St. Chrysanthus

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Beyond the fact of his existence and martyrdom, all that is known of him is based on untrustworthy legend. An Egyptian, son of a Patrician, Polemius, he was brought to Rome from Alexandria during the reign of Numerian, and despite the objections of his father, who had brought him to Rome, was baptized by a priest named Carpophorus. Chrysanthus refused his father's attempts to get him married, finally married Daria, a Greek and a priestess of Minerva, converted her, and convinced with him in chastity. When they converted a number of Romans, Chrysanthus was denounced as a Christian to Claudius, the tribune. Chrysanthus' attitude under torture so impressed Claudius that he and his wife, Hilaria, two sons, and seventy of his soldiers became Christians, whereupon the Emperor had them all slain. Daria was sent to a brothel, where she was defended by a lion, brought before Numerian, who ordered her execution, was stoned and then buried alive. When several followers of Chrysanthus and Daria were found praying at their crypt, among them Diodorus, a priest, and Marianus, a deacon, they were all entombed alive. St. Chrysanthus' feast day is October 25.