Saint Marcellus the Centurion, also known as Marcellus of Tangier, was a Roman centurion at Tangiers (in modern Morocco). During a celebration of the Emperor Maximian’s birthday, Marcellus refused to participate in the pagan offering ceremony. He threw away his arms and armour and symbol of his rank, openly declared himself a Christian, and was condemned to death.
Saint Cassian, the official shorthand writer, was so angry at the sentence that he refused to record the court proceedings and was martyred as well.
St. Marcellus’s relics were later brought to and enshrined at what now is León, Spain, and he became a patron saint of the city. The Plaza de San Marcelo in this city is named for him.
Then said the prefect Rusticus to Chariton, Tell me further, Chariton, are you also a Christian?
Chariton said, I am a Christian by the command of God.
Rusticus the prefect asked the woman Charito, What say you, Charito?
Charito said, I am a Christian by the grace of God.
Rusticus said to Euelpistus, And what are you?
Euelpistus, a servant of Cæsar, answered, I too am a Christian, having been freed by Christ; and by the grace of Christ I partake of the same hope.
The Martyrdom of Justin
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