St. Genesius

St. Genesius of Rome is a legendary figure revered as the patron saint of actors and comedians. The primary source of information about his life comes from a seventh-century document known as the Acts of the Martyrs. According to this tradition, Genesius was a pagan actor living in Rome during the late third or early fourth century. During the reign of Emperor Diocletian, who was notorious for his persecution of Christians, Genesius planned to perform a play mocking Christianity to curry favor with the emperor. However, while performing the play, which included a mock baptism, Genesius experienced a profound conversion and publicly professed his faith in Jesus Christ. This act of defiance led to his arrest, torture, and eventual beheading. His martyrdom is said to have occurred around 303 AD, during Diocletian's persecution. Genesius was buried in the Cemetery of St. Hippolytus on the Via Tiburtina. His relics were later moved to the Church of Santa Susanna in Rome. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the historical accuracy of the Acts, Genesius has been venerated as a saint since early times, with his feast day celebrated on August 25. His legacy as a patron saint of the theatrical arts has endured, and he is also associated with other professions and conditions, including epilepsy.