The Baptism of Genesius Saint and Martyr
Posts
The Martyrdom of Genesius-The Actor that became a Saint
The ancient Roman actor Genesius (martyred in c. 285 AD) was a leader/member of a troupe of actors who performed comedic plays regularly for Emperor Diocletian (reigned 284-305). The actors specialized in satire on many subjects and people of their day and Genesius was a favorite of the Emperor. One evening the idea of the play was to ridicule the burgeoning sect of Christians whom Diocletian hated, persecuted and killed. Genesius’ role was to pretend to be baptized. Listen to the audio: https://www.fiverr.com/collaborate/eyJsaW5rX2lkIjoiNjM2NmMwNGIyNDliZTIwMDEyZjQ3ZWIzIiwidHlwZSI6InNoYXJlYWJsZS1saW5rIn0= Genesius obviously had attended several Christian baptisms in order to be familiar with his role. He was supposed to be sick and fell to the ground on stage. The appointed “priest” and “exorcist” rushed onstage. Genesius said he was weighted down with his sins and an angel had commanded him to be baptized to wipe away all his sins. Everyone was hilarious. Genesius insisted he wanted