Saints Florus and Laurus were twin brothers, united not only by the bond of flesh but also by their spiritual devotion to Jesus Christ. They had virtuous lives. They worked as stonemasons, having been trained by the devout men Proclus and Maximus. Their teachers had been sentenced to death for their faith, while later the two saints willingly followed their example.
After the sacrifice of their mentors, Florus and Laurus traveled to Illyria and settled in the city of Ulpiana. There, they healed the son of the pagan priest Merentius, who had lost sight in one of his eyes. Following this miraculous healing, both father and son embraced Christianity. They converted the temple that was being built at that time into a Christian church, destroyed the idols, and consecrated it in the name of the Triune God.
The governor Lycon, learning of their acts, ordered the arrest of the saints, as well as their followers. Their companions were condemned to death by fire, while Florus and Laurus were thrown into a deep well.
Many years later, their relics were discovered and transferred to Constantinople.
The Church celebrates the memory of Saint Florus and Laurus on August 18.
