy Martyrs Chrysanthos and Daria in the Hymnography of the Orthodox Church 

Holy Martyrs Claudius the Tribune, his Wife Hilaria, and their Sons Jason and Maurus

Holy Martyrs Diodoros the Presbyter and Marianos the Deacon

The Tomb of Saints Chrysanthos and Daria in Rome (St. Gregory of Tours)

The Relics of Sts. Chrysanthos and Daria in the Church of Santi Apostoli of Rome

A Scientific Examination of the Relics of Sts. Chrysanthos and Daria

Mystery of the Murdered Saints (Documentary)