Romanus of Caesarea
Romanus of Caesarea was a Christian deacon martyred during the Diocletianic Persecution. He is remembered for his steadfast encouragement of Christians and his brutal martyrdom, which involved having his tongue cut out before being strangled. His feast day is observed on November 18.
- Feast Day
- November 18
- Century
- 4th century
- Country Or Region
- Syria
Key Facts
- ›Romanus was a deacon of Caesarea in Palestine who served during the Diocletianic Persecution.
- ›He was martyred at Antioch after encouraging Christians to stand firm and upbraiding pagans during a festival.
- ›He was condemned to death by fire, but rain extinguished the flames.
- ›Emperor Galerius ordered Romanus' tongue to be cut out.
- ›He was tortured in prison and finally strangled.
- ›His feast day is observed on November 18.
Romanus of Antioch, Raymond
About Romanus of Caesarea
Romanus of Caesarea, also known as Romanus of Antioch or Raymond, is a Christian martyr and saint venerated for his faith and endurance during the early persecutions of Christianity. He served as a deacon in Caesarea in Palestine during the Diocletianic Persecution, which began in 303 or 304 CE.
Life and Martyrdom
During the intense persecutions in Antioch, Romanus actively encouraged Christians to remain steadfast in their faith. His defiance led to his capture. During a pagan festival, he openly criticized the participants for their idolatrous practices. This act resulted in his condemnation to death by fire. However, when rain extinguished the flames, Romanus was brought before Emperor Galerius, who was present in Antioch at the time. As a brutal act of punishment, Galerius commanded that Romanus's tongue be cut out. Following this, Romanus was subjected to further torture in prison before ultimately being strangled.
Historical Accounts and Disputed Details
The martyrdom of Romanus is documented by Eusebius in his work "De martyribus Palaestinae." The poet Prudentius also relates details of his martyrdom, additionally mentioning a Christian companion named Barulas, a seven-year-old boy who was reportedly whipped and beheaded. Some historians, like Cardinal Baronius, have suggested the possibility of two separate martyrs named Romanus in Antioch based on Prudentius's account. However, it is more likely that Eusebius's single account refers to the same individual, with Prudentius potentially introducing legendary elements or arbitrarily connecting Barulas's martyrdom with that of Romanus.
Veneration
The feast day of Saint Romanus is observed on November 18. He is commemorated alongside Barulas, who is venerated as a child-martyr. The church of San Román in Seville is dedicated to Saint Romanus. Prudentius wrote a significant 1140-line hymn to Romanus, titled "Romane Christi fortis," which is the tenth hymn in his collection "Peristephanon."
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Romanus of Caesarea?
Romanus of Caesarea was a Christian deacon who lived in the early 4th century. He is venerated as a martyr for his faith.
When was Romanus of Caesarea martyred?
Romanus of Caesarea was martyred around 303 or 304 AD, during the Diocletianic Persecution.
What happened to Romanus of Caesarea during his martyrdom?
Romanus was condemned to be burned alive, but rain extinguished the flames. Emperor Galerius then had his tongue cut out, and he was eventually strangled after further torture.
What is the feast day of Saint Romanus?
The feast day of Saint Romanus is observed on November 18.
Is Romanus of Caesarea associated with any other martyrs?
Prudentius mentions a boy named Barulas who was martyred with Romanus. However, some historians believe this may be a conflation or legendary addition, with Eusebius only mentioning Romanus.
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Benedict of Szkalka
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Barulas
Barulas was a seven-year-old boy venerated as a child-martyr who died for his Christian beliefs in 303 AD. He is chiefly remembered for his martyrdom alongside Romanus of Caesarea during the Diocletianic Persecution. His feast day is observed on November 18th.