Old Stuff

The Twenty-sixth Day of December

At Jerusalem, the birthday of St. Stephen the Protomartyr, who was stoned to death by the Jews soon after the Lord's Ascension. A totum duplex feast of the second class.

At Rome, St. Marinus, a man of senatorial rank. In the reign of the Emperor Numerian and the prefect Marcian, he was arrested on the charge of being a Christian. Though a senator, he was racked and torn by iron claws as if he were a slave. He was then cast into a cauldron, but the fire turned to dew and he remained unharmed. Next, he was thrown to the wild beasts but they refused to injure him. Then he was brought back to the altar, but at his prayer the idols fell to the ground. He gained the triumph of martyrdom by being put to the sword.

In the same place, on the Appian Way, the death of Pope St. Dionysius. He undertook many labors for the Church and was famed for his writings concerning the faith.

Also at Rome, St. Zosimus, pope and confessor.

In Mesopotamia, St. Archelaus, bishop. He was celebrated for his learning and sanctity.

At Majurna in Palestine, St. Zeno, bishop.

At Rome, St. Theodore, sacristan of the church of St. Peter. Pope St. Gregory mentions him.

V. And elsewhere many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.

R. Thanks be to God.