Saint Nazarius was born in Rome to a Jewish father, Africanus, and a Christian mother, Perpetua. He was baptized by Bishop Linus and devoted himself to preaching the Gospel, bringing many people to the Christian faith and distributing his possessions among the poor. During the persecutions under the Emperor Nero, he courageously supported the martyrs Gervasius and Protasius. For this reason, he was arrested and subjected to severe torture. However, throughout his sufferings, he never ceased to glorify God, rejoicing that he was counted worthy to endure persecution for the love of Christ.
After a period of exile, Nazarius traveled to Gaul, where he got baptized and raised the three-year-old Celsus in the Christian faith. Together, they continued to proclaim the Gospel until they were both imprisoned. The governor's wife, moved with compassion, pleaded for their release and succeeded in securing their freedom. Yet the two saints continued to long for martyrdom and for the opportunity to offer their lives for Christ.
After being arrested once again, Nazarius and Celsus were thrown to the wild beasts. However, the animals did them no harm. They were then cast into the sea, yet they walked upon the waters as though on dry land. Witnessing this miracle, the king's servants came to believe in Christ and received the Holy Baptism.
Nazarius eventually returned to Mediolanum, where he was arrested once more and endured brutal torture. Finally, by order of Nero, he was beheaded. The relics of Saints Nazarius and Celsus were secretly buried, while, some time later, they were miraculously discovered. They exuded a fragrant myrrh and became source of countless miracles.
Saints Gervasius and Protasius, who had remained imprisoned, also suffered martyrdom. Their relics were later discovered and continue to be venerated to this day.
