Commemorated on October 14
One of the first persecutors of Christians was Emperor Nero, who ruled from 54- 68 AD. The Holy Martyrs Nazarius, Gervasius, Protasius and Celsus lived during this time and all chose for a life of passionate devotion to Christ.
Saints Protasius and Gervasisu were twins born in modern day Milan. They were raised in a wealthy Roman family. When given their parent’s money they did not spend frivolously, but rather distributed it to the poor and needy. They even set free their parents slaves and dedicated their focus to prayer and the ascetic life of abstinence. When the pagans officials discovered their rapid conversion and practice of Christianity, they sent them to prison.
Saint Nazarius had been a devout Christian from an early age, and spent his life preaching the word of God and helping other Christians in need. He had traveled from Rome to Milan where he found Protasius and Gervasisu imprisoned. Nazarius had a deep love for the two boys and had a rich desire to help them. But when the ruler of Milan discovered Nazarius’ compassion he was beat and exiled him from the city.
Nazarius then went to France where he preached the gospel and converted many toward Christ from their false idols. He again found another youth who he felt the desire to help. His name was Celsus and he was a boy of a Christian woman. She had faith in Nazarius’ guidance and let him lead the boy on the missionary journey.
Eventually they were caught by pagan guards, who were ordered to throw them to the wild beasts. However, the animals had no desire to eat them. Then the pagan officers tried drowning them in the ocean, still this did not work, as they were gifted with God’s grace to walk upon water. These pagan officers were so greatly surprised by the miracles of God that they too accepted Christianity and set the holy martyrs free.
While Gervasius and Protasius were still imprisoned in Milan, Nazarius and Celsus, now free, went to see them. They were then caught by the guards and taken to Emperor Nero who commanded that they were beheaded. Very shortly after, the twin brothers Gervasius and Protasius were put to death as well. The bodies of all four saints were fortunately recovered and buried properly by a Christian man.
The holy relics of the saints were discovered by Saint Ambrose who was bishop of Rome roughly 300 years later.
Now residing in the Cathedral in Milan, the saints relics are there. Over time they have helped to heal many from their sicknesses.
Troparion & Kontakion
Troparion β Tone 4
Let us praise the fourfold company of martyrs: / Nazarius, Protase, Gervase and Celsus. / For they preached the Trinity to all / and by their contest dispelled the worship of idols. / Through their prayers, O Christ God, have mercy on us all.