Holy Martyrs Nazarius, Gervasius, Protasius and Celsus (1st Century) — October 14 / October 27 (Julian Calendar)

On this day, October 14 according to the Julian Calendar (October 27 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates the Holy Martyrs Nazarius, Gervasius, Protasius and Celsus.

The holy martyrs Nazarius, Gervasius, Protasius and Celsus suffered in the city of Mediolanum (Milan) during the reign of the Emperor Nero (54–68). Saint Nazarius, the son of a Christian mother, Perpetua, and a Jewish father, Africanus, was born in Rome and was baptized by Bishop Linus. From his youth this chosen one of the Lord resolved to devote himself to preaching the Christian faith and to helping persecuted Christians. To this end he left Rome and went to Milan. While visiting Christians in prison, Nazarius came to know the twin brothers Protasius and Gervasius.

The twin brothers were born in Mediolanum (Milan) into the family of the wealthy Romans Vitalis and Valeria. After the martyric death of their parents, the brothers distributed all their property to the poor, set their slaves free, and gave themselves to the labors of fasting and prayer. The pagans seized these followers of the Saviour and locked them in prison. Saint Nazarius came to love them dearly and eased their sufferings as much as he could. For this the lawless ones cruelly beat the blessed one and drove him out of the city.

Saint Nazarius tirelessly preached the Gospel and converted many idol-worshippers to the true faith. In the city of Cimiez he baptized the son of a Christian woman, a youth named Celsus, and in him gained a faithful disciple and fellow-struggler. For preaching Christ among the pagans they were thrown to wild beasts to be torn apart, but the animals did not touch the martyrs. Then the lawless ones tried to drown the saints in the sea, but they walked upon the waves as upon dry land. The soldiers who had been ordered to put the Lord’s chosen ones to death were so astonished that they themselves came to believe in Christ and set the holy martyrs free.

Miraculously preserved, Nazarius and Celsus came to Mediolanum and visited Gervasius and Protasius. When this was reported to the Emperor Nero, he ordered that Nazarius and Celsus be beheaded. Soon afterwards Gervasius and Protasius were also put to death.

Many years later, during the reign of the holy Emperor Theodosius, Saint Ambrose of Milan, guided by divine revelation, found the tombs of the martyrs, brought forth their incorrupt relics, and solemnly translated them to the church of Mediolanum (according to other accounts, the uncovering of the holy relics took place in 395 or 396).