Cyriacus
Saint Cyriacus was a Christian martyr executed during the Diocletianic Persecution in 303 AD. He is traditionally known for his conversion to Christianity as a Roman nobleman, his charitable acts, and his ministry to slaves. Cyriacus is particularly remembered for alleged exorcisms and is venerated as one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers.
- Feast Day
- 8 August
- Century
- 4th century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›Cyriacus was martyred in 303 AD during the Diocletianic Persecution.
- ›He is said to have been a Roman nobleman who renounced his wealth and ministered to slaves.
- ›Tradition credits him with exorcising demons from the daughters of Emperor Diocletian and Shapur I of Persia.
- ›He is venerated on August 8th along with Saints Largus and Smaragdus.
- ›His relics are claimed to have been moved to Santa Maria in Via Lata in Rome and the abbey of St Cyriaque in Altorf.
- ›A category four hurricane in 1899 was named Hurricane San Ciriaco after his feast day.
Cyriac
Cirié
About Cyriacus
Cyriacus, sometimes Anglicized as Cyriac, is recognized in Christian tradition as a martyr who perished during the Diocletianic Persecution around 303 AD. He is one of many saints bearing the name Cyriacus, with seven specifically noted in the Roman Martyrology.
Life and Historical Context
According to tradition, Cyriacus was a Roman nobleman who converted to Christianity as an adult. He is said to have renounced his material wealth, distributing it to the poor, and dedicated his remaining life to ministering to slaves working in the Baths of Diocletian. During the reign of Emperor Maximian, Cyriacus was tortured and beheaded in 303 AD on the Via Salaria, where he was subsequently buried. His companions in martyrdom included Largus, Smaragdus, and twenty others.
Legend attributes two significant exorcisms to Saint Cyriacus. The first involved Artemisia, daughter of Emperor Diocletian, which reportedly led to the conversion of Artemisia and her mother, Serena of Rome. The second involved Jobias, daughter of Shapur I of Persia; however, this account is chronologically impossible as Shapur I died decades before the event and had only one daughter. It is suggested that the girl may have been a daughter of a later Persian ruler.
Veneration and Legacy
Cyriacus, along with Largus and Smaragdus, was commemorated on August 8th in the Tridentine calendar, initially as a Semidouble and later as a Simple. The 1962 Calendar reduced their celebration to a Commemoration. While not included in the 1970 reformed Calendar, they remain recognized saints of the Catholic Church due to their inclusion in the Roman Martyrology.
Saint Cyriacus is also venerated as one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers. Claims suggest his relics were moved to Santa Maria in Via Lata in Rome and the abbey of St Cyriaque in Altorf, Alsace. The Church of "Saint Cyriacus in the Baths of Diocletian" was a former titulus church dedicated to him; the name "Cyriac" in Greek signifies "patron." This titulus existed in the fifth century and was suppressed and restored multiple times before its final suppression in 1587.
Monasteries dedicated to Saint Cyriacus were present in the Byzantine-era villages of Majdal Yaba in Israel and Al-Fasayil near Jericho. Notably, a category four hurricane that made landfall in Puerto Rico on August 8, 1899, was named Hurricane San Ciriaco in honor of the saint's feast day. Saint Cyriacus is the patron saint of the Italian city of Cirié.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Saint Cyriacus?
Saint Cyriacus was a Christian martyr who lived in the late 3rd and early 4th centuries AD. According to tradition, he was a Roman nobleman who converted to Christianity, renounced his wealth, and ministered to slaves.
When did Saint Cyriacus live and die?
Cyriacus flourished around 303 AD and is known to have been martyred during the Diocletianic Persecution. He was beheaded in 303 AD.
What is Saint Cyriacus known for?
He is chiefly remembered as a martyr and is traditionally credited with exorcising demons from two notable individuals: Artemisia, daughter of Emperor Diocletian, and Jobias, daughter of Shapur I of Persia. He is also venerated as one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers.
When is Saint Cyriacus' feast day?
The feast day of Saint Cyriacus, along with Saints Largus and Smaragdus, is celebrated on August 8th.
Where is Saint Cyriacus venerated?
Saint Cyriacus is venerated in the Catholic Church. His relics are said to have been moved to Santa Maria in Via Lata in Rome, and a church named "Saint Cyriacus in the Baths of Diocletian" existed, which was a former titulus church.
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