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The origin of the name Daria is ancient Persian, consisting of two roots: “dara” – “possessing”, and “vaush” – “kind, good” … Thus, to the question of what the name Daria means, one can fairly answer – “virtuous”, “given”, “presented” … Although according to another version, “Daria” means something completely different – “great fire, conflagration” …
Daria is one of the most popular female names in Russia. The name belongs to strong and independent women who strive for success and are ready to overcome any difficulties on their way (this is actually the second meaning manifestation of this name). Thus, it symbolizes strength, wisdom and righteousness.
It so happened – historically, metaphysically, mystically and mythically… – that the name of Holy Martyr Daria of Rome is forever connected with the name of her husband, Holy Martyr Chrysanthus… This extraordinary marriage, as well as the union of Saints Peter and Fevronia, whom some researchers identify with the known from the chronicles Murom prince David Yuryevich and his wife… As well as the union of the Padishah of the Mughal Empire Shah Jahan and his wife Mumtaz Mahal… As well as the marriage of Pskov commoner Olga and the ancient Kyiv Prince Igor… Since it was forever sanctified by love, friendship, mutual understanding, loyalty and Faith!
Chrysanthus was the son of the nobleman Polemius, who, having moved from Alexandria to Rome, was awarded the senatorial rank and, naturally, as befitted his high position…, and, dreaming of seeing his son become an outstanding scholar, wished to give Chrysanthus the appropriate education. No wonder, he sent his son to the best philosophical school, where the very capable and extremely inquisitive young man studied various sciences with great care, spending days and nights reading thick volumes in the heaviest bindings. Once Chrysanthus accidentally came across the New Testament, which he read carefully and… delved into the content so deeply that he desired to become a Christian…
To begin with, the young man decided to find himself a teacher in the Divine Scripture and the Christian faith… Luckily, he found one! It turned out to be the priest Carpophorus, who, hiding from persecution, instructed Chrysanthus in the faith for several months, and then baptized him. Chrysanthus became so convinced of the Christian faith and love for Jesus Christ that only seven days after baptism he also began to preach Christianity.
Of course, Polemius tried to return his son to paganism, but nothing could turn the young man away from the Faith. Then the father decided to use the most radical means – to marry Chrysanthus to an educated girl, hoping that she would influence his son with smart speeches, and that concerns about the family would distract him from all sorts of stupidities… Thus, his choice fell on Daria – a priestess of Athena Pallas – a tall, slender and wise beauty with manners, graceful behavior and extraordinary modesty, despite all her virtues. Therefore, dressed in a luxurious outfit, chosen with special taste and chic, and adorned with exquisite jewelry, Daria crossed the threshold of Chrysanthus’ home. At first glance she understood that “feminine tricks” were unnecessary there, and therefore she told him quite sincerely about how upset his father was – a good and respected man, – and that out of compassion for him she agreed to do what women usually did not dare – she came to offer herself as a wife…
Chrysanthus listened to Daria and understood that she – kind, smart, brave and sincere – was extremely attractive to him… There was something in her that one could not see with the eyes, but could only feel – a kinship of souls… However, Chrysanthus did not talk about this, but advised Daria to adorn herself less – “it is better to adorn the soul with good thoughts, because only like this one can know love from above…” Somehow, Daria was not offended by those words of Chrysanthus, since he was neither rude, nor harsh, nor edifying… The girl understood the main thing – the young man meant well and wished her only the best. They did not notice how time flew by… A few hours later, Daria left Chrysanthus as a convinced Christian and… a bride!
The young people decided to get married. Polemius was happy, thinking that he had achieved his desired goal.
However, Daria soon accepted Christianity, and Chrysanthus began to help her study the Holy Scriptures, and together they preached the Gospel among the Romans. Chrysanthus’ father died soon after his son’s wedding, and the couple, having received a large inheritance, became very wealthy. They spent the wealth that had unexpectedly fallen on them on godly deeds, and settled the homeless in their house. The couple devoted all their strength, time and health to the enlightenment of the pagans. Their thoughts were so pious, and their reputation so impeccable, that even during their lifetime, the people began to call them Saints.
For several years the couple lived quietly, calmly and happily, but in 283 the Roman Emperor Numerian, having learned about them, became angry and ordered them to be arrested, subjected to the most cruel tortures, brutal abuse and inhuman torment. However, it was as if the heavens were laughing at the executioners: the ropes tightened on the bodies of the prisoners were torn, the shackles fell apart, and the fire did not cause any suffering. The torturers wondered in amazement what kind of magic Chrysanthus and Daria were using… The couple answered that there was no magic, but only Faith and Divine power. By and by, it all ended with the executioners expressing a desire to accept Holy Baptism. Then Numerian, after unsuccessful attempts to persuade Chrysanthus and Daria to renounce Jesus Christ, decided to humiliate the couple and ordered Chrysanthus to be thrown into a gutter and Daria to be sent to a brothel. However, the gutter suddenly filled with a fragrance, and a lion appeared near Daria, who did not allow anyone to touch her. Eventually the emperor ordered the couple to be executed, but the guards could not enter Daria’s room – they were afraid of the lion. Then they set fire to the brothel… The fire and smoke scared even the predator, but Daria only felt sorry for it – so she took the lion outside and let it go. The beast ran away, and the guards immediately grabbed her…
Before their death, Chrysanthus and Daria were destined to spend a few minutes together. And together they accepted death – they were lowered alive into a ditch and covered with earth and stones.
The martyrdom of Chrysanthus and Daria is attributed to 283 A.D. (although according to other sources, it happened in 256 A.D.). The holy martyrs Chrysanthus and Daria became the embodiment of marital fidelity; they are revered as patrons of the family. There is even a temple dedicated to them in the Ipatiev Monastery (sometimes translated into English as Hypatian Monastery), where people pray to them for family well-being and strengthening of family ties.
Saint Daria of Rome is especially warm to those who bear her name, although helps anyone praying to her:
- – to gain the gift of humility and repentance;
- – to avoid demonic temptations;
- – not to succumb to false teachings;
- – to marry successfully;
- – to arrange a successful family life;
- – to help childless couples become parents.
Saint Daria has another enviable quality at the level of a quirk – she loves to help bake unusually thin pancakes – tasty, quickly and in abundance…
In the Orthodox Church, the day of remembrance for Saint Daria of Rome is celebrated on 19 March (1 April), and in the Catholic Church – on 25 October.
