Saint Chad of Mercia

Biography

Saint Parthenius of Rome, also known as Partenio, was a significant figure in the early Christian church during the reign of Emperor Decius. Born around 250 in Armenia, he was the brother of another saint, Saint Calocerus. Parthenius began his career as a eunuch in the palace of Tryphonia, the wife of Emperor Decius. The emperor entrusted him with the important responsibility of overseeing the region of Anatolia. It was during his time in this position that Parthenius faced immense challenges and persecution due to his unwavering Christian faith. Emperor Decius, influenced by the prevailing anti-Christian sentiment of the time, devised a scheme to accuse Parthenius of embezzling funds meant for the province of Anatolia. Additionally, Parthenius was charged with the capital crime of professing Christianity, which was considered a grave offense by the Roman authorities. Although Parthenius and his brother Calocerus vehemently denied the allegations of embezzlement, they boldly defended their faith in Christ during their trial. Their unwavering faith only served to strengthen the case against them in the eyes of the court, considering their defense to be an admission of their Christianity. Consequently, both brothers were sentenced to death. As a martyr for the Christian faith, Saint Parthenius faced a particularly gruesome execution. Initially, he was thrown into a bonfire, but miraculously remained unburned. Unperturbed by this miraculous event, the guards then mercilessly beat him to death using flaming brands retrieved from the very fire that failed to consume him. After his martyrdom, Saint Parthenius's body was laid to rest in the catacombs of Saint Callixtus, a prominent burial site for early Christian martyrs and leaders. While he does not have any specific patronages or identifiable representations, his life and courageous witness have remained an inspiration to many faithful throughout generations. Though Saint Parthenius of Rome's canonization occurred before the formal establishment of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, he is honored as a saint recognized by the Church. Today, his feast day is celebrated on May 19th, a day dedicated to commemorating his life, sacrifice, and steadfast faith in Christ.