| St. Lawrence Orthodox Church is named for Archdeacon Lawrence of Rome,
a third-century martyr. We chose him for our patron because he is the patron of the San
Lorenzo Valley, where our church is located, and also because he
embodies the ideals of care for the poor and of cheerful faith in the
face of suffering.
Archdeacon Lawrence had the duty of using church funds to care for the
poor and needy. He was commanded by the Roman Emperor Valerian to turn
over the treasures of the church in which he served. At the appointed
time, Lawrence appeared in court along with a crowd of the poor,
diseased, and unwanted of Rome. The furious emperor demanded, "I told
you to bring me your treasures! What is this rabble doing here?"
Lawrence coolly replied, "Your honor, these are the treasures of the
Christian Church." |
![[ St. Lawrence of Rome ]](../images/newlawrence.jpg) |
For his audacity, Archdeacon Lawrence was sentenced to a particularly
cruel death. He was trussed up like a chicken and roasted on a
gridiron over a slow fire. But even in his torment he gave thanks to
God, and mocked the emperor for his paganism and unbelief. After he
had roasted for some time he remarked to his torturers, "Better turn
him over now; he's done on this side."
St. Lawrence is commemorated in the Orthodox Church on August 10
(August 23 according to the Old Calendar).
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