Episode 2239: Sts Marcus and Marcellianus

Sts. Marcus and Marcellianus
Feast Day: June 18
Death: 286 AD
Martyrdom: Decapitation
Early Life
Sts. Marcus and Marcellianus were twin brothers born into a Christian family in Rome during the 3rd century. They were brought up in the faith, which at that time was illegal and persecuted by the Roman authorities.

Arrest and Imprisonment
During the persecution of Christians under Emperor Diocletian, Marcus and Marcellianus were arrested for their faith. They were brought before the authorities and were given the choice to renounce Christianity and perform a sacrifice to the Roman gods or face execution. The brothers refused to renounce their faith.

Attempts to Persuade
The authorities initially attempted to persuade the brothers to abandon their faith by imprisoning them and subjecting them to various forms of torture. According to tradition, their parents, Tranquillinus and Martia, along with their wives and children, were brought to the prison to convince them to renounce their faith. Instead of being swayed, their family members were inspired by their steadfastness and also strengthened in their own faith.

Martyrdom
After enduring imprisonment and torture, Marcus and Marcellianus remained unwavering in their commitment to Christianity. Eventually, they were sentenced to death by being bound to a stake and having their feet nailed to it. They were then pierced with lances before being beheaded. Their martyrdom took place around 286 AD.

Veneration
The courage and steadfast faith of Marcus and Marcellianus made them venerated martyrs in the early Christian church. They were buried in the cemetery of Balbina on the Via Ardeatina, outside Rome. Their feast day is celebrated on June 18.

Legacy
The story of Sts. Marcus and Marcellianus was recorded by early Christian writers and their legacy has been honored by subsequent generations of Christians. They are often invoked for their intercession by those who face persecution for their faith, serving as exemplars of steadfastness and courage.

The example of Marcus and Marcellianus continues to inspire Christians to remain faithful under trials and to stand firm in their beliefs even in the face of persecution and death.