Marinus of Caesarea

Saint Marinus of Caesarea
Martyr
Born3rd century
Died262
Caesarea, Palaestina
Venerated inEastern Orthodox Church
Roman Catholic Church
CanonizedPre-congregation
FeastMar 17, Aug 7, Dec 16 (Orthodoxy)
March 3 (Catholicism)

Marinus of Caesarea (Greek: Μαρῖνος)[1] was a Roman soldier and a Christian martyr.

Life

Marinus was a Roman soldier stationed in Caesarea in Palestine. He was from a rich and noble family in this city, and being capable and conscientious, he had made a successful career in the Roman army.[2] A soldier in a Roman legion, Marinus was promoted to the position of centurion.[3] Before he was able to assume the post, a rival claimed that before a centurion could accept the post, he was to offer a sacrifice to the emperor, according to ancient law. Marinus, who until that point was a secret Christian, professed his true faith, and explained that it prevented him from offering this sacrifice. Marinus was then given three hours to change his decision.[4]

He went to a local church to speak with the bishop, who went by the name of Theotecnus. Bishop Theotecnus led Marinus to the altar. He pointed to Marinus' sword and a Gospel book, and then asked which Marinus preferred. Without hesitation, Marinus chose the Gospel book with his right hand. The bishop told him: “Hold fast to God. By the strength he has given you, you can achieve the fruit of yours. Now go in peace”.[2]

Marinus returned to the legion and refused to make the ritual sacrifice. He was then beheaded.[5]

After his death

The remains of Marinus were buried by a Roman senator, St Asterius of Caesarea, who was himself martyred. However, the evidence for this is not very reliable.[2] Both saints have their feast day commemorated on March 3 in Catholicism.[6]

References

  1. ^ Eusebius of Caesarea, Historia ecclesiastica, 7.15.1
  2. ^ a b c Odden, Per Einar. "De hellige Marinus og Asterius av Caesarea ( -~262)", Den katolske kirke, August 6, 2006
  3. ^ Eusebius Pamphilius, "The Martyrdom of Marinus at Caesaria", Church History, Chap. XV, CCEL
  4. ^ "Marinus of Caesarea", The Oxford Dictionary of Saints, 5 ed. (David Farmer, ed,) OUP, 2011ISBN 9780199596607
  5. ^ "Martyr Marinus the Soldier at Caesarea in Palestine", Orthodox Church in America
  6. ^ Baronio S., Cesare (1631). Martyrologium Romanum (in Latin). p. 146.