The Saints Lawrence the Archdeacon, Sixtus, Pope of Rome, and Hippolytus became martyrs for the faith in Christ in 258 AD.
Saint Sixtus, Bishop of Rome, was coming from Athens. He was well educated and devoted to philosophy. He succeeded his predecessor during a time of fierce persecutions. Foreseeing the danger, he entrusted the Archdeacon Lawrence with an important role and the management of the Church’s wealth. When he was arrested, just as he had foreseen, he confessed his faith in Christ and got beheaded.
The Archdeacon Lawrence, having already distributed the Church’s wealth to the poor, refused to hand over the ecclesiastical treasures to the Roman authorities. He also refused to offer sacrifice to the idols. He was then subjected to harsh tortures that lead to his death.
His relic was gathered and buried by Saint Hippolytus, who was likewise arrested and became a martyr.
The Church celebrates their memory on August 10.
