Parthenius
Saint Parthenius was an early Christian saint and martyr of Roman origin, venerated in both Catholic and Orthodox churches. He is chiefly remembered for his martyrdom, where he was beaten to death with flaming brands after surviving being thrown into a bonfire. He is also recognized as the patron saint of Galicia.
- Feast Day
- 19 May
- Century
- 3rd century
- Country Or Region
- Rome
Key Facts
- ›Parthenius was an early Christian saint and martyr from Rome.
- ›He was of Armenian origin and served in the palace of the wife of Roman Emperor Decius.
- ›Parthenius and his brother Calocerus were accused of embezzlement and the capital crime of Christianity.
- ›They defended their Christian faith, leading to their sentencing.
- ›Parthenius was thrown into a bonfire but did not burn, and was subsequently beaten to death with flaming brands.
- ›His relics were moved to Vienna in the 18th century and later to Zhovkva in Eastern Galicia.
About Parthenius
Saint Parthenius
Saint Parthenius was an early Christian martyr whose life and death are recorded in early Christian hagiography. He is venerated in both the Catholic and Orthodox churches and is considered the patron saint of Galicia.
Life and Historical Context
Parthenius, of Armenian origin, was from Rome and lived during the 3rd century. He and his brother, Calocerus, served in the palace of the wife of the Roman emperor Decius. They were accused of embezzlement and, more seriously, of practicing Christianity. Ignoring the financial accusations, Parthenius and his brother chose to defend their Christian faith.
Martyrdom
The court interpreted their defense of Christianity as an admission of guilt for the capital crime and sentenced them to death. According to the narrative, Parthenius was thrown into a bonfire but miraculously did not burn. To carry out the sentence, guards took flaming brands from the fire and beat him to death. He was subsequently buried in the catacombs under Saint Callixtus.
Relics and Veneration
In the 18th century, relics attributed to Saint Parthenius were moved to Vienna. In 1784, with the permission of Pope Pius VI, these relics were transferred to Zhovkva in Eastern Galicia, which was then part of the Austrian Empire and is now in western Ukraine. These relics are currently preserved in the Basilian Ukrainian Greek-Catholic monastery of Holy Jesus Heart in Zhovkva. His memorial day is observed on May 19.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Saint Parthenius?
Saint Parthenius was an early Christian saint and martyr from Rome, of Armenian origin. He died in the 3rd century and is venerated in both the Catholic and Orthodox churches.
How did Saint Parthenius die?
Parthenius and his brother Calocerus were accused of Christianity and sentenced to death. Parthenius was thrown into a bonfire but did not burn, and guards then beat him to death with flaming brands.
Where are Saint Parthenius's relics located?
Relics of Saint Parthenius were moved to Vienna in the 18th century and then to Zhovkva in Eastern Galicia in 1784. They are now preserved in the Basilian Ukrainian Greek-Catholic monastery of Holy Jesus Heart in Zhovkva.
What is Saint Parthenius the patron of?
Saint Parthenius is the patron of Galicia and is included in their list of Orthodox saints.
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