Mark and Marcellian (d. c.290), Roman martyrs. These martyrs are commemorated in the ancient Roman sacramentaries; their tomb, with frescoes of them and their companions, has been identified in the catacomb of St. Balbina. For the details of their Lives the only source is the unreliable 5th‐century Acts of Sebastian. This makes them twin brothers of noble birth, converts to Christianity in youth; both were married. In Diocletian's persecution they were condemned to death. Thirty days' stay of execution procured by their friends, and the entreaties of their parents, wives, and children, failed to make them change their resolve, in which they were encouraged by Sebastian, an army officer. They were eventually executed; their relics were translated from the catacombs first to the church of SS. Cosmas and Damian and then to that of St. Praxedes. Feast: 18 June.

Bibliography
Click here for a list of abbreviations used in this bibliography.

• AA.SS. Iun. III (1701), 568–71 and C.M.H., pp. 324–5

The Oxford Dictionary of Saints. Copyright © David Hugh Farmer 1978, 1987, 1992, 1997, 2003, 2004. All rights reserved.