Orthodox Calendar, August 10

Martyr and Archdeacon Laurence

Saint Laurence served as Archdeacon under Pope Sixtus in Rome during the persecution of Emperor Valerian (253–260). When Pope Sixtus was arrested together with the deacons Felicissimus and Agapitus, Laurence visited him in prison and pleaded to share his martyrdom.

„Where are you going, Father, without your son? Where do you hasten without your Archdeacon? Never have you offered the Bloodless Sacrifice without me. Take me with you, so that I may join you in shedding our blood for Christ!”

Saint Sixtus foretold that Laurence would follow him in martyrdom three days later and entrusted him with the Church’s treasures, instructing him to distribute them to the poor.

After the execution of Saint Sixtus, Emperor Valerian demanded that Laurence reveal the Church’s hidden wealth. Requesting three days, the Archdeacon gathered the poor, the sick, and the needy, presenting them to the Prefect with the words: „Behold the treasures of the Church”.

Enraged, the authorities imprisoned and tortured him. While in prison, Saint Laurence restored the sight of a man named Lucillus and baptized the jailer Hippolytos together with his household.

Refusing to sacrifice to idols, Laurence was scourged, stretched upon a rack, and finally laid upon a red-hot iron gridiron. Even in the midst of his suffering, he declared: „You have already roasted one side of my body, now turn me over to the other side so you may taste what you have roasted”.

Before his repose, he prayed: “I thank You, Lord Jesus Christ, that You have found me worthy to enter Your gates”.

Saint Laurence received the crown of martyrdom on August 10, 258.

Hieromartyr Sixtus, bishop of Rome

Saint Sixtus, originally from Athens, was first a philosopher before embracing Christianity. After arriving in Rome, he became known for his wisdom and holiness, eventually succeeding Saint Stephen as Bishop of Rome.

During Valerian’s persecution, Saint Sixtus was arrested together with his deacons Felicissimus and Agapitus. When Laurence asked to accompany him in martyrdom, the Pope replied:

“I am not forsaking you, my son. I am old and I accept the lesser battle, but greater suffering awaits you. You must achieve the greater victory and triumph over your tormentors. Three days after my death, you shall follow after me”.

Taken before a pagan temple dedicated to Mars, Saint Sixtus prayed for its destruction. An earthquake struck, causing part of the temple to collapse and shattering the statue of Mars.

Because they steadfastly refused to sacrifice to the idols, Saint Sixtus and the deacons Felicissimus and Agapitus were beheaded before the temple on August 6, 258.

Martyr Hippolytus

Hippolytos was the official in charge of the prison where Saint Laurence was confined. Witnessing the miracles performed by the Archdeacon, including the healing of Lucillus, he asked to see the Church’s treasures.

Saint Laurence replied that if Hippolytos believed in Christ and received Baptism, he would discover true riches and eternal life. Accepting this invitation, Hippolytos brought the Saint to his home, where Laurence instructed and baptized him together with all nineteen members of his household.

After Saint Laurence’s martyrdom, Hippolytos reverently wrapped the Saint’s body in a shroud with spices. Together with the priest Justin, he carried the relics to the home of the widow Kyriake, from where Christians later buried the Martyr with honor. Father Justin celebrated the Divine Liturgy, and the faithful partook of the Holy Mysteries.

Only three days later, on August 13, Saint Hippolytos and the other Christians who had cared for Saint Laurence also suffered martyrdom for their confession of Christ.