On the Holy Persian Martyrs,
ACEPSIMAS, BARBASYMES, PAULUS, GADDIABBES, SABINUS, MAREAS, MOCIUS, JOHN, HORMISDAS, PAPAS, JAMES, ROMAS, MARRES, AGAS, BOCHRES, ABDAS, ABDIESUS, JOHN, ABRAMIUS, AGDELAS, SABOR, ISAAC, DAUSA, MILLES, BISHOPS; MANREANDES, CHOREPISCOPUS; JOSEPH, JAMES, AITHALAS, PRIESTS; AZES OR AZADANES, ABDIESUS, DEACONS; AND TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY CLERGY; AZADES THE EUNUCH; TARBULA OR PHERBUTE, THE VIRGIN; HER SISTER, A WIDOW, AND HER HANDMAID; 16,000 NAMED AND INNUMERABLE ANONYMOUS.
In the Year 350.
PrefaceAcepsimas, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Barbasymes, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Paul, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Gaddiabbes, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Sabinus, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Mareas, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Mocius, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
John, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Hormisdas, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Papas, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
James, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Romas, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Marres, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Agas, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Bochres, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Abdas, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Abdiesus, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
John, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Abramius, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Agdelas, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Sabor, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Isaac, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Dausa, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Milles, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Manreandes, Chorepiscopus, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Joseph, Priest, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
James, Priest, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Aithalas, Priest, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Azes or Azadanes, Deacon, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Abdiesus, Deacon, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Two hundred and fifty Clerics, Martyrs in Persia under King Sapor (Saints)
Azades the Eunuch, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Tarbula or Pherbute the Virgin, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
The Sister of the same Saint Tarbula, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
The Handmaid of the same Saint Tarbula, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Sixteen Thousand Martyrs in Persia under King Sapor (Saints)
Other innumerable Martyrs in Persia under King Sapor (Saints)
BY G. H.
We reported on the preceding day, April 21, that Saint Simeon, Bishop of Seleucia and Ctesiphon, was crowned with martyrdom together with one hundred others, Bishops, Priests, or other clerics, in Persia under King Sapor: and to these we added Usthazanes the Eunuch, tutor of King Sapor, Abedechalas and Ananias the Priests, Of these Martyrs, very many seem to have been killed in the year 350 and Pusicius, Prefect of the King's craftsmen, and his daughter, together with others slain for the Christian faith on the sixth day (Friday) of Holy Week; whence we concluded that it happened in the year of Christ 349. These things being established, very many of the Martyrs already set forth in the title must have necessarily obtained the same crown of martyrdom in the following year, 350; after the most cruel edict of King Sapor, to be sent throughout all Persia, had been newly renewed, on the very day when the memory of the Passion is usually recalled, that is, April 6: for in the said year 350, cycle of the moon IX, of the sun XXIII, Dominical letter G, Easter was celebrated on the 8th of April, and very many of the Christians, brought in from everywhere, could have endured martyrdom on this April 22, and perhaps on April 22, unless we should rather say that, since the days of the martyrdom were various and uncertain, they were reported together by the Martyrologies on the day after.
[2] The history of the martyrdom of all is given from Sozomen, The history of the martyrdom of all these we give first, as described by Hermias Sozomen, in his Ecclesiastical History to Theodosius the Younger, the Emperor, book 2 chapter 10 and the three following. The same history of the martyrdom, but more condensed, Nicephorus has in book 8 of Ecclesiastical History chapter 37. And he who is joined to Saint Acepsimas in Sozomen as "Jacob the Priest" with some diversity with Nicephorus and Cassiodorus. is in him called Joseph, just as Bocchoris and Mareades are in the other called Bochras and Manriandes; and Milas, in others Milles, is surnamed "the raiser of the dead." Cassiodorus also, in book 3 of the Tripartite History chapter 2,
proposes the same from Sozomen; and she who in this is Tarbula, in that one is called Tharbua: and James, following Acepsimas, is said to be a Priest "of Pontus," as though he had read "ek pontou," when in Sozomen is read, "Iakobos Presbyteros hekontes heipeto to Akepsima," that is, "James the Priest followed Acepsimas of his own accord." From the twenty-two Bishops by Cassiodorus only Moreas and Bichor are indicated, the latter above called Bochras and Bocchoris.
[3] The Latins abridged Cassiodorus in their Martyrologies on this April 22. Sacred cult in the Calendars of Usuard, Usuard has this: "In Persia, of the holy Martyrs, who for the name of Christ were slain with the sword under King Sapor, in which contest of faith there suffered Melisius the Bishop, Acepsimas the Bishop with the Priest Jacob, Mareas and Bicor also Bishops, with about 250 Clergy, also Monks and very many consecrated Virgins: among whom was also Tharbua, sister of Bishop Simeon, with her handmaid, sawn asunder with a saw." The same, but extended a little more broadly, Ado has in his Martyrology, of Ado, and says that they were seized and slain on the anniversary day on which the memory of the Lord's passion is celebrated. But Sozomen asserts that on that day the most cruel edict of Sapor was issued. Others commonly copy Ado or Usuard. of others, In the modern Roman Martyrology this is read: "On the same day of very many holy Martyrs, who, and of the Roman Martyrology. in the year following the death of Simeon, again on the anniversary day on which the memory of the Lord's passion was celebrated, throughout the whole region of Persia, for the name of Christ, under King Sapor, were ordered to be slain with the sword. In which contest of faith there suffered Azades, a Eunuch most dear to the King; Milles the Bishop, distinguished for holiness and the glory of miracles; Acepsimas the Bishop, with his Priest Jacob; likewise Aithalas and Joseph the Priests, Azadanes and Abdiesus the Deacons, and very many other Clergy. Mareas also and Bicor Bishops, with twenty other Bishops, and about 250 Clergy, also Monks and very many sacred Virgins; among whom was also Tarbula, sister of Saint Simeon the Bishop, with her handmaid, who being bound to stakes and cut with a saw, were most cruelly put to death." Thus there, in which both James, indicated by Sozomen, and Joseph, indicated by Nicephorus, are reported as different persons. Bicor also is he who in others is Bachras or Bocchoris. Of James, distinct from Saint Joseph, we shall soon treat.
[4] Is Abramius, Bishop of Arbela, a different man from these, also a Martyr? There is celebrated by the Greeks on February 4 Saint Abramius or Abrahamius, Bishop of Arbela in Persia, who suffered martyrdom in the fifth year of the persecution stirred up by King Sapor, on which occasion we said many things there about King Sapor and his persecution, and about the city Arbela, not to be repeated here. There is also a eulogy of the said Abramius on February 4 in the Menologium of the Emperor Basil in volume 6 of Italia Sacra published by Ughelli, but here it could be asked whether he is one and the same as this Abramius placed here among the other Bishops and martyrs: this indeed seems provable from the fact that though Sozomen asserts he is indicating the names of all the Bishops, as many as he has found crowned with martyrdom, he does not however seem to have obtained them all; for by him Saint Sadoth, Bishop of Seleucia and Ctesiphon and successor of Saint Simeon the Martyr, is omitted: whose Acts, and of his 128 companions, we gave on February 20: from which it is clear that Saint Sadoth the Bishop, in the year next after the martyrdom of Saint Simeon, and therefore in the same year in which most of those here enumerated, was crowned with his companions. Moved therefore by this reason, we leave Abramius the Bishop, here enumerated, among the other Bishops, because he may be distinct from Saint Abramius, Bishop of Arbela, already indicated.
[5] The multitude of Christians, which is mentioned in Sozomen below in no. 1, elsewhere a thousand Martyrs are counted. which cannot even be numbered, smitten by the axe, and among them Azadas the eunuch, by far most dear to the King; in the Menologium of the Emperor Basil Porphyrogenitus, it is called "the crown of the holy thousand martyrs, with Azath the eunuch"; and after the story of Saint Simeon is repeated (for it had been told before), the following is added: "These Saints also were apprehended, and with them Azath the eunuch, who was rich and the first in the palace, greatly loved and held in honor by Sapor, King of the Persians. These therefore, brought before the King, and questioned by him, when they had confessed Christ with a confident mind, were all put to death. But Sapor, moved by penitence because of the death of the holy Azath, bound himself by oath, that from that time no Christian should be killed, and for some time he kept it." Thus there. But Sozomen asserts that he ordered only the teachers of our religion to be slain. These thousand Martyrs are mentioned in the Greek Menaea as Companions of Saint Simeon, as we said on the previous day.
[6] She who in the same Sozomen below in no. 2 is mentioned as Tarbula, Tarbula elsewhere Tarbua and Pherbuta a holy Virgin, sister of Saint Simeon the Bishop, is reported to have been slain with her widowed sister and handmaid; by Cassiodorus, Usuard, Ado, and others she is called Tarbua; why not also Therbuta, whence by others she is named Pherbuta: and under such a name we have found at Rome in the Vatican library in a MS. codex marked 6187, "The Martyrdom of Saint Pherbutha the Virgin, and her sister, and her handmaid"; which, after the Acts of all from Sozomen, Latin Acts of this and her companions, we give below: collated with a Greek MS. of the same Library marked 1660, and with that account which from the library of the Venetian Republic was transcribed and rendered into Latin by Pier Francesco Zino, and was published by Aloysius Lipomani in volume 7 of the Lives of the Saints. another Greek in which she is called Therme, In this, she who in others is Tarbula, or Pherbutha, or Pherbus, is called Therme; and in the title her sister is called Pherbuta: and in both Acts the martyrdom is said to have been consummated on April 5: on which day Laurence Surius published the same from Lipomani, with whom they may be seen. On the said April 5, in the Greek Menaea, are venerated Saint Thermus burned with fire, likewise the holy Lady and handmaid, killed with the sword. Whether these gave occasion for naming Saint Therma reported on April 5 and 4. in place of Pherbuta or Tarbula, with her Sister and handmaid, we shall inquire there. At least Thermus cut asunder with his companions with a saw is not there read: but in the MS. Menaea of Milan of the Ambrosian Library, and the printed Menaea, on the preceding day April 4 are inscribed Saint Pherbutha, the handmaid, and her companions; sisters of Saint Simeon the Bishop, who under Sapor, King of the Persians, accused of the Christian religion and of sorcery by which they had tried to infect the Queen, were cut in pieces by saws. After whose death the Queen, passing under them hanging, was freed from her illness. Some things have been transferred from here into the Menologium of Sirlet, and from this into the general Catalogue of Ferrarius.
[7] The Acts of Sts. Acepsimas, Joseph, and Aithalas from a Greek MS. November 3. In the last place we add the longer Acts of Saints Acepsimas the Bishop, Joseph the Priest, and Aithalas the Deacon, which we have obtained in Greek from the Medicean MS. codex of the Most Christian King, and we have collated them with the Acts of the same Saints reported under November 3, by Aloysius Lipomani in volume 5 of the Lives of the Holy Fathers, which Gentian Hervetus rendered into Latin. Leo Allatius, in his "Diatribe on the writings of the Simeons," on page 126 judges the Acts of these Martyrs to be the genuine offspring of Simeon Metaphrastes: these Surius took from Lipomani on this April 22. But on the cited November 3, the eulogies of these Martyrs are contained in the Menologium of Emperor Basil, in the MS. Synaxarium of the College of Clermont at Paris, and in other Greek Menaea; and in imitation of them in Molanus, Galesinius, Ferrarius. Meanwhile in the Acts in no. 20 it is said that Acepsimas received the end of his life on October 10, and in no. 40 Aithalas was consummated in the month of June. Molanus in the Auctarium celebrates on the Kalends of September the memory of the holy Martyr Aithalas, and that indeed from the Greeks.
[8] The Basilians in their Martyrology printed at Freiburg in 1584 venerate on April 10 Aithalas with others killed under the same Sapor, Some are reported on April 10. with these words: "In Persia, of the holy Martyrs Aithalas and Jacob, Priests, Azadanes and Abdiesus, Deacons: who after long imprisonments were most savagely beaten by the Magi." But the Greeks in their Menaea and with Maximus the Bishop of Cythera recall on the same April 10 the holy Martyrs, Jacob the Priest, and Aza the Deacon, likewise killed under Sapor the King of the Persians, with some eulogy: chiefly Saint James and Azas which more exactly stands in the Greek Menologium of Emperor Basil Porphyrogenitus on April 14, in which first is set forth the contest of Saint Simeon the Bishop and his companions; then of Saint Phase or Pusicius, Prefect of the King's artificers, with his daughter, of whom we treated on the previous day; afterwards is treated of the thousand Martyrs with Azades the eunuch, as we have already mentioned: but finally is added, "the contest of the holy Martyrs James the Priest and Azes the Deacon," with this eulogy: again on April 14.
[9] "Also these holy Martyrs, James the Priest and Azes the Deacon, eulogy from the Menologium of Emperor Basil, were in Persia at the time of the persecution of the impious Sapor. When they openly professed and preached Christ, the Prefect of the Magi ordered them to be apprehended, and cast them into prison, and for several days afflicted them with hunger. But after these things, when he had ordered them to be brought out from prison and led before him, he commanded them to deny Christ. But when they had not obeyed; first he ordered mustard and vinegar to be injected into their nostrils, then stripping them and hanging them on wood, he tortured them with cold through the whole night: but in the morning, still hanging and naked, he ordered them to be beaten with rods, and at last to be thrust into prison. Afterwards they were again brought out from prison and beheaded. But when the lictor had descended to the nearby marsh, and there had washed his sword, immediately the water of that marsh was turned into blood, and remained so for a long time, and at last dried up." So far the Menologium of Emperor Basil. Whether Azes the Deacon and Azadanes the Deacon reported above are one and the same Martyr, is not sufficiently clear: because we have no Acts of Azadanes.
ACTS OF THE MARTYRDOM
From the Ecclesiastical History of Sozomen, book 2 chapter 10 and three following.
Acepsimas, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Barbasymes, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Paul, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Gaddiabbes, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Sabinus, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Mareas, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Mocius, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
John, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Hormisdas, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Papas, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
James, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Romas, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Marres, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Agas, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Bochres, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Abdas, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Abdiesus, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
John, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Abramius, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Agdelas, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Sabor, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Isaac, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Dausa, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Milles, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Manreandes, Chorepiscopus, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Joseph, Priest, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
James, Priest, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Aithalas, Priest, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Azes or Azadanes, Deacon, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Abdiesus, Deacon, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
250 Clerics, Martyrs in Persia under King Sapor (Saints)
Azades the Eunuch, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Tarbula or Pherbute the Virgin, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
The Sister of the same Saint Tarbula, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
The Handmaid of the same Saint Tarbula, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
16,000 Martyrs in Persia under King Sapor (Saints)
Innumerable others, Martyrs in Persia under King Sapor (Saints)
BY SOZOMEN
chapter 10
[1] After the slaying of Simeon, Bishop of Seleucia and Ctesiphon, With the edict of Sapor given on Holy Friday, and others, in the following year on that very day on which the memory of the passion of Christ is usually recalled, when the celebrated feast day of the Resurrection was already being awaited, there went forth the most cruel edict of Sapor throughout all Persia, which commanded that all those who confessed themselves Christians should be put to death. innumerable are crowned with martyrdom. At which time indeed a multitude of Christians, which cannot even be numbered, was struck with the axe. For the Magi with the greatest diligence dug them out of the cities and villages in which they were hiding. And some, induced by their own will, with no one leading them, offered themselves up, lest by their silence they should seem to deny Christ. And while all who were Christians were being punished with death, very many also who had spent their lives in the palace itself were slain: among whose number was Azades the Eunuch, by far most dear to the King. Whom when Sapor had understood to be killed, and Azades the eunuch. he took incredible grief in his mind, and stopped this general slaughter, and ordered only the Teachers of our religion to be slain.
chapter 11
[2] At the same time, when the Queen had fallen ill, Tarbula the holy Virgin, sister of Bishop Simeon, St. Tarbula the Virgin, her widowed sister, and her handmaid, together with her handmaid who practiced the same manner of life, and her sister who after the death of her husband abstained from marriage and maintained the same manner of life, was apprehended. The cause of the apprehension of these women was a false accusation fabricated against them by the Jews: namely, that angry at the death of Simeon, they had treacherously prepared poisons for the Queen. But the Queen (for the sick are accustomed to lend easy ears to all evils) judged the calumny to be true, and especially because it had been put forward by the Jews. are cut asunder with a saw. For she was of the same opinion as the Jews, she regulated her life according to their manner, and thought them truthful and most benevolent to herself. The Magi therefore, seizing Tarbula and the other two, condemned them to death. And when they had cut them with a saw and fastened them to gibbets, they caused the Queen to pass through the space between the gibbets, as though her illness would thus be driven out. It is said that this Tarbula was of very noble and comely form: that a certain Magus was dying for love of her, and had secretly sent a reward, that he might have commerce with her; and had finally promised, that if she would yield to his lust, both she and her companions would be safe. But that she would not even bear to hear this shamefulness: but received the messengers with insulting words, cast upon them with reproach the charge of incontinence, and replied that she much more willingly wished to die than to betray her virginity.
[3] Moreover, since by the edict of Sapor it had been ratified, as is shown above, that only the Priests and Teachers of the Christian faith should be apprehended, Bishops and Priests are sought out: the Magi and their Princes, traversing all Persia, afflict the Bishops and Priests with grave troubles, both in other places, but most of all in the region of the b Adiabenians, which is a part of Persia, wholly dedicated to the Christian faith.
Chapter 12
[4] About the same time, the Magi also apprehend c Acepsimas the Bishop and very many of his clergy at once: Acepsimas the Bishop is crowned, but when they had captured the Prelate, like prey, through ambushes, being content with this, they dismissed the rest, after plundering their goods. But d a certain Priest Jacob voluntarily follows Acepsimas: and having obtained permission from the Magi, is shut up in the same prison with him, and gladly ministers to him, as to one very advanced in age: relieves his calamities as much as he can, and heals the welts of the blows. For a little after he had been apprehended, the Magi had savagely beaten him with raw thongs to force him to adore the sun: but when he had not yielded, they again threw him into chains. At the same time also Aithalas and Jacob the Priests, Aithalas and Jacob the Priests, Azadanes and Abdicius the Deacons, Azadanes and Abdicius the Deacons, for the Christian religion were lying in prison, most cruelly beaten by the Magi. But after much time had already passed, the Chief of the Magi communicates with the King concerning them: and having obtained the power of torturing them at his discretion unless they should adore the sun, he made known the mandate of Sapor to those who were in prison. And when they had answered at the same time that they would never betray Christ, nor adore the sun, he tortured them with such cruel torments, that Acepsimas, bravely persisting in the confession of the faith, met his death. Whose relics certain persons from Armenia, who were hostages among the Persians, laid in a tomb. But the others, though no less severely beaten than he, beyond all expectation remained alive; who, persevering in the same resolve, are again thrust into prison. Of whose number was Aithalas, whose arms, while he was being beaten, were so pulled apart and unstrung from the shoulders by the violent stretching, that his hands hung thence as though dead.
[5] While Sapor was reigning, an infinite multitude of Priests, Deacons, Monks, holy Virgins, and others who were engaged in the ministry of the churches, Bishops named to the number of 22, and had minds nobly disposed toward religion, gave outstanding testimonies of a pious life. The Bishops, however, whom I have learned met death in this persecution, are Barbasymes, Paul, Gaddiabes, Sabinus, Mareas, Mocius, John, Hormisdas, Papas, Jacob, Romas, Maares, Agas, e Bochres, Abdas, Abdiesus, John, f Abramius, Agdelas, Sabores, Isaac, and Dausa: who had been taken captive by the Persians from a certain place called Zaudaeus, and at that time was punished with death for the Christian faith together with Maureandes the Chorepiscopus and the clergy who were in his diocese, 250 Clergy, numbering more or less 250, who were apprehended by the Persians and led away captive.
Chapter 13
[6] At that same time, Milles also fell by martyrdom; who had first served in the military among the Persians, but afterwards, leaving the military, he began to cultivate an entirely Apostolic manner of life. It is said that when he had been made Bishop of a certain city in Persia, he frequently suffered many tortures, and endured beatings and the stretching apart of his limbs. But since he could bring no one in that city to the Christian faith, and Milles, from a soldier made Bishop, bearing it grievously and with an unjust mind, he cursed the city and departed thence. Not long after, when the principal men of that city had sinned against the King, an army with three hundred elephants, having set out thither, overthrew the city, and like those who till a field, sowed it with seed. But Milles, carrying only a bag in which he had the sacred book of the Gospels, betook himself to Jerusalem to pray, and thence withdrew into Egypt to visit the monks who lived their lives there. But what and how admirable and how divine deeds were performed by that Milles, the Syrians are witnesses, who have handed down his deeds and life g in writings.
[7] It certainly seemed to me enough to have discoursed thus far about him and those who died in martyrdom in Persia under the reign of Sapor. For the torments inflicted on them, or who and from what place they were, or by what kind of tortures they were dispatched in martyrdom, or with what punishments they were afflicted, can scarcely be enumerated by anyone: for such varied modes of torturing were devised by the Persians, with such great zeal for cruelty. But to speak summarily, it is reported that men and women 16,000 whose names were known, whose names were enumerated suffered martyrdom at that time to the number of sixteen thousand; but that the multitude of those who were slain besides these, could not even be reckoned in number: and very many others. and therefore it seemed most difficult to the Persians, Syrians, and inhabitants of Edessa, who labored much concerning this matter, to enumerate their names.
ANNOTATIONS.
ACTS OF THE MARTYRDOM
Of Sts. Pherbutha or Tarbula the Virgin, and of her widowed Sister, and handmaid.
From a Latin MS. of the Vatican library, collated with the Greek MSS. of the same and of the Venetian library.
Acepsimas, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Barbasymes, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Paul, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Gaddiabbes, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Sabinus, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Mareas, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Mocius, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
John, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Hormisdas, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Papas, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
James, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Romas, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Marres, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Agas, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Bochres, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Abdas, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Abdiesus, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
John, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Abramius, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Agdelas, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Sabor, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Isaac, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Dausa, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Milles, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Manreandes, Chorepiscopus, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Joseph, Priest, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
James, Priest, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Aithalas, Priest, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Azes or Azadanes, Deacon, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Abdiesus, Deacon, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
250 Clerics, Martyrs in Persia under King Sapor (Saints)
Azades the Eunuch, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Tarbula or Pherbute the Virgin, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
The Sister of the same Saint Tarbula, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
The Handmaid of the same Saint Tarbula, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
16,000 Martyrs in Persia under King Sapor (Saints)
Innumerable others, Martyrs in Persia under King Sapor (Saints) BHL Number: 6795
FROM THE VATICAN MSS.
[1] Pherbuta with her Sister and handmaid is apprehended, At the time of our persecution, the Queen herself suddenly began to be sick. But since her mind was much inclined toward the Jews, enemies of the cross of Christ, and she willingly listened to whatever they would say to her; when the Jews had heard about the Queen, they suggested to her, that because the Bishop Simeon, surnamed a Gnapheus, had been killed, therefore his sisters had mixed poisons for the Queen, that she might die. But when this talk came to the ears of the Emperor, immediately b Saint Pherbuthe with her sister and her handmaid was apprehended. Now this Pherbuthe was most excellent in the exercise of virtue: holy Virgin, nay, c indeed, her sister no less than herself had attained a most beautiful pattern of life in Christ Jesus. They therefore were led to the palace, to be interrogated about that matter. d There went forth therefore by command of the Emperor Mauptes, whose name means "Pontiff of the Magi," and two magistrates with him, to hear these women. When Saint Pherbuthe stood before them together with the two women who were with her, they saw her beauty (for that holy Virgin was truly exceedingly beautiful in appearance), and immediately each one conceived in his mind a wicked lust, and most beautiful, yet they concealed such lustful thoughts among themselves. They therefore said to them: "Why have you devised poisons for the Queen and Mistress of the whole earth: she refutes the calumny about the poison prepared for the Queen, for this cause now you are liable to death." To whom the holy Pherbuthe replied: "Why has Satan cast that thought into your minds, which is far from the truth? and why do you wish to accuse us unjustly? If you thirst for our blood, who is there to prevent you from drinking it? If you desire our slaughter, behold, every day you defile your hands? But we for the sake of our God, as becomes Christians, e die, not denying him because he is our life, and she professes the faith of Christ: as it is written, 'That we should worship one God, and serve him alone,' for so we do. Deut. 6 and 10 Nay, elsewhere it is written, 'Let the sorcerer die by the hand of his people.' Exod. 22 How then have we devised poisonings, when this is no less an evil than if we should deny our God? For as the penalty of either sin, death is set forth for those who are liable to crimes of this sort."
[2] When Pherbuthe the Virgin said these things, each of them listened to her gladly. She adds that she does not grieve for the slaying of St. Simeon her brother, And when they stood amazed at her beauty and wisdom, they could not speak: but each thought within himself thus: "I will entreat the King, that it may be permitted to snatch them from death; and so I will take this one as my wife." At last Mauptes said this to her: "Although, as you say, it is not lawful for you to mix poisons, lest you violate your law; yet grieving for the death of your brother, you did this." "And what evil," said Pherbuthe, "has my brother suffered, that on his account we should wish to lose that life f which proceeds from the living God? For even if you, through your wickedness and envy, killed him, yet he lives, and rejoices in the heavenly kingdom: which kingdom surpasses your empire and power in such a way, that compared to it this realm of yours is something empty." When she had said these things, he ordered them to be led into prison and guarded.
[3] When day had dawned, that Mauptes secretly sent to Pherbuthe, saying that he was ready to entreat the King, and to free her and those who were with her from death, if she would only be willing to be his wife. But that Virgin "crown-bearer," strong and victorious, to be freed, is solicited into marriage when she had heard these things, was amazed. But g turning to him who had announced these things: "Shut that mouth," she said, "most impure dog, enemy of God and of all truth, and do not continue to speak those impure words to my ears, for my mind cannot bear them. God forbid that this should ever happen: she says she is betrothed to Christ, for I am once and for all joined to my Lord Christ, and I guard my virginity for him, and strive to show faith and truth to him. For he, who alone is free from sin, and prepared to die: can snatch me from your most impure hands and dirty thoughts, which you have thought against me. For my part, I do not fear to die, nor do I shrink from slaughter. For this way, into which you wish to send me, will lead me to my brother and beloved Bishop Simeon, that there I may find consolation for my groans and afflictions: with which afflictions my soul has been beset after his death." Likewise the two magistrates sent to her indicating the same thing, to whom with an angry mind and harsh words she answered and drove them from her.
[4] When therefore each of them had felt himself defeated and had observed that his lust had not obtained what he had vainly attempted; she and her companions refusing to adore the sun, those three, taking counsel, spoke against these women, and gave unjust testimony that these women were sorceresses. When the Emperor had heard these things, he commanded that if they would adore the sun they should escape death. But when it was announced to them that the Emperor had commanded them to adore the sun, those holy women answered this: "We adore the Maker of heaven and earth, and we refuse to offer his honor to the sun, since it is the work of that God whom we worship: nay, your threats shall never make us able ever to be separated from the love of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ." When therefore they had said these things with the same mind, the Magi crying out with a great voice said, "Let these women perish from the earth, who have prepared poisons for the Queen, that she might fall into illness and die." And immediately such a sentence was passed against them, that these women should die whatever death the Magi wished. they are adjudged to death; For the wicked and impure men were saying, that unless their bodies were cut into two parts, and the Queen herself passed through the midst of those parts, she could not be cured. When therefore they cast them out to be killed, again Mauptes, while the women were being led away, sending to the holy Virgin Pherbuthe, said: "If you wish to hear me, neither shall you die, nor the girls who are with you." But holy Pherbuthe with a great and harsh voice: "Why," said she, "impure dog, do you say those things which I cannot hear? For I desire perfectly to die, that I may have eternal life: never for the sake of this brief life shall I become more remiss, lest I die an eternal death."
[5] they are cut into two parts, When therefore they had led these women before the gates of the city, they fixed two stakes for each: on one of which binding the neck, on the other the feet, and stretching each of them out on them, bringing a carpenter's saw, they cut them into two parts. And when they had fixed three great pieces of wood on this side and three on the other into the earth, they suspended those holy bodies on them. O terrible and dreadful sight! O deed full of tears, compunction, amazement, and groans! if anyone desires tears, let him come, let him wail, and with compunction let him wet his body with tears. Behold how the pleasant and holy bodies, as a sort of triumph, are set out on the road. Those bodies, I say, in which the holy women through all the time of their life preserved honor and h virginity. Liberty has been given to their reproach, who exercised gentleness and justice in their own bridal chamber. Behold how glory is set forth as ignominy! O how patient is the just judgment of God! But when it shall rise up to inquire into the accounts, it will no longer pardon, nor have mercy. O how much pride dares! but when it shall fall, it has no medicine, nor does it stand. Truly these woods, on which the holy bodies were suspended, are fruits of justice: but these are truly those wolves of Arabia, merciless, hard, and devourers of blood: those, I say, who cut and suspended them. Considering such cruelty, the blessed Prophet said: "Perhaps they had swallowed us up alive. And when his fury was stirred up, they would have drawn us down alive into hell." Psalm 123 Did anyone rejoice at that terrible thing, or bear with equanimity that horrible sight? Did anyone look upon it without tears, or was he able to see it? I think surely no one. For if anyone could see these things, I do not think him to be a partaker of human nature. [h] through which the Queen passes. They carried therefore that wretched Queen into that street, and caused her to pass through those chaste and holy bodies, and all the troop followed her. For on that day the Emperor was receiving the census. Saint Pherbuthe was consummated with her sister and handmaid on the fifth day of the month
of April, in Christ Jesus our Lord, to whom be glory and dominion and honor and adoration forever and ever. Amen.
ANNOTATIONS.
ACTS OF THE MARTYRDOM
Of Sts. Acepsimas the Bishop, Joseph the Priest, Aithalas the Deacon.
By the author Simeon Metaphrastes, from the translation of Gentian Hervetus with Lipomanus and Surius, collated with the Greek MS. Medicean of the Most Christian King.
Acepsimas, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Barbasymes, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Paul, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Gaddiabbes, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Sabinus, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Mareas, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Mocius, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
John, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Hormisdas, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Papas, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
James, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Romas, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Marres, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Agas, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Bochres, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Abdas, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Abdiesus, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
John, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Abramius, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Agdelas, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Sabor, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Isaac, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Dausa, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Milles, Bishop, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Manreandes, Chorepiscopus, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Joseph, Priest, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
James, Priest, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Aithalas, Priest, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Azes or Azadanes, Deacon, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Abdiesus, Deacon, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
250 Clerics, Martyrs in Persia under King Sapor (Saints)
Azades the Eunuch, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
Tarbula or Pherbute the Virgin, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
The Sister of the same Saint Tarbula, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
The Handmaid of the same Saint Tarbula, Martyr in Persia under King Sapor (Saint)
16,000 Martyrs in Persia under King Sapor (Saints)
Innumerable others, Martyrs in Persia under King Sapor (Saints)
BY METAPHRASTES FROM THE GREEK MS.
CHAPTER I.
The virtues, captivity, and constancy amid torments of Saint Acepsimas the Bishop.
[1] Under Sapor, King of the Persians Saporius, King of the Persians, was raging against the Christians, and ordered the Magi, who were a part of the Persians, to persecute them. Who, attacking still more sharply, forced those whom they persecuted to worship fire and the sun. For which cause blessed Acepsimas also is apprehended by them: who indeed had been born from the country of Naesson, situated in the confines of the Persians: and he was adorned with the Episcopal dignity, an old man in years, a as one who was eighty years of age: an elder in prudence, gentle and moderate, far from anger, living temperately, bestowing upon the needy out of his own means, Saint Acepsimas the Bishop, intent on prayers, elegant in form, more elegant in soul: and by external movements signifying to those who beheld them the internal constitution, and by deeds and words proclaiming piety, and made a master of life and of right doctrines to the Christians. By which it happened that he roused against himself the whole line of the adversaries, as against a most powerful antagonist. Concerning whom indeed, even before he was apprehended, something like this happened prophetically.
[2] The future Martyr foretold by a boy, A certain boy was smoothing his head, cleansing it of the lice which were causing him annoyance. Embracing it, therefore, "Blessed," he said, "is this bald head" (for it was smooth) "which indeed will receive martyrdom for the sake of Christ." But he was gladdened by this saying: and embracing the boy in turn at once: "Be it to me," he said, "O son, according to your word." But when a certain familiar friend of Acepsimas was present when these things were being said (and he too was Bishop of a neighboring city), smiling he asked the boy, saying: "Tell me, O son, do you know anything about us?" But the boy, inspired by God: "You also," he said, "returning to your city, will not be allowed to see it: but you will depart from life in a village which is called Aethradaran." Which things indeed happened to both, as the boy had predicted. But these things, before the Martyr was apprehended.
[3] Before the Chief of the Magi he professes the faith: When he had been taken and was being led through his own house, a certain one of his familiars, approaching near: "Arrange something about your house," he said to him in his ear. But he said: "This" (pointing to it with his hand) "is no longer my house: for I am now migrating to the house above." But when he had been brought into the city of b Arbela, and had been led out before the Chief of the Magi (whose name was Adrachus), he asked him whether he was a Christian. When he had confessed this with a great voice: "Are those things true, then," he said, "which are reported by rumor, that you despise royal commands: and that you preach one God against the royal edict?" But that blessed old age, affected by no fear: "Whatever," he said, "such things you have heard about us, are true. For I preach one God, in accord with the Scriptures which are with us: and I counsel those who come to me to hold and defend this doctrine." But the Magus: "We have heard," he said, "that you surpass others in prudence, which is proved by long time and experience: but now we are not permitted to behold you such as we have heard: for you are affected no better than an unwise boy. For whose prudence or sound mind is it, He mocks the worship of the sun and fire: to despise royal decrees, and to be unwilling to adore the most splendid sun and fire, which indeed the King himself adores?" The Pontiff of Christ answered: "It seems to me very much that the empire of the Persians plays the fool, that, dismissing the Creator, it has decreed to worship created things. For who of sound mind would have brought himself to give the honor of God to those things which were made by God, as you do, acting impiously, and this same King of yours?"
[4] But he said: "Do you dare to say that we do impious things, we who worship such an element and worship the life-giving sun, O truly impious you, and trifler, and defender of a vain religion? But unless you yield to the command of the Emperor, and adore those whom he adores, not even old age will deliver you from suffering the gravest things, nor will he whom you worship, the crucified God." constant in faith, he is not terrified: Then the divine old man: "Let your wicked mouth be shut, O execrable one, if you think by your threats you can persuade me to fall away from the ancestral doctrine, which I learned from my earliest age, and have preserved to this gray hair. But if, as you say, neither old age shall snatch me away, nor the God whom I worship from your hands: I will not for that reason exchange what is better for what is worse. For what does it matter to me to live these few days? For a little later, even without you, this common debt of nature will be demanded from me. he is dreadfully scourged: I will not adore the sun: I will not worship fire. No one shall mock my old age: no one shall reproach me for being greedy of life, as if I had sold for a brief life the blessedness of such great goods." For these things the wicked man is filled with wrath, and at once the most sacred old man is so grievously beaten with whips, that the whole ground was flooded with blood, but no place of the body was left unharmed.
[5] When he had been a little released from the blows, he orders him, again bound with chains, to be set before the tribunal. And he was saying: "Where is your God whom you worship, O Acepsimas! Let him come and snatch you from my hands." "My God," said he, "O most wicked one, who fills heaven and earth, can snatch me from your hands. But you, since you are earth and ashes, against whom do you dare to be proud? he instructs the Judge: under whom putrefaction shall be spread, for whom life is heavier than death, who have not known the living God? For this reason you shall be dried up like the flower of the field, and your life wretchedly overthrown, you shall be given to the fire which cannot be quenched: so that him whom now you adore, there by actual punishment you may feel is not a God, but that he too has another maker, who is also the God of all things which fall under the sight." he is shut in prison. At these words, the Magus being inflamed with greater wrath, heavier chains girded the Saint: and then the inner prison received him.
ANNOTATIONS.
CHAPTER II.
The captivity of Saints Joseph and Aithalas, constancy amid blows: the instruction given.
[6] On the following day, the most venerable Priest Joseph was also apprehended, born from the village St. Joseph the Priest is apprehended, which is called Bethlabuba, which is interpreted "of him who writes rightly": he too was an old man and already within the limits of David's span, as one who was seventy years of age.
A certain grace gave beauty to his old age, and his appearance made his venerable gray hairs more cheerful: whose soul indeed breathed zeal and defended the doctrine of the Christians in a wonderful way. But he was utterly given to temperance, and his heart was restrained by divine fear. In addition, also the Deacon Aithalas, especially to be venerated, was apprehended. The village of Bethnoadara raised him, and Aithalas the Deacon, a man both fervent in spirit and one who was greatly inflamed by the love of Christ. His manners were inclined to reproving, and full of freedom of speech like the great Elijah, as one who, I suppose, followed the freedom of life and the purity of the soul. There flourished in him also a certain gravity, which gained him reverence from all. When both had been led before the judge, he, looking at them with a stern eye: "O most ruined race!" he said, "why, creeping in upon simpler men, and dazzling their eyes with your doctrines, do you lead them to the false religion of the Christians?" Blessed Joseph said: "We have learned neither to use tricks nor to deceive: but, defending the true and stable doctrine, we lead those who err concerning religion to the truth, teaching them to adore one God, who along with other things is Lord of the sun and fire."
[7] But the Magus said: "What sort of doctrine then is consonant with the truth? St. Joseph teaches that the riches and vain glory of the world are empty, Is it that which the King of the whole earth himself and his nobles defend, or that which base and abject men, like you, who have been deceived, preach?" "Base and abject men we indeed are," answered the Priest of Christ, "with this commanded by Christ's precept, because it did not please our God that the way of man should be directed in riches and pride. And therefore we often voluntarily make ourselves humble, lavishing our means upon the poor, expecting in their stead to receive eternal riches, a and glory that never fails. But you who swell up because of fluctuating wealth and vain glory, shall pass away like smoke, and like dust shall be scattered by the wind." But the Magus said: "You, being servants of sloth, go about houses as beggars, wretched and intent upon the hands of others: and that thing, of which you ought to be most ashamed, in that very thing you most glory. For riches are judged worthy of the love and zeal of all men: who has taught you to lack love of them?" To this the blessed man said: "You have reproached us with idleness, and pointed out that we are beggars: learn what you inquire from one who knows and is experienced, that if we should place our zeal in gathering riches, we should receive so much profit from our hands, and should have collected such great wealth, as is not permitted even to you, who gather them from the poor and reap the labors of others. For we, laboring with our own hands, share with the poor what is justly sought: but you, given only to avarice and the desire of having more, not only do nothing yourselves, but besides also carry off what belongs to others. But since you say we also love riches: b what good, observing to be in them, should we fix ourselves upon procuring them? Are they not fleeting and very unfaithful? Today are they not here with this one, and tomorrow they depart to another, with the former master in a certain way denied? Do they not stir up great envy against him who possesses them? Do they not openly fashion labors and wars? Do they not attract the eyes of robbers and thieves? But if you say that from them some pleasure or glory arises, do you reckon it to be something great? How does it differ from dreams and shadows? It afflicted with a little pleasure: then when evening has come, it is extinguished and reduced to nothing. But if also in the present life it may remain a little, yet death now coming has it also departing together with it: but bitter punishments will perpetually hold him who has here given himself up to pleasures."
[8] When these things were being said thus, most splendidly interrupting, the Magus: "Dismissing these lengthy trifles," he said, "exhibit to the greatest god the sun and to fire the worship that is fitting." he denies the worship of sun and fire, To this the adorer of Christ said: "Do not err, nor think that you will ever contemplate this with your own eyes: that I, I say, leaving the maker of sun and fire, should adore his works, and thereby fight against my words and doctrine." But the most cruel Magus, after he heard these words, inflamed with wrath, most cruelly beaten, orders him at once, stretched out, to be beaten with rods of the pomegranate tree, whose branches were thorny. But when the sons of perdition were tearing those sacred flesh, "I give you thanks," said the athlete, stretching his eyes toward heaven, "that you have deigned that I, stained with my own blood, should purely wash away the filth of sin." But the lictors, because of the things he had said, being more filled with wrath against him, so cut him with blows that his voice too was broken off c. Then, bound with two chains, they shut him in prison, he is shut in prison. giving him as a beautiful if unwilling consolation Acepsimas: for there he had earlier been shut in.
[9] But looking upon the venerable Aithalas, the Judge, who was of an implacable mind, said: "But what do you say? Will you fulfill the King's command, and adore the greatest sun, and taste blood, and have intercourse with a woman, and be freed from the evils that hang over you? Or will you be, like the others, contumacious and disobedient?" But Aithalas the Martyr of Christ, truly the ever-flourishing and heavenly plant of piety: St. Aithalas constant in denying the worship of the sun, "It is the gift of your unclean and canine appetite," he said, "to taste blood, and to worship for God and the things of God. But far be it from me to be so blind in body and in the eyes of the soul, that, seeing this sun and stopping there, I should suppose that which appears to be God altogether, and should not proceed further with a more sincere eye of thought: and should indeed think that which moves to be God; but that which is moved to be a created thing. But if, because I so judge, you threaten me with both blows and death, you will not thereby persuade me to learn your doctrine, and deny the true religion."
[10] Because of these things the impious man, being angry: "But no one," said he, "of a sound mind has preferred death to life, and this because of foolish and thoughtless constancy. Wherefore you are not to be believed either, when you say you are ready to die for your doctrine and religion." The Saint answered: "Those of you who depend on a vain hope, and have no expectation of eternal life, after they depart hence, may rightly be judged both to be greedy of life and lovers of the body: but those whose soul is nourished by a true and firm hope, that it too is immortal, and is again to come together with its body after the dissolution of death, and is to be partaker of eternal life, to them the present life is a small and contemptible thing, and death not at all terrible. For truthful is our God and Master, who says: 'Fear not those who kill the body, but cannot kill the soul.'" Luke 12:4
[11] He undergoes a monstrous torment Then that fierce man orders his hands to be bound to the backs of his knees, and a long piece of wood to be thrust through the middle on either side: and six robust men, standing on each end of the stake, to press that most sacred body forcefully, making jumps on purpose, and to break and dissolve his bones. Then also he had him beaten with rods of the d pomegranate tree. But that indomitable athlete, whose spirit was broken by nothing, as though feeling no pain from such a noteworthy torture, looking with a great and exalted mind at the judge: "As it seems," he said, "the bodies of men which are torn bring some pleasure to you, who like dogs or ravens desire to be filled with them. Know therefore that I take no account of these tortures which are inflicted by you. Either, therefore, devise new punishments, or know that I esteem them as nothing."
[12] But the Magus at once turning to the lictors: "Why," said he, "do you beat this impious man mercifully with whips? he is cast into prison For see, how while you spare him, he turns upon us with the greatest liberty in attacking us with insults." But they, as if stirred by some goad by his speech, attacked so strongly, that from the weight of those who stood on the wood, and from the vehemence of those who stretched it, and from the cruelty of those who whipped, the joints of his body were dissolved, and the bones were broken, and the flesh was torn. Carrying him therefore, since he could not use his feet, they cast him like some burden by force into prison, in which also that pair of Saints had been shut in.
ANNOTATIONS.
CHAPTER III.
New questionings and torments of the three Martyrs. A three-year starvation amid cruel torments, and the martyrdom of Saint Acepsimas.
[13] When five days had passed, they led them out of prison, Led to the temple of Fire and led them to a place which was called Paradise, near which was the temple of fire, which was worshiped by them. In which, when that wicked man had presided: "Tell me quickly," he said to the Saints, "whether you still remain in the same foolish thought: or whether you have changed your counsel to something better and salutary." The Saints, as though with one mouth, answered at once: "Let it be known to you, Judge, that in the thought which we had from the beginning, in it we still persist, and shall persist forever, changed neither by threats, nor tortures, nor gifts, nor by anything else whatsoever: but we adore one God, and have known the same to be alone the Lord of all things that are." When the Magus had heard these things, he devises yet another new torment, and orders them to be bound with ropes through the armpits and loins and shins; and on each belt a piece of wood to be inserted and turned, and to be violently twisted by the rope. When this had been done, it was a bitter sight, and a thing to be wept over by kind eyes. For the pieces of wood were indeed turned: they are tortured with new torments: and the ropes were twisted: and the flesh was pressed from them, and the bones were ground. But it was a very grave crushing: for even by those who were far off the crashing of the bones was heard. But what was said to them amid the torments was: "Do not resist the will of the King." Then what was said in turn by the Saints: "Those who yield to the will of your King resist the will of God." It was indeed the third hour, when the torment began, and until the sixth hour it was so prolonged by the suffering athletes.
[14] The Judge therefore, losing heart, ordered them again to be led back to prison. afflicted by three years of starvation Wherefore they were led away, not on their own feet, but, because they were entirely dead, carried by others. But it had been commanded
to the guards, that if anyone were discovered giving them either food or drink or clothing, he would be subjected to the extreme punishment. Into this prison, therefore, the soldiers of Christ were cast, enduring every affliction, every vexation for his sake. They remained shut up for three years: finding no relief from hunger, nor consolation for the evils which were in prison, unless some of those who were bound with them, taking pity on them, secretly provided them with a little nourishment. For the guards who sat by in the prison indeed pitied their calamities and old age: but since they could do nothing which pertained to their care because of fear of the Judge, they only received grief from their evils, and brought forth tears of compassion.
[15] Then after that bitter and long affliction, when Sapor was in that place the Saints are brought before the tribunal: (which was called Bithmada), the one to whom it had been committed to chastise them leads them out from prison. You would have said, if you had seen them, that they were like shadows: so had they wasted away by long affliction. Then he brings them before the tribunal of Ardasabor: who was chief of all the Magi who were in Persia. He at once said to them: "Now then, are you Christians?" The Saints said: "Certainly, Christians, and adoring only the living God and serving him alone." The tyrant said: "You see how the torments inflicted on you have brought you great affliction? But much more the long vexation and imprisonment: for these have both changed your form, and caused you to waste away thus. Wherefore I would advise you to obey me, who bring things that are beneficial to you, and spare yourselves, and adore the shining sun. If not, it remains that you be subjected to a most grievous death."
[16] Saint Acepsimas answered: "It does not escape me that the ancestral doctrine is your highest zeal: and that this is your purpose, if only it could be done, either by force or persuasion to bring all to the same religion. But let this about us never enter your mind, St. Acepsimas despises whatever torments and threats, that you think that by flatteries or threats or other evils threatened you can persuade us to fall away from the doctrine once confirmed in us and from our confession: for we are ready to suffer all things rather than fall away from faith in Christ." "I am not ignorant," said the tyrant, "that since to you Christians death is considered rest, all zeal is placed by you on this, that you may enjoy those things of which you have conceived hope: but you shall not be allowed quickly to obtain what you desire. For when I have first wasted your flesh little by little, I shall impose on you a bitter end of life." To whom the Saint: "Even before," he said, "you have heard from us, and now also know for certain, that we take no account of your torments or threats. For he who in the preceding evils provided us a helping hand, he now also will bring us aid, and will cause us not with difficulty to bear the things that shall be threatened against us: and if you wish to make a trial of our fortitude in deep old age, nothing stands in the way: for you will know that you are laboring in vain, and undertaking things that are useless."
[17] Because of these things the Judge, filled with wrath, orders whips made of raw hide to be brought and placed before their eyes. Then he says to the Saints: "I swear," he said, "by the great God himself and the famous fortune of Sapor, unless you obey his command, with these I shall consume your flesh, having no mercy on you. But if it shall happen that you die more quickly while being beaten with whips, I shall so punish even the dead: and cut limb from limb, cast you to the birds and dogs." Saint Acepsimas said: "Since you swear by a created thing, and not by God, and even by the fortune of a man, I fear that the oath is not a care to you, and you do not keep the things you have sworn. But if you have decided to keep them at all, behold, our bodies are before you: use them as you like, having (as you say) no mercy on us, nor sparing us at all."
[18] When he had said this, the wicked judge ordered him, with hands stretched out, and most cruelly beaten to be greatly beaten on the back and on the breast. Those who whipped proceeded to such cruelty, that they did not at all intermit, until the flesh torn from the bones, together with the blood, flowed onto the ground. But the herald cried out: "Obey the King's will, and live." The Pontiff of God, so long as he had strength, cried out in return: "I would rather carry out the will of my God, with the strength received from him: but the will of your King I do not receive even with the extreme of my ears." When his voice was broken off, and his strength was already gradually being dissolved, and death was already at hand; with his eyes lifted to heaven, when with a nod he had affirmed that he would preserve his confession in God firm and unmovable, he dies holily. in the very endurance of grave and difficult things, he surrendered that unconquered soul to God the giver of the contest.
[19] But those bitter torturers, still breathing with anger, raged against the body already dead like ravens. The body is stolen away by Christians, Then when they had thrust him down headlong, and the wicked men had cast him into the street as some profane thing, they set guards, so that he should not even receive burial from any of those who loved Christ, striving to inflict the greatest fear of the demons, who truly were the most ready worshipers of those. But three days later, when the guards were occupied because of the arrival of the daughter of the King of Armenia, who, to be a hostage of peace, was then given to the King of the Persians, a truly treasure that is never consumed is stolen by Christians.
CHAPTER IV.
The constancy of Sts. Joseph and Aithalas amid torments. Their transfer to Arbela and imprisonment of six months.
[20] When blessed Acepsimas had on October 10, in the manner St. Joseph just described, received the end of his life; the most holy Joseph was brought in after him. Approaching closer to him the profane judge: "You have seen," he said, "by what a bitter death your friend was deprived of life: and now you too, unless you obey my admonitions, subjected to similar punishments, shall undergo the same death as he." But the divine Priest of God said: "What I earlier said to him whose office of judging fell before you, this I shall now say to you also, that I shall never prefer a created thing to the Creator: nor shall I adore that which has been made, but the Maker, as long as I am in possession of my mind."
[21] When these things had been said, the Governor, seized with great fury, ordered him likewise stretched out like the previous one, to be whipped with ox sinews: and the herald to proclaim that he would be safe if he obeyed the King's will. But he: grievously whipped, "One is God," he exclaimed, "and besides him there is no other, in whom we live and move and are, to whom also we offer rational worship, caring little for royal commands." When he had been beaten for many hours, he was almost already stricken with death; thinking him dead, they picked him up and cast him into the forum. Then when they had learned that some remains of life still abided in him, he is shut in prison. they shut him in prison.
[22] After him the wise Aithalas was brought in third. To whom the Judge: St. Aithalas "With life and death set before your eyes," he said, "and glory and ignominy, do not choose the worse, leaving the better: nor take the same path as those who went before, who by their folly received the end of life worthy of it. But you, following my counsel, will both obtain the greatest honors and receive gifts from the King. Otherwise, when you have been the cause of innumerable punishments to yourself, you will also by force be deprived of the light most pleasing to all." But the divine Aithalas: "I," he said, "would be ashamed of heaven and earth, if, when my friends, who were both weighed down by old age and preceded me in age, most bravely contended, I myself were seen to be both greedy of life and fearful of torments, I who am of a more vigorous age. Not, by the death of my Christ, shall I be greedy of life here to be lived. Not for these things that seem good, he is beaten with whips, not because of harsh things shall I betray piety." Because of these things the anger of the Governor grew great: and the whips were brought against the Saint. But he called him himself a dirty dog and cowardly, and "Just as your mind," he said, "is infirm and weak, so also are the torments; they are the terrors of unhappy and abject souls, not of brave men, whose minds are inflamed with desire of Christ."
[23] At these things the Judge, who was bereft of his mind, being stupefied, said to his assessors, "What does this mean, that these, who are called Christians, despising the present life, so much thirst for death?" But they said, "Because, attending to the doctrines handed down by their Fathers, they believe that there is another world, far better and more admirable than the present, because of which they even despise the present life." Meanwhile, as these things were being said, both by the length of time, and by the most violent striking of blows by those who were torturing him, the joints of the body, which had greatly contended, and is wretchedly torn apart. were being dissolved; but the flesh, which was being torn, together with its blood flowed to the ground. When the Judge had ordered him to be relaxed a little, as if moved by mercy: "If you are willing," he said, "to obey the command of the King, we have physicians who will quickly heal your wounds." To whom at once the Saint: "If with a single word," he said, "you could heal my wounds, O you, who are wounded in mind and soul; even so I would not turn my mind to you, since you urge things that are plainly foolish and far from understanding." "Testing," said the Judge, "I said this. For even if you were willing to obey the King's command, this would profit you nothing, since the blows are already summoning death to you. Wherefore I shall make you an example to all Christians, that they may not so securely afflict magistrates with insults." "But if in other matters," said the most holy Martyr, "you have often spoken strange and false things, now, even unwillingly, you have said true things, and what will shortly come to pass: for you will indeed set me as a good example to posterity of fortitude and greatness of spirit, who, as to a certain model, looking at our endurance, shall easily bear your torments and those of your like."
[24] Both led away into the city of Arbela, At these things which had been said, the Judge was amazed: and summoning one of those who had great influence with him, whose name was Adesche, who had been born from the city which was called Arbela: "Take these," he said, "and lead them to your city, to be overwhelmed with stones by the hands of the Christians: for I wish your diligence to accomplish this for me: for which reason I did not wish to bring death to them even by the sword." When therefore he had placed them as some lifeless thing on baggage beasts and bound them, he set out for his native land. But since they could not sit on the beasts, since their limbs were entirely dissolved; for that reason they were cast on the ground in those places in which they had to lodge, like dead bodies: and
when they had been led into the city of Arbela, a dark and gloomy prison received them. they are shut in prison In this, when putrefaction of the flesh had arisen from their wounds, much foul matter was flowing: and the most grievous pains invaded the Saints, and especially because no one of the Christians was permitted to approach them, and care for them in any way.
[25] But a certain pious woman who feared the Lord, who lived on the borders of this city, came at an untimely hour of the night to the prison: by night they are tended in the house of the pious woman: and by many bribes soothing the guards, she caused the Saints to be secretly received, and carried by the hands of her servants to her house, which was not far off. Then, to these who had been brought forth, who could not even speak, she wiped away the foul matter: with certain mild medicines she calms their pains, binds them with clean linens, anoints them with precious ointments, and in all things shows how pious and how loving of Christ she was, kissing the members of the Martyrs, and weeping over them; and anointing herself with the foul matter which dripped from them.
[26] When at last Joseph had with difficulty come to himself: "Your mercy and munificence toward us," he said, "O sacred woman, and refreshed by mutual conversation will be accepted by God and by us, who contend for him: but so immoderately to weep is far removed from the true and certain hope of Christians and our faith." To whom the most honorable woman: "My mind indeed is filled with joy, considering that Christ has given you such fortitude, that with great mind you could bear such bitterness of pains: but I would be more gladdened, if I had seen you consummated in martyrdom: but to weep is proper to human nature, which is moved by mercy for that which is joined to it in kind. But you must not be grieved, nor weep for us," answered the divine Joseph, "since you know altogether, that the afflictions which are undertaken for the sake of Christ they are led back to prison. bring eternal joy and the kingdom of heaven." When day dawned, they are again secretly restored to the prison.
CHAPTER V.
The constancy of both amid new torments inflicted at Arbela.
[27] When six months had passed, he who had received the Saints to have them overwhelmed with stones was removed from office, After six months, and another, more savage than he, succeeded him, by name Nazeroth: to whom also the King had commanded, that the Christians who had been apprehended should be killed, overwhelmed by the hands of the Christians. When therefore he had come to the city, and had entered the temple of Fire to adore the fire, the worshipers of the fire said to him: "There are certain Christians here for a long time already shut in safe custody, who before, as has been reported to us, having been subjected to the gravest punishments and torments, could not be induced to deny their religion." When he had heard these things, he immediately orders them to be set before the tribunal, and says to them: "Since King Sapor has overthrown fortified and strong cities, and has reduced many nations difficult to conquer into servitude; they are set before the Judge: how do you, who are in his power, and have the use and fruit of his land, despise his commands so greatly, as if you had revolted from him?"
[28] To this that admirable Joseph: "If," he said, "we had moved any tyranny or rebellion against your King, it would have been proper altogether for him himself with arms gathered and an army collected to invade us; or at least to send another against us, St. Joseph replies pleasantly who should be both strong in hand, and endowed with experience of affairs, and fit to lead an army: but so far is it from us to undertake such things, that he has sent not another, but you against us, who are zealous to fight rather with women, who live in bridal chambers, than with men. For we have delivered ourselves like sheep to the slaughter, as those who have learned to be subject to all powers."
[29] The Governor said: "Provoking me, as it seems, to wrath, that I may the sooner take life from you, he is suspended and beaten with ox sinews: you assault us with these insults. But you shall not obtain what you desire: for I shall prolong it for a long time and slowly, and with many torments shall I consume you gradually." He orders him therefore, with his extreme feet bound with a rope, to be suspended by the head, and with dried ox sinews to have blows inflicted. Thus, with the veins opened by the violence of the tortures, as from a fountain, they gave a flow of blood. But the people which stood around, accusing the Judge of savagery, was moved to mercy and to tears, amazed at the endurance of the most sacred old man.
[30] But certain of the Magi who were standing around, approaching secretly the Martyr, were saying: He despises the Magi's deception: "Come with us privately into the temple of our God, if you are ashamed to be seen by many, and when you have sacrificed, be freed from punishments." But he, with a clear voice, said: "Depart from me: Depart, you who work iniquity: for the Lord has heard the voice of my supplication." Then when three hours had passed, he ordered him to be relaxed from the blows and stood before him; saying, "Do you still obey the King's command, and prefer life to death, or not?" The Saint answered: "Far be it from me that I should ever desire that life in which the sun should see me giving it adoration rather than its Maker." "But what then, is death to be preferred by you to life?" said he. The Saint said: "Certainly: for this death wins for me eternal life, and is the cause of many good things, which can neither be seen with the eyes, nor heard with the ears, nor comprehended by the mind." To this that derider and scoffer, as if about to announce death to the Martyr: "Great thanks therefore," he said, "you owe us, if we have won you so many good things. And certainly you will bring it to pass, that we too may be your partakers, as those who have been your helpers in obtaining such blessedness." But the Saint: "Do not deal ironically with us, O Judge: for we indeed have learned from the divine precept both to love our enemies and do good to those who hate us: and prays for their conversion: moreover, so long as we are alive in the present life, we pray to God, that, departing from error, you may learn piety and true religion, so that you also may have a part and lot in the future in the goods of God, which cannot be told. But it is not given to us either to snatch from punishment or to give good things: for this is placed in the power of God alone, who also has power of judging the living and the dead."
[31] The Governor said: "Dismissing for the present such disputes and those goods that are dreamed of by you, he is not frightened by threats: obey the command of the King. For I shall subject you to such and so great punishments, that through you other Christians also may be persuaded in no way to exchange those things which they hold in hand, with those things which they have grasped by hope." But the Saint: "This, as you yourself know, is what I most desire, to be transmitted as quickly as possible to the eternal dwellings. But if you inflict on me innumerable other tortures, or if another after you, I shall be found consummated in the grace of Christ: for I have God strengthening me, for whom I have resolved to suffer these things. But I shall not be, as you say, an exhortation to Christians to deny piety because of your torments, but rather an incitement to the true worship of God: for they seeing me in such old age making light of your tortures, will have a beautiful example of fortitude, nor will there be lacking to them one whom they may imitate." Hearing these things, the Governor, amazed at the undaunted constancy of the blessed old man, ordered him, carried by some (since he could not walk), to be shut again in prison.
[32] Then looking at blessed Aithalas: "Has the same stupor," he said, "invaded you, St. Aithalas suspended is whipped: and do you refuse the adoration of the greatest luminary?" The herald of the truth answers: "The Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, in whom I have hoped from my youth, lives, and I have an unchangeable thought; nor shall anyone persuade me to give God's honor to things created by him." After that proud and barbarous man had heard these things, he orders the Saint to be bound by the ankles, and hung from a piece of wood, and beaten with ox sinews. But he proclaimed with a great voice that he was a Christian. The wicked man was more tired from whipping, than the Saint said anything remiss or unworthy of that fortitude which should be shown for Christ.
[33] He orders him therefore to be taken down from the wood, and a Manichee to be brought into the midst, At the Manichee's falling away, he laughs: who had been condemned for certain base things, and, "See," he said to the Martyr, "this man openly abjuring his religion": ordering therefore the Manichee to be tortured, he compelled him to deny. He at first resisted, and seemed to struggle against the blows: but when those who whipped him applied the blows more violently, and the blows vehemently pressed him, overcome by the pains, he immediately denied, and cried out, "Anathema to Manes and his doctrines." They bring to him therefore an ant, ordering him to kill it. He immediately took it and killed it. At which the Saint, filled with joy, and almost laughing at what had been done, said: "Having suffered grievous things, the worshiper of Manes has fallen away, and is convicted of having committed murder, as one who has killed his own god: but I count myself blessed, like Paul; because, openly strengthened by the power of Christ, who said, 'I have overcome the world,' I preserve my spirit and mind unconquered." John 16:33
[34] Because of these things the insane judge, filled with wrath, orders the Saint to be beaten with the thorny rods of the pomegranate tree. again whipped, he is cast out as dead: The blows so consumed him, that he was nearly mute, and did not even feel the blows that were inflicted. Wherefore when they had dragged him out as already dead, they cast him outside. But a certain one of the Magi, when he had by chance seen that body naked, and had been moved with mercy by the contemplation of nature, covered him with a cloth. But those who were of the same religion as himself, when they had seen what had been done by him, accuse him before the Governor: who immediately is beaten with bitter whips, and from the merciless receives that reward of mercy. then he is shut in prison. But blessed Aithalas, still breathing, they deliver to custody.
CHAPTER VI.
Under a new Governor, the whipping is repeated. The martyrdom of both overwhelmed with stones. Burial: miracles.
[35] When the Judge had received word that a certain greatest Governor, By the new Governor both are examined and reply nobly: by name Saborius, had come into his own village, which was called Macellaria, he commits to him the examination of the Martyrs. He, no less impious and savage than the preceding ones, looking at the Saints: "Out of reverence for your gray hairs," he said, "and pity for your affliction, I urge you, to adore the sun, and taste the blood of the sacrifices, so that being freed from a bitter death, you may gain for yourselves the life pleasant to all." But the Saints, as with one mouth, said: "It is the custom of flesh-eating dogs to taste blood, not of men: but it rather befits you to be sated with those things, who are like a raging dog, and bark, and rage against him who made you."
[36] But when he had ordered the Saints to be beaten with whips, moved with mercy by those who stood around: they are beaten with whips: "By a confection," they were saying secretly, "tasted in place of the blood, be saved
and be freed from the punishments that threaten you." But they answered: "Far be it, that either by pretense and in appearance, or in any other way, we should defile the purity of our faith, and affect this long old age with dishonor." But that cunning and exceedingly wicked Governor: "If pure flesh should be brought to you," he said, "will you not even taste it?" The Saints said: "What can be clean from an unclean one, and what can be unpolluted from your polluted hands? Dismissing therefore all these your machinations, hasten quickly to pronounce sentence upon us: for in vain you labor, beating the air, and in your ignorance striking him who cannot be subdued."
[37] When therefore they had consulted in common with those who sat with him, and had brought in the sentence, St. Joseph called to the examination, spits in the face of the Governor: that the Saints should be overwhelmed with stones by the hands of the Christians, they gather a multitude of Christians, with whom they also seized that admirable Isdandul: and when they had again carried out blessed Joseph, they set him in the Praetorium. The Saint beckoned the Governor to come closer, as if he were going to hear some secret from him. But when he had immediately approached closer, the Martyr, filling his mouth with spittle, spat upon that execrable face: and, "Are you not ashamed," he said, "O most shameless one, so cruelly and so hostilely to insult this common nature, and to bring forth again to examination a body already stricken by death?" But he, affected with reproaches by those also who sat with him, because of this excessive cruelty, and mocked in a wonderful way, returned to his seat affected with shame.
[38] whose orders St. Isdandul refuses to obey. When they had moved the Saint a little farther, and had bound his hands behind his back, they dig a pit for him, and, letting him down to the loins, they bury him. Then they surround the Christians who had been seized: and striking them, they order them to attack the famous man with stones. With whom, when they were urging the sacred Isdandul to do the like, she said: "Never in any age has such a thing been heard, that a woman should be forced to extend her hand against holy men, as you now do: who do not fight against enemies, but against us you lift your weapons, and fill the land, which lives in peace, with blood and slaughter." But they, a pointed spike being fastened to a long reed, commanded her to prick the Saint with it. But she: "Far be it," she said, "that I should do that: for I would more willingly first fix it in my own heart, than touch even in the least his holy body with it." So she, showing manly constancy, was seen to be more powerful than the parricides had thought. But they so overwhelmed the Saint with such a dense hail of stones, that only the head could be seen, St. Joseph is overwhelmed with stones: the rest of the body being covered by the heap of stones. Which head indeed, when a certain one of the impious princes had seen still moving, he orders one of the lictors, to take a stone, as much as his hand could hold, and to cast it down from above upon it. Which indeed when it had been done, and by the weight of the stone the head had been crushed, the blessed man delivered his precious soul to Christ.
[39] vengeance follows the guards of the body. And the venerable body was being preserved by the guards set over it as some treasure: but when three days had passed, and the fourth was already at hand, there arose a great and terrible earthquake. Then as flashes of lightning thus appeared, and the greatest thunders burst forth with them, fire sent down from heaven reduced the guards indeed to ashes: and carried off the heap of stones as if dust, God rendering manifest to all the honor upon the Martyr: but the body did not appear, either because God had provided that it should be transferred by ways which he himself knows; or because the hands of men had taken it up.
[40] But when they had led the venerable Aithalas into the village which is called Patrias, St. Aithalas is stoned they bring it about that he too is overwhelmed with stones by the hands of the Christians. Whose body certain monks, of those who dwelt there, coming by night, the guards being unaware, took it away, truly making a praiseworthy theft, and a thing worthy of light, not of darkness. Then when they had performed the just rites for him, they deposited him in a certain notable place. But in the place where it happened that the Saint was killed, God brings about something wonderful, worthy both of his power and of the Martyr's glory: for a myrtle plant springing up there, became the cure for every kind of disease. When therefore for five years miracles were happening through this plant, he shines with miracles. those who held the false religion of the Gentiles, moved with envy, and not bearing to behold these miracles, to refute their false religion, cut the plant down to the roots, and deliver it to fire. But many of those who were of purged mind for a long time saw a light in that place, and divine powers ascending, and sending forth glory to him who glorifies his Saints. And Aithalas the martyr of Christ was consummated in the month of June, showing the same constancy and fortitude, which those who were consummated before him, even unto death, by the help and grace of Christ our true God. To whom belong glory and honor, with his Father who is without beginning and the most holy and life-giving Spirit, now and always, and forever and ever. Amen.