Chrysogonus
Saint Chrysogonus was an early Christian martyr, reportedly a knight in the Roman army. He is remembered for his refusal to abandon Christianity when offered a high position by Emperor Diocletian, leading to his execution. His veneration was transferred to Rome, where a titular church bears his name.
- Feast Day
- November 24
- Century
- 4th century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›Chrysogonus was an early Christian martyr and reportedly a knight in the Roman army.
- ›He was martyred at Aquileia, likely during the Diocletianic Persecution (303–311 AD).
- ›His name derives from Ancient Greek, meaning "a dear or precious birth."
- ›Veneration of Chrysogonus was transferred to Rome, where a titular church in Trastevere bears his name, first mentioned in 499 AD.
- ›A legend from the 6th century connected him with Saint Anastasia of Sirmium, portraying him as her Christian teacher.
- ›He is mentioned in the Roman Canon of the Mass.
San Crisogono, Krševan
Zadar
About Chrysogonus
Saint Chrysogonus
Saint Chrysogonus, known in Italian as San Crisogono and in Croatian as Krševan, was an early Christian martyr. Holy tradition suggests he served as a knight in the Roman army. His martyrdom is a central aspect of his veneration and historical significance.
Life and Martyrdom
According to accounts, Emperor Diocletian offered Chrysogonus the position of prefect of a province if he would abandon Christianity. Chrysogonus refused this offer and was executed as part of Diocletian's persecution of Christians. He was martyred at Aquileia, likely between 303 and 311 AD, during the Diocletianic Persecution. His corpse was thrown into the sea but washed ashore and buried by the aged priest Zoilus. The legend places his death on November 23, while the Catholic Church observes his feast day on November 24.
Veneration and Legacy
Chrysogonus was publicly venerated by the faithful in the Aquileia region, and his veneration was soon transferred to Rome. A titular church in Trastevere, Rome, known as "Titulus Chrysogoni," bears his name and is first mentioned in 499 AD, though it likely dates from the 4th century. It is possible the church's founder was named Chrysogonus, or it was consecrated to the martyr from its inception. He is also the patron saint of Zadar.
His name is recorded in the Martyrologium Hieronymianum on two dates: May 31 and November 24, both with the note "in Aquileia." The Catholic Church celebrates him on November 24, coinciding with the dedication of the Roman church. The Eastern Orthodox Church marks his feast day on December 22, often alongside Saint Anastasia of Sirmium, with whom a legend connects him.
Name Origin
The name Chrysogonus derives from the Ancient Greek "Chrysógonos (Χρυσόγονος)". This name is composed of "khrūsós (χρῡσός)," meaning golden, gold, or something dear/precious, and "génnēsis (γέννησις)," meaning birth. Therefore, the meaning of Chrysogonus is interpreted as "a dear or precious birth."
Role in Liturgy
Saint Chrysogonus is mentioned in the Roman Canon of the Mass during the "Communicantes" prayer, which commemorates the living in communion with the Church's saints and martyrs. This inclusion signifies his recognized status as a martyr within the liturgical tradition of the Catholic Church.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Saint Chrysogonus?
Saint Chrysogonus was an early Christian martyr, believed by tradition to have been a knight in the Roman army. He is known for his steadfast faith and refusal to renounce Christianity, even when offered a high position by Emperor Diocletian.
When and where was Saint Chrysogonus martyred?
According to tradition, Chrysogonus was martyred at Aquileia, likely during the Diocletianic Persecution, which took place between 303 and 311 AD. He was buried there and venerated by the faithful of the region.
What is the meaning of the name Chrysogonus?
The name Chrysogonus originates from Ancient Greek. It is composed of 'khrūsós' (golden, gold, something dear or precious) and 'génnēsis' (birth), thus carrying the meaning of "a dear or precious birth."
Why is there a church in Rome named after Saint Chrysogonus?
The veneration of Saint Chrysogonus was transferred to Rome very early, leading to a titular church in Trastevere named after him. This church, first mentioned in 499 AD, likely dates from the 4th century and may have been founded by someone named Chrysogonus, or consecrated to the martyr for other reasons.
How is Saint Chrysogonus commemorated?
The Catholic Church celebrates Saint Chrysogonus on November 24th, the anniversary of the dedication of the church bearing his name. The Eastern Orthodox Church observes his feast day on December 22nd, alongside Saint Anastasia of Sirmium.
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