A religious drama troupe from Bethel College will perform from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 17 at Diamond Cove Church in Cassopolis.

The Genesians have a serious intent of presenting spiritual truths through the medium of drama. In the last 33 years, the troupe has given almost 1,000 performances in churches and assemblies in the United States and Canada.

The Genesians take their name from Genesius, a Roman actor in the court of Diocletian during the fourth century. In the course of his acting career, he was asked to play the part of a Roman general who became a Christian. During the performance of the play, Genesius suddenly felt the love of God touch his heart so clearly that he stopped acting and told the Emperor Diocletian that he too had become a Christian. When Diocletian demanded that he recant, Genesius refused. He was taken from the stage, tortured, then finally martyred for his newfound faith. Genesius, then, could be considered the patron saint of religious drama, an example of courage and supreme commitment to the cause of Christ.

Diamond Cove Church is located across from Ross Beatty Junior/Senior High School, 22820 Diamond Cove St.