Marcian of Tortona
Encyclopedia
Saint Marcian of Tortona (died around 120 AD) is traditionally said to have been the first bishop of Tortona, a post he held for forty-five years.
for his Christianity.
There is some disagreement about the year of his death. Some sources say it occurred in 117, under Trajan
, while others say it was under Hadrian
in 120.
, in response to the construction of a church in honor of the saint, indicates that Marcian was the first bishop of the Tortonese community and a martyr.http://www.santiebeati.it/dettaglio/47150 His relics, found on the left bank of the Scrivia
in the fourth century by Saint Innocent
(Innocenzo), bishop of Brescia, can now be found in the cathedral of Tortona. A finger bone associated with the saint has been kept at Genola, of which he is also patron.http://www.santiebeati.it/dettaglio/47150
Legend
Tradition states that he was born to a pagan family but was converted by Saint Barnabas and then confirmed in the Christian faith by Saint Sirus (Siro), bishop of Pavia. Saint Secundus of Asti is said to have met Marcian at Tortona, when the former was still a pagan. Secundus' meeting with Marcian influenced his decision to become a Christian.http://www.santiebeati.it/dettaglio/47650 He is said to have been crucifiedCrucifixion
Crucifixion is an ancient method of painful execution in which the condemned person is tied or nailed to a large wooden cross and left to hang until dead...
for his Christianity.
There is some disagreement about the year of his death. Some sources say it occurred in 117, under Trajan
Trajan
Trajan , was Roman Emperor from 98 to 117 AD. Born into a non-patrician family in the province of Hispania Baetica, in Spain Trajan rose to prominence during the reign of emperor Domitian. Serving as a legatus legionis in Hispania Tarraconensis, in Spain, in 89 Trajan supported the emperor against...
, while others say it was under Hadrian
Hadrian
Hadrian , was Roman Emperor from 117 to 138. He is best known for building Hadrian's Wall, which marked the northern limit of Roman Britain. In Rome, he re-built the Pantheon and constructed the Temple of Venus and Roma. In addition to being emperor, Hadrian was a humanist and was philhellene in...
in 120.
Historicity
Some people have argued that he is the same person as Marcian of Ravenna. Documents from the eighth century attest to his episcopate. Walafrid StraboWalafrid Strabo
Walafrid, alternatively spelt Walahfrid, surnamed Strabo , was a Frankish monk and theological writer.-Theological works:...
, in response to the construction of a church in honor of the saint, indicates that Marcian was the first bishop of the Tortonese community and a martyr.http://www.santiebeati.it/dettaglio/47150 His relics, found on the left bank of the Scrivia
Scrivia
The Scrivia is a right tributary of the Po River, in northern Italy. It runs through Liguria, Piedmont, and Lombardy....
in the fourth century by Saint Innocent
Saint Innocent
Saint Innocent may refer to:*Pope Innocent I*Saint Innocent of Alaska*Saint Innocent, of the Theban Legion*Saint Innocent, a bishop of Tortona*Saint Innocent of Irkutsk, bishop...
(Innocenzo), bishop of Brescia, can now be found in the cathedral of Tortona. A finger bone associated with the saint has been kept at Genola, of which he is also patron.http://www.santiebeati.it/dettaglio/47150