Sts. Cyriacus, Largus, and Smaragdus

Fr. Scott A. Haynes

S. Cyriaque, S. Large et S. Smaragde - "Les Images De Tous Les Saincts et Saintes de L'Année"

Jacques Callot, 1636

Metropolitan Museum of New York

The martyrs Cyriacus, Largus, and Smaragdus are revered figures in early Christian history, known for their steadfast faith and ultimate sacrifice. Their story, steeped in the persecution of Christians during the Roman Empire, serves as a powerful testament to the enduring power of faith and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of tyranny.

Historical Background

The lives of Cyriacus, Largus, and Smaragdus are set against the backdrop of the Roman Empire's third-century persecution of Christians. This period, marked by sporadic but brutal efforts to suppress Christianity, saw many believers suffer and die for their faith. Under emperors like Diocletian and his predecessors, Christians were often viewed with suspicion and hostility, leading to severe punishments and martyrdom for those who refused to renounce their beliefs.

The Story of Cyriacus, Largus, and Smaragdus

Cyriacus

Cyriacus, also known as Quiriacus or Cyriac, was a Roman nobleman who converted to Christianity as an adult. Embracing his new faith, Cyriacus renounced his material wealth and gave it away to the poor, dedicating his life to the service of others. He spent the rest of his life ministering to the slaves who worked in the Baths of Diocletian, embodying the Christian virtues of charity and compassion.

Cyriacus's dedication to his faith and his community inevitably drew the attention of Roman authorities, who were increasingly intolerant of Christian practices. According to tradition, Cyriacus was arrested during one of the waves of persecution. Despite being offered freedom in exchange for renouncing his faith, Cyriacus remained resolute. His refusal led to his torture and eventual execution, his steadfastness under duress becoming a powerful example for other Christians, highlighting the strength and conviction of true faith.

Charity, Miracles, and Conversions

Pope Marcellinus ordinated him a deacon at Rome. At that time, the Emperor Diocletian was assisted by Maximian, who latter decided to construct an elaborate palace for the Roman Emperor with great baths. Among the newly acquired slaves were Catholic priests and deacons. The food the slaves were given was meager and the work was strenuous. A Roman aristocrat who wanted to alleviate the hardships of these workers sent four Christians—Saints Cyriacus, Sisinius, Largus, and Smaragdus—with gifts of food and words of encouragement. Even though they were becoming physically ill, they continued to labor tirelessly alongside individuals who were becoming critically ill, all in the name of charity. When Maximian learned of it, he ordered the decapitation of Saint Sisinius and an elderly man whom he had helped. Diocletian was acquainted with Saint Cyriacus and the Emperor respected him. Suddenly, Diocletian's daughter was possessed by an enraged demon, and she declared that only Cyriacus could deliver her. After Diocletian had sent for him, he was able to heal her. Taking after her mother, who is now revered as Saint Serena, she converted to Christianity.

 

A little time later the daughter of the Persian monarch also became possessed and screamed out like Diocletian's daughter that she could be delivered only by Cyriacus, who was in Rome. Diocletian received a note asking his wife to get the deacon to travel to Persia for this reason. He performed this with his two surviving Christian friends and once again drove out the devil, thereby converting the king, his family, four hundred others, whom he baptized.

 

Having denied all pay for their services, the three confessors came back to Rome and said they had received the graces of God gratuitously and wanted to share them gratuously, not profit from them. After learning of their return in the year 303, the barbaric Maximian ordered their capture, imprisonment, and torture, which ultimately led to their beheading along with twenty other faithful Christians. Originally buried on the Salarian Way close to the site of their execution, their corpses were subsequently taken to the city. A monastery bearing Saint Cyriacus's name in France near Altorf in Alsace has relics of the saint.

 

Largus

Largus was a fellow deacon and companion of Cyriacus. Like Cyriacus, he was deeply committed to his faith and the service of his community. Largus's devotion was not only spiritual but also practical, as he engaged in acts of charity and support for the needy.

Largus's arrest and subsequent martyrdom mirrored that of Cyriacus. When confronted with the choice between apostasy and death, Largus chose to remain true to his faith. His unwavering commitment, even in the face of severe punishment, underscored the profound impact of Christian belief on personal conduct and community service.

Smaragdus

Smaragdus, a soldier who converted to Christianity, joined Cyriacus and Largus in their mission and eventual martyrdom. Smaragdus's conversion story highlights the transformative power of Christ in his life. He was a model of holiness for many individuals across different strata of Roman society, including those within the military.

Smaragdus's journey from soldier to martyr illustrates the widespread appeal of Christianity and its challenge to the established order. Like his companions, Smaragdus faced persecution and death with remarkable courage, choosing to embrace martyrdom rather than compromise his newly found faith.

The Martyrdom

The exact details of their martyrdom are enveloped in hagiographical tradition, often blending historical facts with pious legends. According to the accounts, Cyriacus, Largus, and Smaragdus were arrested during a renewed wave of anti-Christian persecution. They were subjected to brutal tortures designed to force them to renounce their faith. However, their unwavering commitment to Christianity and refusal to apostatize led to their execution.

Their deaths were not in vain; instead, they served to inspire countless others. The story of their martyrdom quickly spread among Christian communities, reinforcing the values of steadfast faith and the willingness to suffer for one's beliefs. The veneration of Cyriacus, Largus, and Smaragdus as martyrs began shortly after their deaths, with their story being recorded in various martyrologies and other religious texts.

Veneration and Legacy

The legacy of Cyriacus, Largus, and Smaragdus is preserved through their veneration as saints and martyrs. They are commemorated together in the liturgical calendar on August 8th, a testament to their joint sacrifice and shared faith. Churches and relics dedicated to their memory became important sites of pilgrimage and devotion.

In Rome, the Basilica of San Lorenzo fuori le Mura holds particular significance in their veneration. According to tradition, their relics were transferred to this basilica, where they continue to be honored. The church, one of the seven pilgrimage churches of Rome, is a significant site for the faithful, reflecting the enduring importance of these martyrs in Christian history.

Their story also finds echoes in various works of art and literature, where they are often depicted together, symbolizing unity in faith and purpose. These representations serve not only as reminders of their sacrifice but also as sources of inspiration for believers.

Theological Significance

The martyrdom of Cyriacus, Largus, and Smaragdus holds profound theological significance within Christianity. Their willingness to endure suffering and death rather than renounce their faith underscores the Christian belief in the eternal value of fidelity to God over temporal concerns. Their story illustrates the early Christian understanding of martyrdom as a direct participation in the suffering of Christ, a concept deeply rooted in Christian soteriology and eschatology.

In theological terms, their martyrdom exemplifies the "imitation of Christ" (imitatio Christi), where believers are called to emulate Jesus' own sacrifice and commitment to God's will. This imitation is seen not only as a path to personal holiness but also as a powerful witness to the truth of the Christian message.

Furthermore, the collective nature of their martyrdom highlights the communal aspect of Christian faith. Their story is not just about individual heroism but also about the strength derived from shared beliefs and mutual support within the Christian community. This communal dimension of faith and sacrifice continues to resonate in Christian theology and practice.

Modern Relevance

The story of Cyriacus, Largus, and Smaragdus continues to hold relevance in the modern world. Their example of standing firm in one's beliefs amidst persecution is a powerful message for contemporary believers facing various forms of hardship or discrimination. In a world where religious freedoms are still challenged, their story serves as a reminder of the enduring struggle for the right to practice one's faith freely.

Moreover, their legacy encourages acts of charity and service, reflecting the Christian call to love and support the marginalized and suffering. In this sense, the lives and martyrdom of Cyriacus, Largus, and Smaragdus continue to inspire acts of compassion and social justice, embodying the timeless values of the Christian faith.

Conclusion

The martyrs Cyriacus, Largus, and Smaragdus represent a poignant chapter in the history of early Christianity. Their story of faith, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment in the face of persecution serves as a powerful testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit. Through their martyrdom, they left an indelible mark on Christian theology, inspiring countless generations of believers. Their legacy, preserved through veneration, art, and literature, continues to resonate, offering timeless lessons on faith, courage, and the transformative power of love and sacrifice.