During the reign of the emperors Diocletian and Maximian, there lived a presbyter named Gabinius, the brother of Pope Gaius. He wrote numerous books in refutation of pagan delusions and raised his daughter Susanna in the Christian spirit. Diocletian, having learned of Susanna's beauty and intellect, wished to marry her to his son Maximian. Claudius, the cousin of the king, came to Gabinius with a proposal, but Susanna refused the marriage, declaring that she was already betrothed to Christ and ready for martyrdom.
Hearing of Susanna's faith, Claudius sought her counsel for the salvation of his soul. Susanna urged him to repent and be baptized. Claudius, having accepted Christianity, began to distribute his possessions to the poor. Diocletian, upon learning of his conversion, became enraged and ordered the execution of Claudius and his family, while imprisoning Gabinius and Susanna.
Susanna was brought before Queen Irene, who, being a secret Christian, supported her. Diocletian, failing to obtain Susanna's consent to marriage, ordered her to be compelled to idol worship. Macedonius, sent to her, could not force her to bow to the idol. Ultimately, Susanna was executed by the sword, and her body was buried by Queen Irene with honors.
After her martyrdom, Gabinius and Gaius also suffered for their faith. All of them, as martyrs, appeared before God, glorifying the Holy Trinity.
