Marinus and Asterius

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Marinus and Asterius († around 262) were Christian companions of saints of the 3rd century; according to legend, they died in Caesarea , Palestine .

swell

The description of the events around Marinus come from Eusebius of Caesarea († around 340); the martyrdom of Asterius describes Rufinus of Aquileia († around 412).

Legend

Marinus was a respected soldier in the Imperial Roman Army in Palestine. Because of his career, he was envied and blackened by his highest superior: He was a Christian and spoke only with contempt of the Roman gods. The colonel summoned Marinus, who freely professed his faith, and urged him to apostate within three hours. Marinus then turned to Bishop Theotechnus for advice. He took him to church, showed him a sword and a gospel, and asked him to vote. Marinus accepted the gospel without hesitation. In public interrogation, he stated that he would rather die a thousand times than deny his Lord Jesus. He was then tortured and beheaded.

Asterius, a wealthy councilor from Caesarea, was present at the execution; this covered the body of Marinus with his cloak. He then carried the martyr to his house and buried him. On the same day he was brought to court where he professed his belief. He, too, was martyred.

Adoration

Since there are several saints with the same name, it is difficult to clearly distinguish them. In the south-west of France there are several churches and places called Saint-Astier , whose patronage can be traced back to a miraculous hermit of the 6th century.

presentation

No medieval or modern representations are known of either saint.

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