Saint of the Day – 8 August – Saint Cyriacus the Martyr (Died c 303)

Saint of the Day – 8 August – Saint Cyriacus (also called St Cyriac)  the Martyr, Deacon (Died c 303) One of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, Confessor, Miracle-worker – born in the 3rd Century and died by being tortured and beheaded in 303 on the Salarian Way, Rome, Italy. Patronages – against diabolical possession, against eye disease, against temptations (especially at time of death), Altidona, Italy, Saint-Cierges, Vaud, Switzerland.

Emperor Maximin in token of his gratitude to Diocletian, who had ceded the western half of his empire to him, ordered the building of that magnificent structure in Rome, whose ruins are still known as the “Baths of Diocletian.”   The Christians, imprisoned for the Faith, were compelled to labour under cruel overseers at this building.   A zealous Christian Roman, touched with pity at this moving spectacle, resolved to employ his means in improving the condition of these poor victims of persecution.

Among the Deacons of the Roman Church at that time, was one by the name of Cyriacus, who was distinguished by his zeal in the performance of all good works.   He, with two companions, Largus and Smaragdus, the pious Roman selected for the execution of his plan. Cyriacus devoted himself to the work with great ardour.   One day, whilst visiting the labourers to distribute food amongst them, he observed a decrepit old man, who was so feeble that he was unable to perform his severe task.   Filled with pity, Cyriacus offered to take his place.   The aged prisoner consenting, the merciful Deacon thenceforth performed the arduous labour of the building.

After some time he was discovered and cast into prison.  There he again found opportunity to exercise his zeal.   Some blind men who had great confidence in the power of his prayer, came to ask him for help in their affliction and he restored their sight.   He and his companions spent three years in prison and during that time he healed many sick and converted a great number of heathens from the darkness of paganism.

Then, Emperor Diocletian’s little daughte, became possessed by an evil spirit and no-one was able to deliver her from it.  To the idolatrous pagan priests who were called, the evil spirit declared that he would leave the girl only when commanded to do so by Cyriacus, the Deacon. He was hastily summoned and prayed and made the Sign of the Cross over the girl and the evil spirit departed.  The Emperor loved his daughter, therefore, he was grateful to the holy Deacon and presented him with a house, where he and his companions might serve their God unmolested by their enemies.

About this time, the daughter of the Persian King, Sapor was attacked by a similar malady and when he heard what Cyriacus had done for Diocletian’s daughter, he wrote to the Emperor, asking him to send the Christian Deacon.   It was done and Cyriacus, on foot, set out for Persia. Arriving at his destination, he prayed over the girl and the evil spirit left her.   On hearing of this miracle, four hundred and twenty heathens were converted to the Faith.   These, the Saint instructed and Baptised and then set out on his homeward journey.

Upon his return to Rome, he continued his life of prayer and good works.   But when Diocletian soon afterward left for the East, his co-emperor Maximin seized the opportunity to give vent to his hatred for the Christians and renewed their persecution.   One of the first victims was Cyriacus.   He was loaded with chains and brought before the judge, who first tried blandishments and promises to induce him to renounce Christ and to sacrifice to the idols but in vain.   Then the Confessor of Christ was stretched on the rack, his limbs torn from their sockets and be was beaten with clubs.   His companions shared the same tortures.   Finally, when the Emperor and the judge were convinced that nothing would shake the constancy of the holy Martyrs, they were beheaded.   They gained the crown of glory in March 303.

In the life of St Cyriacus, two virtues shine forth in a special manner; his love of God and his charity toward his fellow men.   His love of God impelled him to sacrifice all, even his life, for His sake, thereby fulfilling the commandment:  “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart and with thy whole soul and with thy whole mind” [Matt. 12: 37].   A greater love of God no man can have, than giving his life for Him.

St Cyriacus also fulfilled the other commandment, of which Our Lord declared, “And the second is like to this: Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” [Matt. 12: 39].   He helped his fellow Christians to bear their burdens, relieved them in their sufferings, assisted and encouraged them by word and deed and edified them by his example.   His sole aim was to do good to all men, mindful of the words of the Royal Prophet: “Blessed is he that understands concerning the needy and the poor” [Ps. 40: 2].   He was so imbued with the virtue of charity, that he was disposed even to sacrifice his life for the relief and assistance of others.

How shall we justify our unfeeling hardness of heart, by which we seek every trifling pretence to exempt us from the duty of aiding the unfortunate?   Remember the threat of the apostle, “Judgement without mercy to him that hath not done mercy” [James 2: 13].

O GOD, Who grants us joy by the remembrance of Thy blessed Martyrs Cyriacus, Largus, and Smaragdus, grant, we beseech Thee, that we, by celebrating their memory, may imitate their fortitude in suffering. Through Christ our Lord.   Amen