Synaxarium

On this day is the commemoration of the departure of Pope John XIII, the 94th. May his prayers be with us, and to our Lord be glory forever and ever. Amen.

On this day, Saint Fabian, Pope of Rome, was martyred. This father was a learned, righteous, and striving man. He became Patriarch over the city of Rome, teaching his people and guiding them on the path of perfection. It happened that Dacius, the commander, rose against King Philip, killed him, and took his place. He stirred up severe persecution against the believers, and many were martyred by his hand. This unbeliever built a great temple in the middle of the city of Ephesus and placed idols in it to which sacrifices were offered. Then he ordered the killing of those who did not sacrifice to them. When he learned that Saint Fabian was abolishing idol worship by teaching the believers and strengthening them in the faith, he summoned him to Ephesus and demanded that he offer sacrifice to the idols, but he refused and mocked the idols. He punished him with severe tortures for a whole period, and finally killed him by the sword, thus receiving the crown of martyrdom. This pope sat on the throne for twelve years, spending a large part of it in peace and tranquility. May his prayers be with us, and to our Lord be glory forever and ever. Amen.