Hyacinth of Caesarea
Hyacinth of Caesarea was a young Christian martyr who lived in the early second century. He is honored as a saint by both the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches. Legend states he died at the age of twelve after refusing to partake in sacrifices to Roman gods, ultimately starving to death in Rome.
- Century
- 2nd century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›Hyacinth was a young Christian living at the start of the second century.
- ›He was a native of Caesarea in Cappadocia and a member of a Christian family.
- ›As a boy, he served as an assistant to Emperor Trajan's chamberlain.
- ›He was denounced as a Christian and imprisoned, undergoing scourgings and tortures.
- ›He starved to death in 108 AD after being served only food blessed for sacrifice to the gods.
- ›His relics were later transferred to Caesarea.
Hyacinthus, Hyacinthe, Jacinto, Giacinto
About Hyacinth of Caesarea
Hyacinth of Caesarea, venerated as a martyr and saint by both the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches, lived at the dawn of the second century. He is known by various Latin, French, Spanish, and Italian names, including Hyacinthus, Hyacinthe, Jacinto, and Giacinto.
Legend and Martyrdom
According to tradition, Hyacinth was a native of Caesarea in Cappadocia and belonged to a Christian family. As a youth, he was appointed as an assistant to Emperor Trajan's chamberlain. His refusal to participate in ceremonial sacrifices to the official Roman gods soon attracted the attention of others in the Imperial household. Upon being denounced as a Christian, Hyacinth proclaimed his faith. This led to his imprisonment and subsequent suffering through numerous scourgings and tortures. A significant aspect of his legend is that he was deliberately served only food that had been blessed for sacrifice to the gods, which was forbidden by Christianity. He consequently starved to death in 108 AD, at the age of twelve.
Later Veneration and Relics
Hyacinth died in the city of Rome. His relics were later transferred to Caesarea. A jewel-encrusted human skeleton, identified as "S. HYACINTHUS M." (Saint Hyacinth, Martyr), is preserved in a gilded glass case within the former abbey church at Fürstenfeld Abbey. The skeleton's arrival at the abbey is of unknown date, and art historian Paul Koudounaris has noted that such "catacomb saints" could potentially be of any origin but were elevated to glory.
Distinctions
It is important to distinguish Hyacinth of Caesarea from other saints named Hyacinth, particularly the third-century martyr Hyacinth (died c. 257) and the medieval Polish Dominican saint Hyacinth of Poland.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Hyacinth of Caesarea?
Hyacinth of Caesarea was a young Christian martyr who lived in the early second century. He is honored as a saint by both the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches.
How did Hyacinth of Caesarea die?
According to tradition, Hyacinth starved to death in 108 AD at the age of twelve. This occurred because he was deliberately served only food that had been blessed for sacrifice to the Roman gods, which was forbidden by Christianity.
Where was Hyacinth of Caesarea from?
Tradition states that Hyacinth was a native of Caesarea in Cappadocia and belonged to a Christian family.
What is Hyacinth of Caesarea remembered for?
He is remembered for his martyrdom and for his unwavering adherence to his Christian faith, even in the face of torture and starvation, during the reign of Emperor Trajan.
Are there other saints named Hyacinth?
Yes, Hyacinth of Caesarea should not be confused with the third-century martyr Hyacinth (died c. 257) or the medieval Polish Dominican saint Hyacinth of Poland.
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