Saints Chrysanthus and Daria

Who they were

Little is known of Chrysanthus and Daria, martyrs of Rome around 283, though their veneration was widespread: they appear in the mosaics of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo in Ravenna, and many came to their church on the Via Salaria. Tradition says Chrysanthus came to Rome to study philosophy and became a Christian; his father sent women, including Daria, to turn him from the faith, but he converted Daria.

Arrested, they were entrusted to the tribune Claudius, who was converted with his family. The emperor had them all killed, and Chrysanthus and Daria were buried alive.

The miracles

There was never a formal cause: they have been honoured as martyrs since the early centuries.

Why that counted as sanctity

A student and the woman sent to tempt him away from Christ became companions in faith and in martyrdom.

Connected on this site

• Chrysanthus Saint one of this group