Holy Martyr Quadratus of Corinth and Others with Him

Life

During the persecution of Christians, many of the faithful scattered to the mountains and caves. So did the mother of this Quadratus. But at that very time she was with child, and in the forest she gave birth to Quadratus, and shortly afterward died. Kept, nourished, and guided by God's Providence and by his guardian angel, Quadratus grew up in nature and solitude. He who had given manna from heaven to Israel in the desert also let sweet dew fall from the clouds into the mouth of the child Quadratus. When he was twelve years old, he came down to the city, where certain good people took him to heart and put him to school. He studied medicine and healed the sick — as much by natural remedies as, and yet more, by spiritual power and prayer, to which he had grown accustomed from childhood. When a new persecution arose under Decius, Quadratus was brought to trial and cast into prison. But five of his companions joined him and confessed the name of Christ. These were Cyprian, Dionysius, Anectus, Paul, and Crescens. They were all dragged through the streets and beaten with clubs and stones by pagans — especially by their children — until they were hauled to the place of execution. There the martyrs prayed to God and were beheaded with the sword. At that place a spring of water burst forth from the earth, which to this day bears the name of Quadratus and recalls the heroic death for Christ of these six holy ones. They suffered honorably for the truth in the year 250 in Corinth, in the time of Emperor Decius and his governor Jason.

From the Hymn of Praise

### VENERABLE MOTHER ANASTASIA