Presbyter
During the reign of Marcian and Pulcheria, there lived in Constantinople the blessed Marcian, originally from ancient Rome, the son of pious and wealthy parents. From his youth, he aspired to church services and was deemed worthy of the presbyterate. After the death of his parents, he inherited many estates, which he spent on charity, the renovation of churches, and the construction of a new church in honor of the holy martyr Anastasia.
Saint Marcian was known for his generosity and mercy, often giving his clothing to the poor. During the consecration of the church of Saint Anastasia, having nothing but his chasuble, he took off his garment and gave it to a beggar. At the liturgy, his nakedness was covered by a miraculous garment, which became known to Patriarch Genadius.
He also exhibited voluntary poverty, drying his clothes over coals, and was endowed with the gift of miracles. Once, during a feast, he resurrected a woman who had fallen from the roof of the church. On another occasion, during a fire, he prayed, and the fire retreated, causing no harm to the temple.
The saint established the church of Saint Irene and renovated the churches of Saint Theodore and Saint Isidore. Before his death, he cared for the dead, washing and dressing them. The saint passed away, entrusting his soul and the church to God. His body was buried in the monastery of Saint John the Forerunner, and Queen Verina completed the construction of the church of Saint Irene in his memory.
