Today the Church honors Sts. Castorius, Claudius, Nicostratus, and Symphorian, Martyrs.
Orate pro nobis.
Castorius, Claudius, Nicostratus, and Symphorian are often called "the four crowned martyrs" who were tortured and executed in Pannonia, Hungary during the reign of Diocletian (AD 284-305). According to legend, they were employed as carvers at Sirmium (Mitrovica, Yugoslavia) and impressed Diocletian with their art, as did another carver, Simplicius. Diocletian commissioned them to do several carvings, which they did to his satisfaction, but they then refused to carve a statue of Aesculapius to be used in a temple dedicated to him, as they were Christians. The emperor accepted their beliefs, but when they refused to sacrifice to the gods, they were imprisoned.
When Diocletian's officer Lampadius, who was trying to convince them to sacrifice to the gods, suddenly died, his relatives accused the five of his death. To placate the relatives, the emperor had them beaten and then executed. They were put into leaden caskets alive and drowned in the River Sava. This happened towards the end of AD 305.
Almighty God, who gave to your servants Castorius, Claudius, Nicostratus, and Symphorian boldness to confess the Name of our Savior Jesus Christ before the rulers of this world, and courage to die for this faith: Grant that we may always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in us, and to suffer gladly for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
