Saint Syrus of Genoa (died June 29, 381) was a priest and later bishop of Genoa during the fourth century AD.

Born at Struppa, he had a reputation for holiness and zeal. He died at an advanced age of natural causes and was buried in the city. He is the main patron of the city of Genoa.

One tradition states that he succeeded St. Romulo

Romulus of Genoa

Saint Romulus of Genoa was an early Bishop of Genoa, around the time of Saint Syrus. His dates are uncertain: since Jacobus da Varagine traditional lists compiled from local liturgies generally place his bishopric fourth in a largely legendary list...

, another that he was succeeded by him. St. Lawrence Cathedral

St. Lawrence Cathedral

The Cathedral of Saint Lawrence is a church in the Italian city of Genoa, the seat of the Archbishop of Genoa.-History:The cathedral was founded probably in the 5th or 6th century AD, devoted to St. Sirus, bishop of Genoa...

, founded probably in the 5th or 6th century AD, was originally dedicated to Syrus. Later a church devoted to the Twelve Apostles was built, which was in turn flanked and replaced by a new cathedral dedicated to St. Lawrence martyr

Saint Lawrence

Lawrence of Rome was one of the seven deacons of ancient Rome who were martyred during the persecution of Valerian in 258.- Holy Chalice :...

, in Romanesque style.

Miracles

As a boy, Saint Syrus is reputed to have brought his pet blackbird back to life by means of his saliva. Later, walking with his father in the hills above, he wished that a boat making for port might be still, whereupon the wind died and the ship came to a halt as if at anchor. Asking his father for permission to go on board, St. Syrus expressed his wish the boat might land, whereupon the wind returned and the boat freely entered the harbor.