Saint Cyriacus
Saint Cyriacus (also Quiriacus; died c. 303 AD in Rome, Italy) was an early Christian martyr venerated in Rome. He is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers — a group of saints invoked against specific diseases — and is the patron of those suffering from demonic possession. He is commemorated with Saints Largus and Smaragdus on August 8.
Stored in Cargo: Saint Cyriacus
| Saint Cyriacus | |
|---|---|
| Feast Day | August 08 |
| Profession | Deacon; martyr |
| Rel. Affiliation | Early Church; Rome |
| Patronage | Those suffering from demonic possession; Rome; those with eye diseases (in German tradition) |
| Attributes | Deacon's vestments; palm of martyrdom; chains (imprisonment); devil bound |
| Birthplace | Rome, Italy |
| Death Place | Rome, Italy |
| Cause of Death | Martyrdom; beheaded during the Diocletianic persecution |
| Liturgical Class | Optional Memorial |
| Historic Class | August 8 |
Biography
Cyriacus (Quiriacus) was a Roman deacon who ministered during the Diocletianic persecution. According to the hagiographic tradition (the Acts of Cyriacus), he was a deacon who ministered to Christian slaves forced to work in the baths of Diocletian. He was imprisoned with Saints Sisinnius, Largus, and Smaragdus.
The legend records that he healed the Emperor Diocletian's daughter Arthemia of a demonic possession through prayer. This gained him temporary favor. He was then sent to Persia, where he healed another possessed princess — Diocletian's relative. On his return to Rome, the political tide turned and he was arrested, tortured, and beheaded on August 8, 303 AD.
He is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers (Vierzehn Nothelfer) venerated especially in Germany — saints invoked against specific diseases; Cyriacus is invoked against demonic possession and temptation at the hour of death.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Rome, Italy
Death location: Rome, Italy
Notable location: The city where he served as a deacon; where he was martyred; a church (SS. Quirico e Giulitta) on the Piazza San Silvestro honors him (Rome, Italy)
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Parishes
No parishes dedicated to Saint Cyriacus have been added to the database yet.
Media
| Media | Length | AuthorCreator |
|---|---|---|
| Saint of the Day: August 8th - Saint Cyriacus and Companions | Under 5 minutes | Butler's Lives of the Saints |
| Saint Cyriacus, One of the 14 Holy Helpers, Martyr - August 8th | Under 5 minutes | Saint of the Day |
Shrines
Dynamic shrines
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Feast day
August 8
Veneration
Saint Cyriacus is venerated in the Roman Catholic Church with a feast day on August 8 (Optional Memorial). He is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers.
Prayers
Authored
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Intercessory
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