ON THE HOLY XXXIII MARTYRS
IN PALESTINE.
Their cult, from the Roman Martyrology and the Greek calendars.
The XXXIII Martyrs in Palestine (SS.)
J. P.
[1] The Roman Martyrology commemorates on this day that band of champions thus: Likewise, of the thirty-three holy Martyrs. The Menology of Sirleto on the same day has it thus: Likewise, of the thirty-three holy Martyrs, who were consumed by fire in Palestine. The great Greek Menaea, printed in type, express the same place and the same manner of death; but in the verses with which they honor them, a different one: for they sing these lines:
Σρατὸς στέῤῥοστε καὶ συνασπισμὸς μέγας Ξίφει πεσὼν στράτευμα δαιμόνων τρέπει.
The brave and mighty phalanx of comrades-in-arms, Cut down by the sword, turns back the host of demons.
Here they are said to have fallen by the sword; but above, to have consummated their martyrdom by fire. Were they then, after death inflicted by the sword, cast into the fire? The Menaeum of Chifflet says only on this day, on which it likewise records them, Μάρτυρες λγ᾽ ἐκ Παλαιστ. That is: XXXIII Martyrs from Palestine. We, following the example of the Greeks, have also announced them above as in Palestine.