Saint of the Day – 12 May – Saint Cyril and 6 Companions (3rd Century) Martyrs of Rumania. Little is known of these Saints besides their staunch and holy sanctity never ceasing to declare Christ under immense torture and finally beheading. Grant us too the Grace we beseech Thee, Beloved Lord, never to cease defending Thee!
Information regarding Saint Cyril and his 6 companions, Martyred in Moesia (modern-day Rumania), is unfortunately fragmentary. Their liturgical feast is set today but the date of their Martyrdom remains uncertain, presumably in the 3rd Century.
The main sources mentioning these Saints are:
- The Roman Martyrology: it places their commemoration on May 12th with the following entry: “At Galatz in Moesia, in modern Rumania, Saint Cyril, who was Martyred together with six companions.”
- Apocryphal Acts
- Ancient local traditions: passed down orally and then collected in manuscripts.
From the available sources, it is clear that Cyril was a fervent Christian who lived in Moesia. During a period of persecution, he and 6 companions were arrested and brought before the Roman Governor. They refused to renounce their faith and were subjected to various tortures. Finally, they were condemned to death and beheaded.
AnaStpaul 