Hieromartyr
Hieromartyr Lawrence of Rome
† 258
Hieromartyr Lawrence, Archdeacon of Rome — who distributed the Church's treasures to the poor and sick, declaring them the "true treasures of the Church," roasted alive on an iron gridiron under Emperor Valerian in 258.
Lawrence was one of the seven deacons of the Roman Church and served as archdeacon under Pope Sixtus II. When Sixtus was led to execution in 258, Lawrence tearfully begged to accompany him to martyrdom; Sixtus instead instructed him to distribute the Church's treasures to the poor and told him he would follow within three days.
When the Roman prefect demanded the Church's treasures be surrendered, Lawrence presented the poor, sick, and disabled whom he had aided, declaring, "Behold, these are the true treasures of the Church." For refusing to sacrifice to the pagan gods he was tortured — scourged, burned with hot irons — and finally roasted alive on an iron gridiron.
Tradition holds that mid-torment he told his executioners, "I am well done on this side; turn me over." He was buried the same day, August 10, 258.
His feast is kept on August 10/23.