ON THE HOLY MARTYRS OF SEBASTIA: BLASIUS THE BISHOP, TWO BOYS, AND SEVEN WOMEN,
UNDER THE EMPEROR LICINIUS.
Preliminary Commentary.
Blasius, Bishop and Martyr, at Sebastia in Cappadocia (Saint) Seven women, Martyrs, at Sebastia in Cappadocia Two boys, Martyrs, at Sebastia in Cappadocia
BHL Number: 2982
By I. B.
Section I: The Feast of Saint Blasius.
[1] Sebastia, a city of Cappadocia according to Ptolemy, Book 5, chapter 6, and Pliny, Book 6, chapter 3, and celebrated in the Acts of the Saints and in ancient Martyrologies; at Sebastia, it is assigned to Lesser Armenia by most modern writers, because perhaps the boundaries of Cappadocia (a city of Cappadocia, or Armenia?) were later different from those in the age of those writers; for, as Pliny says in the same book, chapter 8, Cappadocia, spread over very many peoples, extended very far inland. In the Greek and Latin Catalogue of Churches, certainly, it is established as the Metropolis of Armenia I. Indeed, Eulogius of Sebastia is said to have subscribed to the First Council of Nicaea itself, from the province of Lesser Armenia. Many Martyrs ennobled that city, especially under Diocletian and then under Licinius. Sent by Diocletian to utterly destroy the Christian religion in Armenia and Cappadocia were Lysias and Agricolaus, both Greek by birth, both wonderfully devoted to the superstitions of idols, moreover quick in talent and eloquence, under the Governor Agricolaus, but savage in disposition; as is recorded in the Acts of Saints Eustratius, Eugenius, and companions on the thirteenth of December, and below here from the Baronian codex. And Lysias indeed was ordered "to guard all the frontier regions," while the other was ordered "to administer the government of the entire prefecture," as is said in the same place.
[2] These men killed many Christians, their government being extended from the times of Diocletian all the way to Licinius. And under Diocletian indeed, many Martyrs: with Lysias as commander and Agricolaus as Governor, the palm of martyrdom was won by those whom we have mentioned: Eustratius, Eugenius, Auxentius, Orestes, Mardarius, and others; but under Licinius, with the same Governor Agricolaus, the Forty Soldiers, of whom we shall treat on the ninth of March; Carterius, Styriacus, and companions on the second of November; and Blasius the Bishop, worker of Miracles, among them Saint Blasius the Bishop, whose memory the Roman Church celebrates on the third of February, the Greeks on the eleventh. And indeed on the third of February the ancient manuscript Martyrology of Bruges, the manuscripts of Saint Lambert and Saint Lawrence at Liege, and the Lobbes manuscript which is that of Ado, have this: "Saint Blasius the Martyr." who is honored on the third of February. But the manuscripts of Saint Martin at Trier and of Tournai, of Laetium, of Saint Mary at Utrecht, and of the Professed House of the Society of Jesus at Antwerp: "Saint Blasius, Bishop and Martyr." Rabanus, Notker, the common edition of Bede, and the manuscript of Saint Maximin at Trier: "In the city of Sebastia of Cappadocia, the Passion of the holy Martyr of Christ, Blasius the Bishop, who under the Governor Agricolaus was beheaded, together with two little boys, sons of one of those seven women who, strengthened by his preaching, suffered martyrdom under the same Governor." The most ancient copy of Usuard, which once belonged to Augustine Hunnaeus: "At Sebastia, city of Cappadocia, the passion of Saint Blasius the Bishop, who, worker of many miracles, under the Governor Agricolaus, after prolonged beating and hanging on a wooden frame, where his flesh was torn by iron combs, after a most foul prison and immersion in a lake, from which he emerged unharmed -- by order of the aforesaid Judge, he is beheaded together with two boys. Finally, seven women, who were collecting the drops of his blood as they flowed down, being found to be Christians, after dreadful torments were struck with the sword." The same is found in the Doctrinale Clericorum and the Cologne Martyrology, both printed in the year 1490; and in very many manuscripts bearing the title of Usuard, although in some of them the name of the province is omitted. Also Canisius, Maurolycus, Galesinius, Felicius, and the Florarium treat of him. In the Roman Martyrology he is said to have suffered "at Sebastia in Armenia": and it is rightly corrected that those seven women are said to have been struck with the sword not last, as is found in Usuard, but before him.
[3] By the Greeks on the eleventh of February. The manuscript Martyrology of the monastery of Saint Riquier, bearing the name of Bede, has the following on the second of February: "At Sebastia, the beheading of Saint Blasius, Bishop and Martyr." On the eleventh day of the same month, the Greek Menologion: "The Birthday of the holy Martyr Blasius, Bishop of Sebastia, who suffered under the Emperor Maximian." More fully in the Menaea in the Lection and various canticles. But not a few Latin Martyrologies place him on the fifteenth of February, and some call him Blavius, others Blasius. The ancient manuscript of Usuard which is kept in the monastery of Saint Germain at Paris, elsewhere on the fifteenth, the printed edition of the same Martyrology published at Lubeck in the year 1475, the manuscript of the Professed House of the Society of Jesus at Antwerp, the manuscript of the Church of Saint Mary at Utrecht, and Molanus in his first edition, celebrate him with the same eulogy which we cited in number 2 from the Hunnaeus copy of Usuard. Somewhat more at length Ado and Notker, who rightly note that while he was still in his agony, "seven most blessed women ... having paid the price of their blood, earned eternal life." The manuscript Florarium: "At Sebastia, Saint Blasius, Bishop and Martyr." The manuscript of Saint Riquier: "On the same day, Saint Blavius the Martyr, with seven women and two boys." The ancient Roman Martyrology published by Rosweyde: "At Sebastia, the passion of Saint Blavius the Bishop." The manuscript of Saint Martin at Trier: "At Sebastia, Blavius the Bishop, who under the Governor Agricolanus, having been hung on a wooden frame where his flesh was torn by iron combs, was at last beheaded." Canisius also records him on that day and writes that birds brought food to him while he was hiding in a cave, which he seems to have taken from Peter de Natali, or from ancient Breviaries in which this too is recorded, as also in the Acts from the Baronian manuscript below.
Section II: The Age of Saint Blasius. Fourfold Acts.
[4] His ancient Acts: Rosweyde had copied the Acts of Saint Blasius from an ancient manuscript of the monastery of Gladbach, which we have collated with the manuscripts of Saint Maximin and Saint Martin at Trier, and with the Marchiennes manuscript, and the edition of Boninus Mombritius: and we have learned from John Wilm, Dean of the same Church, a most learned and most gracious man, that the same text exists in the manuscript of the Church of Saint Suitbert at Kaiserswerth. Metaphrastes had the same and polished it somewhat in his usual manner; Lipomanus in volume 5 published the Latin translation by Gentian Hervet, and from him Surius: we cite this edition, and the Greek exemplar, here and there in the Annotations.
[5] We shall append other Acts, somewhat more lengthy, from the manuscript of the Church of Saint Martin at Utrecht, other more extensive ones: which we have learned also exist at Cologne in a manuscript of a certain Carthusian house in Thuringia, and which were formerly offered to us from another old codex by the nobleman Stephen Schenking, Canon of Osnabruck, a man distinguished for his prudence and learning, who departed this life some years ago to the great sorrow of all good people. From these Acts were taken the Lessons found in the Breviary of Minden printed in the year 1515.
[6] Other Acts from the notable manuscript Passionary of the monastery of Bodeken, of the Canons Regular, in the diocese of Paderborn, were communicated to us by our John Gamans. also others, The Author professes in the Prologue that the passion of the Blessed Blasius had already been committed to writing in an earlier style, but not adequately; that he, a devoted admirer, had claimed the task of expounding it for himself: by an author healed through him, and had offered this praise, however slight, to such a Patron not out of presumption but out of obligation, since he, snatched from the very jaws of death, was living restored to life. This writer, moreover, did not see those other Acts which we give in second place, as anyone will perceive who compares the third chapter of both. Perhaps someone would not rashly conjecture perhaps by Reginold, Bishop of Eichstatt, that these are the Acts which Reginold, the eleventh Bishop of Eichstatt, is said to have composed.
[7] Different from these are the Acts which Baronius cites as follows in the Notes to the Martyrology on this day at Rome: "We have very ancient Latin copies, other from Baronius's manuscript: which were accustomed to be read in certain churches." These were brought to us from Rome, and we have judged them worthy of publication here as well, differing from the three previous ones not in phrasing alone. From these were taken the Lessons which the monk Michael in the Sanctuarium Capuanum, page 458, writes are recited in the Office of this day which is celebrated at Capua with the double rite, beginning thus: "The most blessed Blasius, Bishop of the city of Sebastia in Cappadocia, dreading the punishments to be inflicted." He rightly observes that these were without doubt taken from some longer ancient text. others published. Vincent of Beauvais also recites a summary of the Acts of Saint Blasius in the Speculum, Book 12, chapters 45 and 46. Saint Antoninus, Part 1, Title 8, chapter 1, section 10. Peter de Natali, Book 3, chapters 75 and 76, and most of the more recent writers. A particular booklet on Saint Blasius in Italian was published in the year 1635 by Camillo Tutini of Naples, who followed the Baronian Acts and perhaps Peter of Equilino. He cites in chapter 12 another Life which we have not seen, written by Andrea Matteo the Monk, Canon of the Church of Eboli.
[8] Not all agree in assigning the time of the martyrdom of Saint Blasius. Constantius Felicius says he was crowned under Diocletian in the year of Christ 287, although others, he says, refer him to the times of Julian the Apostate. The author of the Florarium establishes the same year 287. Canisius, and the Acts cited by the Monk, 288. Galesinius, and the Acts which we give from Baronius's codex, seem to assert that he was killed under Diocletian. At what time did he undergo martyrdom? The Greek Menologion says under Maximian -- Galerius, I believe, for he held the East after Diocletian. But the Menaea, the second and third Acts, Gobelinus in the Cosmodromium, Age 6, chapter 15, and Baronius in the Annals, volume 3, at the year 316, number 45, say under Licinius.
[9] Saint Blasius did indeed govern the Church of Sebastia at the time when Saint Eustratius underwent martyrdom, in the time of Diocletian. In his Acts on the thirteenth of December it reads thus: Under Diocletian he goes into hiding: "The Bishop of the city of Sebastia at that time was hiding on account of the persecution, who came by night to him, and having given money to the guards entered to Saint Eustratius: for he had heard of his great wisdom, and that he had put to shame the Governor and his gods. And when he was within the custody, he fell on his face and worshiped the Saint, saying: 'Blessed are you, son Eustratius, that the Lord God has given you such great virtue; he visits Saint Eustratius in prison, but remember me also, I pray you.' And Saint Eustratius replied: 'Do not do so, spiritual Father: but looking to the dignity which has been given to you, expect this duty owed to you to be fulfilled by us.' When therefore they had sat down, Eustratius said," etc. He entrusts his testament to him. The Bishop offers the sacrifice and gives the Eucharist to the Martyr. And gives him the Eucharist. "That entire night the Bishop remained with Saint Eustratius, listening to him and taking pleasure in the discourse of the Martyr. When morning had come, he departed, bidding him farewell and promising that he would neglect nothing of what he had established in his testament."
[10] Then, after narrating the death of Eustratius, he adds: "The most holy Bishop Blasius, he carries out his testament, having received the relics of the Saint and having placed them together with the relics of Saint Orestes, fulfilled what had been commanded in the testament of Saint Eustratius." The name of Blasius is not expressed in the Greek exemplar which we have of the Acts of Saint Eustratius; Lipomanus's codex had it: and the Menaea agree, which on the thirteenth of December have the following concerning Saint Eustratius: "He delivered the document of his testament to Saint Blasius the Bishop in prison, from whom he also received the immaculate mysteries." As is evident from an ancient painting: And in the eulogy of Saint Blasius himself on the eleventh of February: "He is said to have been the one who, after the death of the great Martyr Eustratius, carried out his testament: just as in a very ancient painting Saint Blasius was found depicted, standing in the middle among the five Martyrs, nearest to Saint Eustratius, and receiving from his hand the document of his testament."
[11] If the Forty Soldiers completed their struggle on the ninth of March of the same year as Saint Blasius, as Baronius holds, His successor Peter buries the Forty Martyrs, a successor must have been elected immediately after his death. For when their relics had been thrown into the river, after some days they were revealed by the Martyrs themselves to the Bishop of that city; whose name, however, the Latin Acts do not indicate, but Metaphrastes does expressly: "But on the third day the Martyrs revealed to Peter, the Bishop of the city, in a vision, in what place the relics were preserved." This Peter, however, did not hold that See for long, for, as we said above, Eulogius (called Eulalius by others) of Sebastia, Bishop of Lesser Armenia, subscribed to the First Council of Nicaea in the year 325.
Section III: The Renown of Saint Blasius. Temples.
[12] The devotion toward Saint Blasius was taken up with great zeal by the people, especially for the reason that a present remedy for the diseases of children and animals is to be had from his patronage: for the awareness of these things particularly moves the minds of the common people (and these are for the most part more inclined to piety). It would be long to recount with what celebration very many churches venerate him. The feast of Saint Blasius elsewhere solemn among the people; At Ragusa in Dalmatia, as the primary Patron of that Republic, he is solemnly honored, with the festivities extended to four days, and his image is said to be struck on every coin of that Republic. The people of Benevento in Italy, as Marius Vipera testifies, adopted him among the Tutelary Saints of their city, and his feast is customarily observed by precept of the Church. The same was formerly done at Minden on the Weser, and likewise at Lubeck, as is evident from the Breviaries of those churches, the latter printed in 1513 and the former in 1515.
[13] The Greeks honor him with a most ample office ceremony: the Roman Church with an office of three Lessons. All the Latin churches follow, unless any have prescribed something greater for themselves; as the church of Capua, elsewhere double or semi-double, in Italy, Spain, which recites a double Office, as the Monk attests, and that of Spoleto: the diocese of Naples and the Canons Regular of the Holy Savior, a semi-double. It is also celebrated with the semi-double rite in the dioceses of Salamanca, Pamplona, and Coimbra; with the double rite in those of Palencia, Segovia, Valladolid, Compostela, and Evora; and in the Cathedral Church of Siguenza and the city of Astorga. A semi-double office, or one of nine Lessons, is decreed by the Breviaries of Seez, Evreux, Coutances in Normandy, Angers, Verdun, Limoges, Gaul, and the monastery of Saint Victor at Marseilles; a double by those of Noyon, Riez, and the modern Parisian Breviary. Nor do the Belgians yield to the piety of the French: Belgium, an office of nine Lessons is prescribed in the Breviary of Bruges printed in 1520, that of Therouanne in 1541, and the proper one of Arras in 1632. Double in that of Saint-Omer in 1518, Antwerp in 1496, Utrecht in 1518. Now at Utrecht it is of three Lessons, at Antwerp semi-double, and double at Tournai. Let us also add the German ones. The Munster Breviary of 1489 prescribes six Lessons to be recited, Germany; as does that of Constance in 1561; but in 1575 nine Lessons, as also those of Ratzeburg, Worms in 1576, and Hildesheim in 1516. The old and new Breviaries of Passau, likewise the old and new of Wurzburg, those of Vienna, Augsburg, and Olomouc. At Erfurt in 1518 it was double. Concerning those of Minden and Lubeck we spoke above. We do not have the Breviaries of all churches at hand; nor have we gone through all those we have, but only those that were at hand. This is sufficient evidence of public devotion to this Saint.
[14] What shall we say of the churches dedicated to his name? To pass over what the people of Sebastia erected at the very place of his martyrdom, and whatever others were afterward built in Asia; temples dedicated to him, at Constantinople, concerning the temple built for him at Constantinople the Menaea have this: "His assembly is celebrated in his most holy shrine, which is near the temple of the holy Apostle Philip in the district (or region or perhaps buildings) of Miltiades." At Rome, In the city of Rome alone Octavius Pancirolus enumerates five churches consecrated to him. There were formerly two at Benevento, at Benevento, as Marius Vipera attests: one a parish church within the walls, but consumed by age, and another outside. He has a chapel dedicated to him at Capua and had several churches in the diocese, as the Monk proves from ancient documents. The Canons Regular of the Congregation of the Holy Savior of the Order of Saint Augustine, elsewhere in the Kingdom of Naples, in their proper Offices say that they have parish churches sacred to him. Camillo Tutini says that many more exist in the rest of the Kingdom of Naples: he lists two, one at Maratea and the other at Aversa; and he says that the latter was founded by the Norman princes at the very cradle of the city and given to nuns of the Benedictine institute, who still hold it.
[15] At Naples two chapels dedicated to him are described by Cesare Engenio Caracciolo and the same Tutini, who says that one is commonly called "San Iasi" or "Iassi": but regarding a matter about which deliberations had been going on for nearly a hundred years, recently (when a pestilent quinsy which had spread through the entire kingdom, at Naples, on account of the epidemic of quinsy being repelled, having wrought great slaughter also in the city itself, first of the younger age and then of adults as well, overcoming all the skill of physicians and killing within two or at most three days those it seized -- and when the city had turned to imploring the aid of Saint Blasius, the disease first began to diminish and then to admit remedies, a new one begun, and finally subsided entirely) the foundations of a new temple, truly magnificent, the people providing the expenses with remarkable generosity, were laid by Cardinal Boncompagno, Archbishop of Naples: and on the first stone placed there, the following was inscribed:
JESUS CHRIST, THE CORNERSTONE. [in the year 1632]
TO SAINT BLASIUS, BISHOP AND MARTYR,
URBAN VIII BEING SUPREME PONTIFF,
PHILIP IV BEING KING,
EMANUEL FONSECA BEING VICEROY,
IN THE YEAR OF SALVATION 1632,
ON THE NINETEENTH DAY OF THE MONTH OF APRIL. Cardinal Boncompagno laying the first stone.
On its other side:
FRANCISCO CARDINAL BONCOMPAGNO,
ARCHBISHOP OF NAPLES,
LAID THE FIRST STONE.
TO GOD, THE BEST AND GREATEST.
The Temple dedicated to Saint Blasius, Bishop and Martyr, Francesco Fontana, Giovanni Antonio Constantino, Doctor of Both Laws, Giacomo Antonio Savio, Doctor of Both Laws, Francesco Nola, Doctor of Arts and Medicine, being the Stewards.
[16] At Erfurt in Thuringia there was a most ancient church of Saint Blasius, as can be gathered from the Continuator of Lambert of Hersfeld: a most ancient one at Erfurt. for he writes thus toward the end: "In the year 707, Dagobert, the most Christian King, built a monastery at Erfurt on the hill ... and having destroyed the fortress, built the monastery of Saint Peter, at the request of Adeodatus, or Trutmann, the recluse (who indeed, in the time of the same King, near the church of Saint Blasius, which was situated near the said city, was enclosed by Kygibertus, Bishop of Mainz), and delivered all that he possessed in Thuringia from his maternal inheritance to Saint Peter and to the brothers serving God in that place." Lambert of Hersfeld himself has the same at the year 706, except that he does not mention the church of Saint Blasius, nor does he name the Bishop by whom Trutmann was enclosed. And there is nothing that does not agree except the year, for Childebert, the father of Dagobert II, was then reigning and died in the year 711. Who his wife was, the mother of Dagobert, or where she came from, the Sainte-Marthe brothers confess they do not know: hence we learn that she had possessions in Thuringia and was perhaps from there. Richbert, or Rigbert, or Sigebert, who is here called Kygibert, held the See of Mainz around those times, as is clear from our Serarius.
[17] There still stands in Germany a notable monastery dedicated to Saint Blasius, the Monastery of Saint Blasius in Germany, whose beginnings Henry Pantaleon, the Basel physician, traces back nearly to the very age of the Saint, who in the third part of the Prosopography of Illustrious Men of Germany, where he treats of Caspar Molitor, Abbot of this monastery, writes thus: "It is situated in the Black Forest, one mile from the town of Waldshut. In that place, immediately after the times of Diocletian, around the year 300, certain Christians who had escaped by flight gathered together and, leading the life of anchorites, celebrated God with praises. When Saint Blasius, Bishop of Cappadocia, and Martyr under the Caesar Licinius in the year 312, appeared to have shown himself to them and admonished them begun upon his appearing to persevere steadfastly and to despise the threats of the world, they accepted his counsels, and recognizing him as their Patron, named their dwelling after him. In this way they lived for more or less six hundred years in the greatest humility and by the labor of their hands: and having professed the Benedictine order, they elected a Prior, under whose auspices they spread the faith far and wide in those regions. Afterward, however, when Otto I was Caesar, in the year of the Lord 945, Reginbert, Baron of Seldenburen near the territory of Zurich, most dear to the Caesar and first among his Counselors, having lost his hand in a certain battle against the Hungarians near Augsburg, and being henceforth less useful for such conflicts, determined to give himself entirely to God and to the religious life. And so he went to the monastery of Saint Blasius, and having divided all his goods with his brother Conrad, gave his portion, endowed and erected into an abbey: by the will of the Caesar, as a gift to the Brothers, and took their habit, and lived with them for nineteen years as well, in great reputation of sanctity. Thus it happened that by the accession of great wealth, the Priory was made into an Abbey, and Beringus, a pious and learned man, was by the will of Reginbert established as the first Abbot."
[18] So writes Pantaleon. Munster also in Book 3 of the Cosmography writes that the monastery was founded by Reginbert, when previously hermits had dwelt there. But whether it is credible that anchorites inhabited that place from the times of Diocletian, let others investigate. It is possible that in the eighth or ninth century pious men, either having set out from some monastery of that region or directly exchanging the secular life for the solitary one, adopted Saint Blasius, whom they had heard once lived in a similar manner, as their Patron, and were then animated to constancy by his appearance and exhortation. We once suspected that what is said in the Life of Saint Findan of Rheinau on the fifteenth of November (and which we shall report below in Section 5, number 40) -- that the relics of Saint Blasius were carried from the monastery of Rheinau into the neighboring forest -- indicates the Cell of Saint Blasius, which afterward grew into the famous monastery situated in the diocese of Constance on the river Alb, or Alba, where is it situated? which mingles with the Rhine on the German, that is the right, side some miles above Basel.
[19] Who could now enumerate the chapels and altars dedicated to Saint Blasius in the various cities of Germany and Belgium? A chapel at Antwerp. Here at Antwerp there is a poorhouse for the elderly with a chapel of Saint Blasius, opposite the convent of the Beguines, on the Red Street, as it is called. Charles Scribanus mentions it in the Origins of Antwerp, chapter 13, where he lists hospitals and shelters for the poor. It formerly stood in the Claddorp quarter: it was transferred here in 1545. Fifteen old women with a servant are maintained there. We have seen a diploma given at Rome in the year 1475, by which the Cardinals -- Philip, Bishop of Porto; Bartholomew, of the title of Saint Clement; Oliver, of the title of Saint Eusebius; Mark, of the title of Saint Mark; Baptist, of the title of Saint Anastasia; Ausias, of the title of Saint Vitalis; Stephen, of the title of Saint Adrian; Anthony, of the title of Saints John the Baptist and Balbina, Priests; and Theodore, of the title of Saint Theodore, Deacon -- grant on certain days indulgences of one hundred days to those visiting the altar of Saints Giles and Mary Magdalene in the chapel of the Infirmary on Clapdorp. Scribanus attests that the Infirmary had been the name of the place. Now it is called Saint Blasius, on account of the relics of the Saint deposited there, as we believe; on these below.
Section IV: The Relics of Saint Blasius.
[20] What often happens in the Acts of those Saints who are called by the same name -- that the deeds of the one who has the chief fame of sanctity are ascribed to the others by the unskilled -- in the case of Relics the opposite usually occurs: that what belongs to many is attributed to the chief bearer of that name; and even those relics to which (because the names were unknown, and the veneration of unknown saints is less fervent) Bishops imposed the name of some illustrious Saint, not for the purpose of committing fraud but of provoking more distinguished veneration -- for in the course of time these very pledges come to be all believed to belong to the one whose name was adopted. This seems to be the reason why such manifold relics of a single Saint are said to be found in various places, and specifically of Blasius. Two persons named Blasius are recorded in the Roman Martyrology: our present one crowned at Sebastia, Very many relics of Saint Blasius exist; and not of one alone: and another at Veroli in Latium on the twenty-ninth of November. The Greeks add a third, of Caesarea, on this very day, the third of February; the Spanish a fourth, of whom above. There were perhaps even more. Certainly innumerable churches throughout Europe glory in relics of Blasius. We shall review some from a few authors. For it was not necessary to track down carefully all those which we cannot distinguish.
[21] Octavius Pancirolus, in the Hidden Treasures of the Gracious City of Rome, says that the following are preserved there: a throat bone in the Vatican basilica of Saint Peter; at Rome, a tooth in Saint Praxedes, in the second region, or the Monti; a part of the arm in Saint Mary of Loreto, in the same region of the City; a part of the shoulder blade in the church of the Holy Apostles, and likewise in the church called Holy Cross in Jerusalem; at Capua, a part of the shinbone in the church of Jesus, or the Professed House of the Society. The monk Michael attests that a relic of his holy arm exists in the Cathedral of Capua. In the Metropolitan church of Brindisi there are some relics of the same, as is evident from the Offices of the Church printed at Rome in 1583. Camillo Tutini says that a large part of the body is kept at Maratea, a town in the Kingdom of Naples, at Maratea, where a health-giving liquid flows; and that a liquid flows from it, which, received in a silver bowl, is distributed to pious people, as a remedy for many ailments.
[22] The same author writes that a part of the head exists at Naples in the monastery of Saint Ligorio, or of Saint Gregory the Armenian, enclosed in a silver statue; and also in the very church of Saint Blasius, at Naples, opposite the already mentioned monastery, other relics of the same within a silver arm. In the Catalogue of Saints whose memory Cardinal Decius Carafa, Archbishop of Naples, ordered in 1619 to be celebrated with the Ecclesiastical Office throughout the entire diocese, it is said that on the third of February a great concourse of people assembles at both these churches to venerate the blessed Martyr and his sacred relics. The same Camillo says that at Naples in the church of Saint Martin the Bishop, which belongs to the Carthusians, there exists a large part of the arm donated by Queen Joanna I: elsewhere in that kingdom, at Ragusa, a throat bone and a tooth in the church of Saint Eligius the Bishop: at Barletta a shoulder blade: at Bari, and at Ragusa (of which we wrote above that it has him as its primary Patron), some relics. The town of Eboli in the nearer Principality, on this side of the river Silarus, in the parish church of Saint Eustachius, keeps in a crystal vessel a finger of Saint Blasius, at Eboli, where a perpetual miracle occurs; and in a certain ampulla the fat of the same: both made illustrious by a perpetual miracle, such as is narrated of the head and blood of Saint Januarius. For if that ampulla is placed before the finger, the fat immediately liquefies, and coagulates as soon as they are separated. The prodigy has been attested by many recent and certain experiments.
[23] Orbetello is a town of the King of Spain in Etruria, made famous to posterity by the recent siege of the French: at Orbetello, there in the principal church the head of Saint Blasius is preserved, excepting the chin, as Tutini relates, found at Ansedonia, and is venerated with great piety. It was found among the ruins of the city of Ansedonia, which learned men judge to have been the ancient Cosa, destroyed by more than one calamity. That town is five miles distant from Orbetello, situated on a high hill, near Porto Ercole. There a church is dedicated to Saint Blasius. Tutini writes that the memory of the Finding is celebrated at Orbetello on the twelfth of May, and on the following day the townspeople go out in great numbers to Ansedonia, which he calls Lancedonia. This sacred relic certain Frenchmen, taken by the French, as the same author reports, stole with misguided piety and brought on board a ship, intending to carry it off to their homeland. They had spread their sails in the dead of night, and when they thought they had already completed a long voyage, at dawn they realized they were stuck in the bay of Orbetello, at the port of Santo Stefano: held back by a hidden power; nor could they depart from there until they had returned the relics to the people of Orbetello; only then, with a favorable wind blowing for them, did they hold a prosperous course. Afterward the Sienese stole the same relics, then by the Sienese, and deposited them in a certain church of their city with solemn pomp, adding guards: but the next day they were found at Orbetello in the chapel of the principal church, whence they had been taken, to the great wonder of both peoples. Innumerable miracles are wrought there through the patronage of Saint Blasius. Therefore from as far away as Rome, but divinely returned; and from all Etruria, very many flock there, both in the month of May for the feast of the Finding and on the third of February for his birthday. At Volterra, At Volterra also, in the same Etruria (of whose piety and humanity as a city we spoke above on this very day when we treated of Saint Candidus), the Cathedral Church preserves a particle of the relics of Saint Blasius, in a reliquary on which the figure of the Ascension is engraved. Let us also add, before we leave Italy, that an arm of Saint Blasius is preserved at Milan in the monastery of Saint Mary of Peace, of the Order of Friars Minor, at Milan, as Gonzaga writes in the second part, province of Milan, Convent 2.
[24] Nor is Spain lacking in this heavenly treasure. For in the proper Offices of the diocese of Compostela, published in 1596, at Compostela, it is said that the feast of Saint Blasius on the third of February is celebrated with a double office, from the ancient custom of the Church of Compostela, because his arm is kept in the monastery of Saint Mary de Sar. At Plasencia also, an episcopal city of the province of Extremadura, under the Archbishop of Compostela, there are some relics of Saint Blasius, Bishop and Martyr, as John Tamayo Salazar writes, who also reports that he is honored with a proper office, whose Prayer and Introit he recites. At Lisbon, At Lisbon also there are some of his relics, which John Borgia gave to the Professed House of the Society of Jesus at Saint Roch: whose Translation, made in the year 1588, we reported on the twenty-fifth of January and elsewhere that Manuel de Campos had described. In Sicily also there are some. in Sicily; Thus our Octavius Caetani in the Plan of the Work on the Saints of Sicily, at the third of February: "At Palermo, in the principal church, the Translation of the Relics of Saint Blasius, Bishop and Martyr."
[25] France also has a portion of them, distinguished and certain. Saussaius testifies in the supplement of the Gallican Martyrology on this day: "At Montpellier," he says, at Montpellier in Gaul, "an episcopal city of Narbonnese Gaul, the reception of the venerable head of Saint Blasius, Bishop and Martyr, who on this day triumphed at Sebastia in Armenia with an illustrious contest: which Urban V, Pope, founder of the church of Saint Benedict in that place, today placed there to be honorably preserved, with an immense display of pious affection toward the same Martyr of Christ. And to increase his veneration, he bestowed upon the Church of Mende of the Gabali, at Mende, of which he was an alumnus, other relics of the same holy athlete, as a devout gift." Saussaius also writes that some are kept at Melun, on the third of February: "At Melun on the Seine, at Melun; the veneration of the relics of Saint Blasius, Bishop and Martyr, who on this day triumphed at Sebastia in Armenia with an illustrious contest: whence, brought into Gaul by French warriors of Christ, certain precious relics of him were placed there in the monastery of Saint Peter, to be observed with perpetual veneration." The same Saussaius writes at the twenty-second of September that on the Sunday after the feast of Saint Matthew a miraculous finding of the relics of Saints Gregory the Pope, Aspasius and Blasius the Bishops, Mary Magdalene, and Agnes the Virgin Martyr, was made, which were deposited in the monastery of Saint Peter.
[26] Now let us descend to Belgium. Nor should anyone be surprised that so many relics of Eastern Saints are here. For at the time when the Belgians and the French held Palestine, many in Belgium; whatever of such things remained after the Saracens had ravaged those provinces so many times over so many years was eagerly brought here. Whence were they brought? And those things which from all the East had been conveyed to Constantinople as to a refuge -- when the Counts of Flanders seized that Empire, they too sent them here to adorn the cities of their domain and to honor their friends: some were perhaps also given to Bishops to obtain financial assistance for the war: many others either brought them back to their homeland on their return, or sent them from there to their families. Certainly the relics of Saint Blasius, whom we are discussing, are very many here, but for the most part rather small. First, of all the provinces, Brabant especially rejoices in this protection. At Antwerp, For at Antwerp, in the chapel which we mentioned in the previous section, situated on the Red Street, within a silver casket there is what appears to be a part of the shinbone, about the length of a finger, and other smaller fragments: by whose gift, is not clear. Many there hang votive offerings to the Saint, as testimony of illness dispelled or other benefit received. Among the relics of the Professed House of the Society of Jesus there is a tooth of Saint Blasius, and other parts reduced to dust. At Dielegem, a famous monastery of the Premonstratensian Order not far from Brussels, an arm of the same, given by Margaret, wife of John II, Duke of Brabant, daughter of Edward I, King of England (to whom they attribute the construction of the most ample hall of Veurne), about three hundred and fifty years ago, elsewhere in Brabant; is still preserved, ennobled by very many miracles, as among others Augustinus Wichmans attests in the Marian Brabant, Book 3, chapter 38. At Parc, a monastery of the same Order near Leuven, there also exist some relics of the same Saint. A certain bone at Mechelen in the novitiate of the Society of Jesus, at Mechelen; in a reliquary shaped like a pyramid and adorned with many other relics of the Saints. In the same city, Saint Blasius is the secondary Patron of the parish and collegiate church of Saint Mary, and is celebrated with a solemn office for eight days: during which time a vast multitude of people flocks from all around, to venerate the relics of the Saint, namely a bone of the arm which an angel cast in silver holds. These relics were preserved in the old church, before the illustrious basilica which is now seen was built: whence they were brought is not established, the documents having been lost. An inscription has been added to the place where they are now kept: "The relics of the most devout Bishop and most unconquered Martyr Blasius, Patron of this place, and most celebrated there by frequent miracles." These miracles are seen especially in the healing of tumors and throat ailments. For this purpose water is blessed by dipping the Relics of the Saint in it. A sodality has been established there to promote his veneration, honored with Indulgences from the Supreme Pontiff; to which easily three thousand people have given their names. From here some Relics were transferred to Flanders, as we shall say below in number 30.
[27] At Luxembourg, in the Benedictine monastery of Munster, which was formerly outside the city walls, at Luxembourg, at Lobbes, elsewhere in Hainaut, there is one tooth of Saint Blasius. The most devout monks of Lobbes, among the very many relics of the Saints which they keep most elegantly adorned, also possess a tooth, and a rib, and another rather notable bone: the Canonesses of Maubeuge possess a portion of a bone. The top part of the skull, lacerated by iron combs, is displayed in the monastery of Saint Denis, of the Benedictine Order, near Mons in Hainaut: a tooth in the monastery of Crespin, of the same institute, two hours' journey distant from Valenciennes. At Vicogne, a most elegant monastery of the Premonstratensian Order, some relics preserved in a silver casket, and likewise a golden ring: great gatherings take place there, and miracles are said to be wrought in that place. At the village of Roucourt in the same district, commonly called Roucourt, situated between Ath, Tournai, and Valenciennes, relics of Saint Blasius are seen within a silver reliquary. At Marchiennes, a Benedictine monastery on the river Scarpe, there are some, sent there by the Prior of Canterbury in the year 1234. Not far from Marchiennes is Anchin, a monastery of the same institute, where there is also some relic of this Saint. A particle of the jaw at Cambrai, Artois, in the monastery of the Holy Sepulchre: at Blangy, a Benedictine monastery in Artois, a throat bone: in the most ancient monastery of Saint Bertin at Saint-Omer, one rib and two teeth.
[28] At Douai, a city of Flanders, in the notable collegiate church of Saint Amatus, the lower jawbone of Saint Blasius, Bishop and Martyr, is preserved, enclosed in a silver head, Flanders; with a gilded bronze halo, and other relics of the same, stored together with many others in one reliquary on the first of April, 1225. And the collegiate church of Saint Peter in the same city, among very many other relics, has a large part of one rib of Saint Blasius. At Tournai in the Cathedral church there is a notable bone of Saint Blasius. In the same place, in the monastery of Saint Nicholas des Pres of the Canons Regular, some relics of the same Saint. At Geraardsbergen, a town of Flanders, in the Benedictine monastery of Saint Adrian, the chin: at Bourbourg, in the church of the noble virgins of the Benedictine institute, some relics of the same: some at Ghent among the Dominicans: a spoon in the Cistercian convent of Doorsele in the same city: a part of the arm at Bruges in the collegiate church of Saint Mary: and this was sent from Constantinople with other relics by the Provost Walter in the year 1230, as is clear from Walter's own diploma.
[29] We have received these details mostly from the Belgian Sacred Treasury of Arnold Raissius, Canon of Douai, who nevertheless was unable to visit all places, since Belgium was ablaze with war, nor to obtain accurate descriptions from more remote places. At Utrecht certainly, besides those relics which he himself reports from the history of William Heda as having been deposited in the church of Saint John by Saint Bernulph, the twentieth Bishop, formerly at Utrecht; and discovered by Frederick of Baden, the fifty-sixth Bishop, we know there were also some in the Cathedral of Saint Martin: but what became of them and others after the ancestral sacred rites were proscribed from there, we do not know.
[30] Kruibeke is a village in the Waasland, two hours' distance from Antwerp, on the left bank of the Scheldt. There are some relics of Saint Blasius there, received from the church of Saint Mary at Mechelen. The day of the Translation is solemnly observed on the second Sunday of May, and the Saint receives great veneration from the local inhabitants. A plenary Indulgence for that day has been obtained from the Roman Pontiff. There are also some at Beveren in the same Waasland, and these too were obtained from Mechelen.
[31] At Cologne there are relics of other Saints that are almost innumerable, and specifically these of Saint Blasius, at Kruibeke; at Beveren; at Cologne, as Aegidius Gelenius lists in his books on the Greatness of Cologne: an arm in the parish church of Saint James: a large bone from the arm in the Charterhouse: a part of the jaw in the parish church of Saint Martin, called the Lesser: the mandible in the collegiate church of Saint Mary ad Gradus, reliquary number 14: a rib in the hospital of Saint Anthony's canonical house, casket number 4: a finger in the monastery of Saint Clare: a bone in the collegiate church of Saint Mary in the Capitol: two small bones in the Metropolitan church, reliquary number 5, and likewise in the monastery of Saint Boniface, of the conventual virgins of the Order of Saint Francis. Finally some relics of his are kept in the collegiate church of Saint Gereon, reliquaries 5, 15, and 26; in the collegiate church of Saint Severinus, reliquary 14; in the monastery of Saint Pantaleon, reliquary 17; in the church of Saints John and Cordula; among the Dominican Fathers; and in the Holland College. At Rheinau. Concerning those brought from Rome to Rheinau, we shall treat below in Section 5.
Section V: The Benefits of Saint Blasius to Mankind.
[32] Because Saint Blasius, about to offer his neck to the executioner, prayed to Christ that whoever should implore his patronage, or for the sake of his memory should do anything to the glory of the divine name, the invocation of Saint Blasius, especially if a small bone or fish spine should become lodged in the throat, or any other trouble should afflict, or necessity should press -- beneficial against throat pains, that person should experience the present help of the propitious God; a voice sent from heaven promised him that this would come to pass, and frequent miracles confirm it. Nor is this devotion a novelty, as certain vain people chatter. Aetius, the Greek physician, whose Latin translation by Janus Cornarius exists among the Princes of the Medical Art, published by the press of Henri Estienne in 1567, in the fourth sermon of the second Tetrabiblos, chapter 50, on things swallowed and fixed in the tonsils and those which slip into the windpipe, and prescribed by Aetius the ancient physician, after various remedies prescribed according to the principles of medical art, adds: "Another, for the extraction of things swallowed into the tonsils: At once turn to the sick person as he sits, and bid him attend to you, and say: 'Come forth, bone, if indeed you are a bone, or whatever you may be: just as Jesus Christ brought forth Lazarus from the tomb, and as He brought Jonah from the whale.' And grasping the sick person's throat, say: 'Blasius, Martyr and servant of Christ, says: Either go down or come up.'" Where this says "grasping the sick person's throat," Camillo Tutini has "having made the sign of the Cross over the throat." That devotion against such necessity toward Saint Blasius has been propagated to the farthest ends of the earth. In the kingdom of Arima among the Japanese, in the year 1589, confirmed by present help in Japan: a fish spine had so lodged crosswise in a certain woman's throat that she could neither take food nor scarcely draw breath. A priest of the Society of Jesus was summoned, who, after she had (not without great difficulty) confessed her sins, bade her implore the aid of Saint Blasius; he would send her his relics: she reverently kissed them three times and applied them to her throat: and immediately she both spoke freely and, having taken food, dislodged the obstruction to her breathing.
[33] Saint Blasius is accustomed to be invoked not only for repelling those ills, also against toothaches, but also for curing quinsies and dispelling all other ailments of the throat, and even for soothing toothaches. For these purposes it is permitted to employ the blessings of various things which we use: of bread, wine, fruits, and seeds. The formulas of these blessings, from a most ancient Benedictional written on parchment, preserved in the church of Saint Stephen at Naples, Camillo recites, and we shall transcribe them from him here.
[34] The blessing of bread is as follows: Blessed be the name of the Lord. Response: Blessing of bread under his invocation, From this time forth and forever. Our help is in the name of the Lord. R. Who made heaven and earth. Lord, hear my prayer. R. And let my cry come unto Thee. The Lord be with you, etc. O God, Savior of the world, Lord Jesus Christ, who consecrated this day by the martyrdom of the most blessed Blasius, and created diverse creatures for the salvation of mankind, who satisfied five thousand people from five loaves and two fishes, and miraculously fed the Jewish people in the desert; we humbly beseech and beg Thy ineffable mercy, that Thou wouldst deign in Thy goodness to bless and sanctify these loaves, which the faithful people have today devoutly brought to Thee for sanctification: that those who eat or taste of them may, by the merits and intercession of Thy blessed Martyr Blasius, receive full health from every plague of the throat and from every infirmity of the whole body, and that Thou wouldst keep us Thy servants whole from every sickness of body and soul. Who livest, etc.
[35] The blessing of wine: O holy Lord, almighty Father, eternal God, who dost command wine, which gladdens the heart of man, to be offered in sacrifice, of wine, and at Cana in Galilee didst make wine from water; Thou who art the true vine, through the intercession of Thy blessed Martyr Blasius, multiply upon us Thy servants the mercy of Thy loving-kindness, as Thou didst with our Fathers who hoped in Thy ineffable mercy, Thy loving-kindness: deign in Thy goodness to bless and sanctify this creature of wine, which Thou hast given for the sustenance of Thy servants: that wherever it may be poured or drunk by any, they may be filled with Thy divine blessing, and may it be sanctified in their inward parts with thanksgiving; through Thee, Savior of the world, who livest and reignest, etc.
[36] The blessing of fruits: O Lord Jesus Christ, who consecrated Thy servant Blasius on this day by martyrdom, deign to bless and sanctify these fruits of the trees, of fruits, which we, unworthy, have brought, through the invocation of Thy name and the intercession of the glorious Virgin Mary and of Thy most glorious Martyr and Bishop Blasius, to bless and to grant that they may be for the benefit of the present household and of all absent faithful: that into whatever place they may be carried, those who are there may be made whole, and every wickedness or illusion may depart from their dwellings; and whoever shall hold or taste of them may be filled with Thy grace and blessing; who livest and reignest for ever and ever, etc.
[37] The blessing of seeds: O God, Creator of all things, who dost cause the seeds placed beneath the earth to bear fruit and multiply, of seeds, and dost mercifully grant them for our use; at the intercession of Thy blessed Martyr Blasius, graciously heed our supplications, and deign in Thy kindness to bless and sanctify these kinds of seeds: that the beasts of burden which eat or taste of them, from whatever infirmity they may be held, may receive full healing; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
[38] The formula for the blessing of water by dipping in a particle of the relics of Saint Blasius, customarily used at Dielegem, is recited by Augustinus Wichmans in the Marian Brabant, Book 3, chapter 38, as follows: V. Our help is in the name of the Lord. R. Who made heaven and earth. Let us pray. Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord, through the touch of the Relics of Thy holy and glorious Martyr and Bishop Blasius, power to this water, that whoever worthily uses it, in the memory and honor of the holy and glorious Martyr Blasius, may rejoice that he has obtained all things. Through Christ, etc.
[39] Of water. It is also pleasing to celebrate the spiritual benefits derived from the holy Martyr to mortals -- I mean the heavenly consolation infused into their souls, with a joyful foreknowledge of the honor to be rendered to him. In the Life of Saint Findan, the recluse of Rheinau, who lived in the ninth century of Christ, the following is found: "Likewise, while still living outside, [The translation of his relics was foreshown to Saint Findan in the form of a dove:] in the year before he was to enter the cloister, he spent every night standing in the church in prayer. Therefore, on the night before the relics of Saint Blasius were brought there from Rome, praying in the basilica in his usual manner, he suddenly saw with his bodily eyes a dove that had alighted upon the altar, and gradually flying from there into the crypt, disappeared. Therefore on the next day they placed the same relics upon the very altar on which the bird had appeared to have stood before the servant of God."
[40] "Likewise, while still living outside, at an earlier time, when he was alone in the basilica at night in the same manner, and was imploring the aid of the aforesaid Martyr with words, saying: the same indicates to him that his sins have been forgiven: 'O Saint Blasius, who are known to be a stranger in these places, just as I am, intercede for my sins before God.' When, repeating these words, he had shed tears in his usual manner, standing before the altar where the holy relics had been placed, not bowing but erect, yet (as he used to relate) with his sight somewhat darkened for a moment, he heard a voice of this kind: 'Your seat in heaven is established, your sins having been forgiven.'"
[41] "Again, when placed in the most confined place (about which, when the occasion presents itself, we shall try to explain more fully), when the relics of the oft-mentioned Martyr were to be carried back on the morning of the following day from that same place into the neighboring forest, the aforesaid servant of God burned with great desire, [and he seems to himself to carry his relics; which, though enclosed, he had wished to do.] and longed that he might deserve to carry the relics of the Martyr himself upon his own shoulders; although he had long since, when placed in that same spot, bound himself by a vow never to leave it. But that the Lord, hearing the desire of the poor man, as the Prophet says, might fulfill it and grant the wishes of His most devoted servant to be ratified, on that same night he seemed to himself to have crossed the bridge over the river Rhine, by which one exits from the monastery, with a great multitude; and that a dove had settled on his shoulders, and that he, as he wished, had carried it on his shoulders, and that others departed from there, and it came flying back to him again." Psalm 10:17 Henry Murer has the same story in his Sacred Switzerland. Saint Blasius is one of the fourteen Saints whom they call the Holy Helpers.
FIRST ACTS
from most ancient manuscripts and Boninus Mombritius.
Blasius, Bishop and Martyr, at Sebastia in Cappadocia (Saint) Seven women, Martyrs, at Sebastia in Cappadocia Two boys, Martyrs, at Sebastia in Cappadocia
BHL Number: 1370
By an anonymous author, from manuscripts.
CHAPTER I
The arrest of Saint Blasius. His healings of men and beasts.
[1] In the city of Sebastia in Cappadocia, God delivered unto chastisement those who by His grace were sons and heirs: from Sebastia indeed He chose Martyrs who would show forth unto blood the love, faith, and confession that is in Him. And what is more, He chose not only men but also women to display the struggle of the contest, When the persecution raged at Sebastia, and unto the end to obtain the crown in Christ, through the example of the Cross.
[2] One of these was our crowned one and victor, Blasius. Blasius the Bishop, a holy man, For this Saint lived mildly throughout the whole time of his life, just as we also read of Job: pure, innocent, worshiping God, truthful, gentle, abstaining from every evil work. Job 1. Therefore the faithful who were in the city of Sebastia in Cappadocia, seeing his blameless life,
elected him as their Bishop. He himself, however, going to the mountain which is called Argeus, dwelt there in a certain cave: he hides on the mountain: and the wild beasts of the fields would run to him. And if it happened that any of them were held by any kind of pain, as if possessed of understanding they would run to the same Saint in the cave, he heals the wild beasts that approach him: and they would not depart from him until he had laid his hands upon them, blessing them.
[3] In those days, therefore, the Governor Agricolaus ordered wild beasts to be gathered together. And the hunters of beasts going out came to the mountain where Saint Blasius the Bishop was living. thus he is found, And seeing the cave and the multitude of beasts standing before him, astonishing one another and marveling, they said: "What does this mean?" And those men, approaching the cave, found the blessed Blasius at his prayer. And returning, they reported to the Governor what they had seen. And the Governor, hearing this, ordered more soldiers to go with them, that they might present to him as many Christians as they found hiding there. And they, going to the aforesaid mountain which is called Argeus and entering the cave, he is led to the Governor; found Saint Blasius praying; and they said to him: "Come out; the Governor calls you." And the Saint, seeing them, rejoiced and said: "My little children, let us go together. already forewarned by God: For the Lord is mindful of me today. For this night He appeared to me three times, saying: 'Arise, offer Me sacrifices as you are accustomed to do.' And now, my little children, you are welcome. My Lord Jesus Christ is with us."
[4] Therefore as they came, on the journey he was turning the little children of the pagans to God through his good admonition, and by his incessant prayer he was working wonders. On the way he heals many by the laying on of hands; To the sick who were brought to him, laying his hands upon them, he would dismiss them healed -- not only men but also various animals when they were afflicting one another: or as often happens, when a bone gets stuck in a person's throat, or also when some other such thing suddenly happens; they would bring them to him, and through his worthy prayers God would restore them to health. And it happened that a certain woman's only son, while he was eating a portion of fish, suddenly had a bone stuck in his throat, so that the boy was left nearly dead. But his mother, hearing of the wonders of that blessed man, bringing the boy cast him half-dead at his feet, a fish spine lodged in the boy's throat, crying with tears and saying to Saint Blasius: "Have mercy on my son, servant of our Savior Jesus Christ, for he is my only one." And she told Saint Blasius what had suddenly happened to her son. And Saint Blasius, laying his hands upon the boy and making the sign of the cross over his throat, and raising his eyes to heaven, prayed saying: "Thou who art a swift hearer and Savior to those who call upon Thee, Lord Jesus Christ, he removes it by his prayers, hear the prayer of Thy servant, and by Thy unspeakable power remove the spine fixed in this boy, saving him. And henceforth, whether in men or even in birds it should happen that any kind of bone becomes fixed, and someone is mindful of the name of me, Thy servant, saying: destined to be Patron against these ailments. 'Lord Jesus Christ, our true God, through the prayer of Thy servant Blasius, hasten to my aid' -- at once show him Thy mercy, to the glory of Thy holy name." And having prayed, he at once restored the boy, healed, to his mother.
AnnotationsCHAPTER II
The First and Second Examinations. Reward of Beneficence.
[5] And that Saint was known also in Nicopolis: for he was learned and skilled in the art of medicine. Therefore, as Saint Blasius himself was coming along the road, there was a certain poor woman who had one pig and possessed nothing else except that alone; and suddenly a wolf, rushing in, carried it off. And she besought Saint Blasius against that beast. And the Saint himself, hearing this, he obtains the return of the widow's pig from the wolf: smiling, said to her: "Woman, do not be sad; your pig will be restored to you." And it came in similar fashion. And the wolf, hastening on its way and keeping the pig unharmed, returned it to the widow.
[6] And when the blessed Blasius had entered the metropolis of the city of Sebastia, Agricolaus ordered him to be cast into prison. He is thrown into prison: And on another day the Governor, sitting on his tribunal, ordered the blessed Blasius to be presented to him. And when that impious man saw him, he began first to address him with flattering words, as if to persuade him, and to begin a word of salvation toward him, saying: "Rejoice, Blasius, friend of the gods." And Saint Blasius answered and said: He laughs at the Governor's blandishments: he is beaten with clubs: "Rejoice also, excellent Governor. But do not call them gods, but demons, because they will be delivered to eternal fire, together with those who honor them." And the Governor, angered, ordered him to be beaten with clubs. And when he had been beaten for a long time, he said to the Governor: "O senseless persuader of souls, do you hope to alienate me by these punishments from the love of my God and Savior Jesus Christ? But you cannot, because I have as my strengthener and Savior the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, the Son of the living God." When that wicked man could not succeed in alienating him from the faith of Christ, he is sent back to prison: he ordered him to be led back again to prison. And that faithful old woman and widow, hearing of the endurance of the holy Martyr and athlete of Christ, Blasius, and of the perseverance of his faith, ordered the pig which she had received back from the beast through the command of Saint Blasius to be killed: and having cooked its head and feet, putting them in a vessel, [he is refreshed with food by the pious widow: he bids his memory to be thus kept,] and with fruits of the earth and a lit candle, she offered them to the holy Martyr of Christ in prison, and asked him to eat. And he, giving thanks, tasted and blessed her, and said: "Woman, by this example keep my memorial, and your house shall not be diminished of the goods which are from God. And if anyone, imitating you, shall by this example keep my memorial, he shall have without ceasing a heavenly gift from my God, a reward being promised: and a blessing for all his days." And that blessed old woman, accepting the command of the holy Martyr, went rejoicing to her house, glorifying and blessing God. And there was fulfilled in this faithful widow what is recounted everywhere, and what she did in his memory.
[8] And that tyrant in the second hearing ordered the holy Martyr of Christ, Blasius, to be presented to him. And when he had been brought, he said to him: "Blasius, do you worship the gods, or do you wish to perish?" Saint Blasius replied: "Let the gods who did not make heaven and earth perish: but those torments which you promise me as if to terrify me become for me providers of eternal life." And that wicked man, seeing his immutable mind, he is suspended and scraped with iron combs: ordered him to be suspended on a wooden frame and his flesh to be torn with iron combs. Therefore, while his flesh was being cut, the most blessed Martyr of Christ, Blasius, said to the impious Judge: "O most cruel one, do you think to terrify me with punishments? But I have my Lord Jesus Christ, who strengthens me: and I shall not fear, about to behold these punishments, while I await those desirable goods which are promised to those who seek Him." And so the impious Governor ordered him to be taken down from the frame he is sent back to prison. and cast into prison.
Annotationsc. Mombritius: "back."
CHAPTER III
The Martyrdom of the Seven Holy Women.
[9] And when the same holy Martyr of Christ, Blasius, was being led away, seven most blessed women, fearing God, were following him, gathering up the drops of blood which fell from him and anointing themselves with them. And when those wicked men who were leading him saw them, they seized them and brought them to the Governor, The seven women who gathered his blood are captured: saying that they too were Christians. And the Governor, seeing them, said to them: "Yield, and offer sacrifice to the gods." And they answered and said to him: "If you wish us to believe and sacrifice to your gods, let us go to the lake, and do you put your gods in a sack, sealing them with lead, and we, washing our faces in the lake, will fall down and sacrifice to them." And the Governor, made happy, brought them his gods. And those Christian women, taking them, cast them into the depths of the lake. They hurl the Governor's idols into the lake: And the Governor, seeing what had been done, was beside himself, exceedingly angry, and striking his hands together, raging like a lion around the women, said to his attendants: "Why did you not hold our gods, so that they would not be thrown into the depths of the lake?" And they answered: "These women spoke to you with guile and sank our gods into the deep." And the women answering said: "The true God never suffers guile; but empty wood and stones and gold and silver, and all who trust in them."
[10] And the Governor, angered, ordered them to be thrown into a furnace of fire, and molten lead to be poured over them from above, and iron combs to be brought, and seven bronze tunics to be heated white-hot; and to spread the glowing tunics in another place; and he said to the holy women: "Choose one of two things for yourselves: either sacrifice to the gods they scorn the proposed torments, and save your souls, walking upon the linen; or if you refuse, you shall be judged by those torments which are prepared for you." But one of them, who had two sons, running, took the linen and threw it into the furnace, and it was burned up. And the little boys said to their mother: the two boys wishing to follow them: "Do not leave us to perish on this earth, but just as you filled us with your sweet milk, so fill us also with the joys of the heavenly kingdom."
[11] Then the Governor ordered them to be suspended and their flesh to be combed with those iron combs. And those soldiers saw that instead of blood their flesh was dripping milk, and their flesh was like a flame of fire, when their flesh is torn, they pour forth milk instead of blood: and they were made white as snow. And angels of the Lord, descending from heaven and greeting them, said to them: "Do not hesitate; for a good worker who begins in the harvest and completes it is blessed by the one who hired him, and receiving his reward returns joyful to his house. [they are encouraged by angels: they are thrown into the furnace, which is extinguished:] So also you, labor that you may receive from Christ God eternal life." Then the Governor ordered them to be taken down and thrown into the furnace of fire, and when they were thrown in the fire was immediately extinguished. And the most blessed women, having come forth from the furnace unharmed, the Governor said to them: "Set aside your magical ambitions, and fall down and worship our gods." And the seven holy women, as if from one mouth, said: "Glory to Thee who reignest, Jesus Christ our God, who hast deigned also to call us into the way of Thy mercy." And they said to the impious one: "Make haste to finish what you have begun in us, for we too have been called to the heavenly kingdom."
[12] Then that man, angered, pronounced sentence upon them. And the ministers of iniquity, taking them, led them to the appointed place. they are condemned to death: And the holy women besought them to spare them a moment to pray, and kneeling they said: "Who is a God great like our God, who separated us from darkness and called us into this sweetest light? having prayed, And therefore we beseech Thee, great and terrible Lord our God, that Thou wouldst deign to number us with Thy first Martyr Thecla; receiving the prayers of our most blessed Father Blasius, who taught us unto this glorious martyrdom and to the attainment of the possession of eternal life." And while praying thus, and rising from the earth, stretching out their hands to heaven and looking upward with their eyes and with a pure heart, they said with one mind: "Glory to Thee, Lord our God, who hast deigned to place us in this Thy sacrifice, like sheep: receive therefore our souls before Thy holy and heavenly sacrifice." And those children, running ahead, said to their mother: the two boys applauding, "Your crowns have been prepared by our heavenly Lord God. Commend us also to the holy and most valiant Martyr of Christ, Blasius, our Bishop and Father." And the ministers of iniquity struck off the heads of the seven holy women: they are slain. and so they departed to the Lord with their heads cut off for the true faith of our Lord Jesus Christ.
AnnotationsCHAPTER IV
The Execution of Saint Blasius and the Two Boys.
[13] And in the third proceeding, the commander of iniquity, sitting on his tribunal, ordered the most blessed Bishop Blasius to be presented to him. And when he had been brought, he said to him: "Will you now at least worship the gods, or not?" And the Martyr of Christ, answering, said to him: "Impious one, you are blind and do not see the true light of God. Saint Blasius, scorning the Governor's threats, For what man, having once known the true God, worships idols? But you, wicked and benighted one, know that you have forsaken the true God and worship stones. For I shall not fear your threats. Therefore do as you will, exercise your cruelty upon me. My flesh indeed I shall surrender to you; but over my soul God has power."
And the Governor, answering, said to Saint Blasius: "If I throw you into the lake, what will He whom you call Christ, whom you worship, be able to do to help you?" And the holy Martyr of Christ said to him: "Behold, you worship accursed demons and hope to be saved: and I, worshiping the living and true God, believe I shall be saved forever: he is thrown into the lake: and now let me show you in this water the power of my God." Then that impious one ordered him to be thrown into the lake. And he, going forward, made the sign of the cross over the water; and immediately it stood firm like dry ground. And sitting in the middle of the lake, he said to the ministers of iniquity: "If you have gods, show their power, the soldiers being drowned, and enter here yourselves as well." And sixty-five men entered and were immediately swallowed up in the depths of the water. He is led out by an Angel, And an Angel of the Lord, descending to the blessed Blasius, said to him: "Come forth gloriously, and receive the crown prepared for you by God." Then the blessed Blasius, rising from the water surrounded by light: and walking as on dry ground, came forth: and a great light appeared before his face, so that all who saw him were amazed.
[14] And the impious one said to the Martyr of Christ: "Have you so determined that you will not worship the gods?" Saint Blasius said: "Know, wretch, that I am a servant of Christ, and I do not worship wicked demons." He is condemned to death: Then that most savage one, angered, pronounced sentence upon him, saying: "He who has despised me and contradicted the Empire and dishonored the gods and destroyed sixty-five men, let him be beheaded, together with those two little boys." And Saint Blasius prayed, saying: "Lord my God, who delivered me from idols, who made light out of darkness; God of hosts, who sittest upon the Cherubim he prays for those who will invoke him: and openest the cataracts of heaven, who stretchest out Thy bow in Thy hand, who struck down the devil and slew the dragon; hear me, Thy servant: and if anyone, falling down, shall worship at this place of sacrifice, and any kind of spine or even a bone shall lodge in the throat of any person; or if one shall fall into various infirmities, or into tribulation or danger, or shall suffer persecution -- receive, I beseech Thee, the petition of those who faithfully entreat Thee, O Lord." And while he was praying thus, a cloud descended from heaven and shone upon him, Christ in a cloud promises to do what he prayed for: and the Lord said to him: "I will fulfill every petition of yours, most beloved athlete, not only these things, but also as for that widow, as you prayed, so will I do and bless every house of those who keep your memorial. And their storehouses I will fill with all good things, on account of your good confession and the faith which you have had in Me."
[15] And when the Lord Jesus had spoken these things to His athlete, immediately the executioner, bringing forth the most blessed Martyr of Christ, Blasius, he is beheaded, with the two boys: together with those two little boys, from the praetorium, cut off their heads in the city of Sebastia, outside the walls, upon a certain stone, in the month of February on the third day. And a certain prudent and God-fearing woman, he is buried: named Elissa, taking their holy bodies, laid them together in the place where they had died. In which place the wonders of our Lord Jesus Christ abound unto this present day. He is renowned for miracles:
[16] And that blessed old woman, hearing of the passing of the holy Martyr of Christ, carried out his memorial according to the intention which he had made in prison. His annual memorial is carried out. And not only did that woman bring the blessing from the fruits of the earth for the rest of her life, but also all her friends: who, acting according to his tradition, brought back the grace of blessing again at the same time, not only to that same faithful widow but also to all their friends. For this has been handed down unto this present day to all the faithful who keep the memorial of the most blessed and glorious Martyr of Christ, Blasius, with lamps and hymns and unceasing glory. For the most blessed Martyr of Christ, Blasius, suffered in the city of Sebastia, under the command of Agricolaus, while our Lord Jesus Christ reigned in us, whose is honor and glory for everlasting ages of ages, Amen.
AnnotationsSECOND ACTS, BY AN ANONYMOUS AUTHOR,
from the manuscript of the Church of Saint Martin at Utrecht.
Blasius, Bishop and Martyr, at Sebastia in Cappadocia (Saint) Seven women, Martyrs, at Sebastia in Cappadocia Two boys, Martyrs, at Sebastia in Cappadocia
BHL Number: 1377
By an anonymous author, from manuscripts.
CHAPTER I
The virtues of Saint Blasius, his miracles in healing beasts and men, his arrest.
[1] In the time of the Emperor Licinius, who had the sister of Constantine Augustus as his wife and held the supreme power in the East, a dire persecution was made against the Christians. For, as is related in the Tripartite History, Licinius, put to flight in war by Constantine, although he had formerly been a follower of the Christian doctrine, changed his will When the Emperor Licinius was persecuting the Church, especially at Sebastia; and afflicted many of the Priests in the empire of his region: indeed many others as well, but especially those of the military company. And there were also in Sebastia many whom the title of this name bound; and therefore the tempest of persecution enveloped them. Among whom, as is read in the account of their Passion, the chief were the Forty Soldiers, who under Agricolaus, Governor of Cappadocia, and the commander Lysias, completed a most famous martyrdom for Christ. Many others of both sexes followed their example: not only men, but, what is more remarkable, women also persevered in the love of God, in the Catholic faith, and in the confession of the truth, even unto death and the shedding of blood.
[2] Blasius, from physician to Bishop, But of all who suffered there at that time, the first and a certain leader and standard-bearer was Blasius the Bishop. Before he was made Bishop, he had been most skilled in the art of medicine. But almighty God, who made Apostles from fishermen and an Evangelist from a physician, deigned also to transfer this man from the medicine of bodies to the care of souls. For all who were in Sebastia, both clergy and people, delighted by the holiness of his life and the modesty of his character, by unanimous consent and concordant vote elected him Bishop of that same city. And once made Bishop, he demonstrated that he had merited the supreme priesthood by the excellence of his merits, by the grace of his teaching, and by the signs of his miracles. For he was a man of great humility, wonderful patience, a most holy man, supreme piety, holy in mind, chaste in body, innocent in deed, pure in speech, truthful in words, modest in character. He was so truly a worshiper of the true God that, as we read of the holy Job, he was a man simple and upright, fearing God and withdrawing utterly from every evil. Job 1.
[3] But because a grievous persecution was threatening, in accordance with the Lord's example or precept, he hides on the mountain, avoiding the sword of the persecutors, he withdrew to a certain mountain called Argeus: where although he was deprived of human company, he was nevertheless not destitute of divine consolation. For he was sustained by frequent visions from the Lord, he is sustained by divine visions, and, in no way inferior to the anchorites to whom the Lord has often deigned to grant solace, he consoled his solitude by the approach of wild beasts. The beasts that approach him he heals and blesses; For from all around through the circuit of the mountain they would flock to his cave, as if to obey the Lord: and if it happened that any of them was vexed by trouble and pain, they would seek his care, as from a true physician, by whatever gesture they could; nor did they depart from him before receiving his healing through the imposition of his hand and his blessing.
[4] At that time Agricolaus was the Governor of that same province, harsh, fierce, cruel, and according to his name rough, and utterly hostile to Christians. On the day of the games, found by hunters, the day on which gifts are given to the soldiers and honors are bestowed, he ordered a great many wild beasts to be gathered for the spectacle of the people. And when the hunters, to whom the capture of beasts had been assigned, immediately climbed the mountain which was most abundant in these animals, and could not anywhere find any -- I will not say capture one, but not even catch sight of one -- searching all around the mountain, they at last came to the place where Saint Blasius, stationed in a cave, was daily offering diligent service to Christ. When they saw a multitude of beasts standing at the entrance of the cave, and yet not frightened by their approach nor moving from the spot, they were dismayed and, struck with exceeding fear, said to one another: "What does this mean? For so great a multitude of beasts, gathered without cause into one place, is not frightened by our approach." And so, coming closer and more carefully investigating the truth of the matter, they found Saint Blasius in the cave devoting himself to prayer. praying in the cave, Not daring even to address him, they departed in haste with trembling and reverence. And so, returning to the Governor with their business unfinished, they reported what they had seen.
[5] Then the Governor, angered, sent still more men with them to investigate more carefully whether they could find any Christians hiding on the mountain, and bring them together with Saint Blasius before him. And they, according to the Governor's command, going around the mountain on every side, at last came to the place where Saint Blasius was living: he is summoned to the Governor, and finding him as was his custom at prayer, they said to him: "Come forth, Blasius; the Governor calls you." To this he, with intrepid spirit and a sufficiently cheerful countenance, said: "If the Governor calls me, little children, let us go together and hasten in the name of the Lord. For indeed the Lord has now deigned to be mindful of me. Now is the acceptable time, in which I must be released from the bonds of this body and come to Christ. Three times the Lord has appeared to me this night, saying: 'Arise, Blasius, and remember to offer sacrifices in your accustomed manner.' And now, little children, you are welcome and have brought me a most pleasing message. forewarned by a threefold apparition: Let us therefore go in haste, and may He Himself be with us -- my Lord Jesus Christ, who desires the sacrifice of my body." Having said this, he delayed not at all, and, rejoicing in the Lord at his calling, went forward with them.
[6] And already the fame of his coming had spread through the neighboring regions, and had drawn the pagans in crowds to meet him. Little children were brought from every side, on the journey he heals the sick by his blessing, especially children; for whom they hoped to obtain the grace of his blessing. All the streets through which he passed lay full of the weak and infirm, who both confidently believed they would be saved by his merits and suppliantly entreated him. And he, having compassion on each one, also laying his hands on each, both blessed the little children and healed the sick. Therefore the Pagans, seeing so many and so great miracles which the Lord was working through his prayers, he converts some by his miracles: not a few were converted to the Lord through his holy admonitions.
[7] And Saint Blasius devoted his care not only to men in various ailments and different diseases, but also to beasts and cattle: he also heals beasts: he both came to the aid of those that were harmed and commanded those that were harmful. Indeed, as testimony to both, two quite remarkable miracles were performed on this present journey. There was in those parts a certain woman who had an only son. While he was eating a fish, a boy endangered by a fish bone lodged in his throat, a small bone of the fish stuck in his throat, which could by no means be removed without danger to him. And when from the pain he already seemed close to death, the anxious mother began to run here and there and to consider her son's torments as her own. Where to turn, what to do, she remained utterly uncertain. Meanwhile it happened that the blessed Blasius was passing through that same place with the soldiers who were leading him. And so, having heard the fame of his virtues, the woman, with her son placed in her arms, ran quickly to him and, full of faith, cast the little boy at his feet: and at the same time, herself also prostrate at his feet, began to cry out with tears and wailing, and to pray thus: "Have mercy on me, presented by his mother, Holy man of God, have mercy, servant of the Savior Jesus Christ, have mercy on my innermost being, have mercy on my son, perishing by a miserable kind of death. For he is my only one, and if anything adverse happens to him, it will torture me more; it will, I say, torment me, his wretched mother, even more, so that I no longer consider myself his mother." And when she told him how the fish bone, while he was eating, had become lodged in his throat, Saint Blasius, moved to compassion for the mother and also for the boy, laid his hand on him and signed his throat with the Cross of the Lord. After this, raising his eyes to heaven, he prayed thus, by the sign of the Cross saying: "Lord Jesus Christ, whom I believe in my heart, confess with my mouth, for whose name I am being led to death, O God, hearer and Savior of all: Thou, who dost fulfill the will of all who fear Thee, and by his prayers heals him; and dost hear their prayer and save them; hear me, although unworthy and a sinner, yet Thy servant, praying for the bereavement of this woman and the salvation of this boy. Hear me, and pluck out the bone fixed in his throat by Thy almighty right hand and Thy unspeakable power: yet so, Lord, that his healing may profit others also. For because Thou, O God, art rich unto all who call upon Thy name, and dost give unto all abundantly, I ask that to the glory of Thy name and the salvation of those who hear, and prays for God's help upon all who will invoke him in such necessity: and as a testimony of this Thy power, the effect of this power may also endure in ages to come. For I pray, Lord, that if ever a similar affliction befalls anyone, whether man, or bird, or beast of burden, if anyone, mindful of Thy name, invokes Thy name with faith, under the commemoration and patronage of my name, do not withdraw Thy help, but hasten to give aid." When this prayer was completed, he restored the boy to his former health and gave him back to his mother.
[8] Thus, as the journey progressed, his reputation grew at the same time. For he was already known also in Nicopolis, which was not far from Sebastia. There was there a woman
CHAPTER II
Torments. Reward of Beneficence.
[9] He is given into custody: After this, the blessed Blasius, entering Sebastia together with the soldiers (which is the metropolis of Cappadocia), was not presented to the Governor on that day: for the Governor ordered him to be put in prison in the meantime. For on the following day, sitting at his tribunal, he ordered him to be presented. And when he had been brought before him, at first he attempted to address him with flattering words and to soften him with a word of greeting, saying: he mocks the gods: "Rejoice, Blasius, friend of the gods." Saint Blasius said: "Rejoice also, excellent Governor. Yet that joy God will administer to you from heaven, if you say that those you call gods are not gods but demons: for those golden and silver images are not gods but hiding places of demons; and just as you melt them in fire from metal so that you can form them, so they in turn will be burned together with their worshipers in eternal fire. And therefore, Governor, I cannot be their friend, lest together with them I be delivered to the flames of hell." At these words of Saint Blasius, the Governor, angered, ordered him to be beaten with clubs. And when he had been beaten for a very long time he is beaten with clubs, and neither uttered a cry nor changed the color of his countenance, he turned to the Governor and said: "I am amazed, without changing countenance: Governor, that you think these beatings can alienate me from the love of God and the faith of the Savior Jesus Christ. For although as a deceiver of souls you may be able to persuade the more simple-minded and extort their faith by punishments from the weaker, yet you cannot do so with me. For I am certain that neither torments nor death itself will be able to separate me from the love of God. For I shall have as my strengthener and Savior the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, the Son of the living God." When the torturers have failed, he is sent back to prison: And already the torturers had grown weary of beating, yet the Martyr did not grow weary of suffering. But when the Governor saw that he was making no progress, and that Blasius was somehow becoming stronger by the very blows themselves, he ordered him to be released and thrust again into prison.
[10] And that poor woman, whose pig Saint Blasius had caused to be restored from the wolf's attack, hearing of his patience in sufferings and his perseverance in faith, had the same pig killed, he is refreshed with food by the widow: and having cooked its head and feet and carefully placing them with fruits of the earth together in a vessel, with lights she hastened to him: and having given a small gift to the jailer, she entered the prison to him and offered these things as a blessing. And he, delighted by her devotion and such a pious intention, rejoicing in the Lord, tasting with thanksgiving of all that she had brought, thus revealing the future to her and asking her to keep his memory, addressed her: "Know, woman," he said, "that the dissolution of my body is now at hand: and very soon, having fought the good fight, having finished the race, having kept the faith, he bids her keep his memory with lights and almsgiving, I am about to pass to the Lord through martyrdom. And therefore, when the triumph of my struggle is completed, light candles in my memory as an example of this deed; and if you have anything pertaining to sustenance, distribute it according to your means to the poor and needy. And my God, who said, 'What you did for one of the least of mine, you did for Me,' who at the prayers of His servant Elijah made it so that the flour in the jar did not fail that poor widow, nor the oil in the cruse diminish, Matthew 25:40 -- He will also make it that your house shall never lack what is necessary, [and he promises a reward, even temporal, from God, and to all who shall imitate her:] and will cause you to abound in all good things plentifully, both in the present and in the future. 3 Kings 17:16 Moreover, if anyone, imitating your example, shall do similar things in my memory, may the Lord, the Author of all good things, deign to repay him both temporally here and to grant eternal life in the future." With these promises and commands the woman was dismissed, and returned to her house with joy, glorifying and blessing God in all His wonderful works and mercies.
[11] And the Governor ordered a tribunal to be prepared for him in the second hearing, and there the blessed Martyr Blasius to be presented to him. He mocks the gods, And when he had been brought, he said to him: "Blasius, choose one of two things: either worship the gods and you shall be our friend; or certainly, if you despise doing this, you shall be subjected to various and severe punishments and condemned to an evil death." Saint Blasius said: "I have already told you, Governor, that the images which you worship are not gods -- wood, stones, bronze, silver and gold, works of men's hands. For they cannot be gods who are made by men and who themselves did not make heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them: and therefore both they shall perish and all who trust in them. Whence I neither worship them, nor dread the torments and the torments, with which you think to terrify me. For through them indeed I believe I shall attain eternal life."
[12] Then the Governor, seeing his soul fixed in the Lord and his mind immutable, ordered him to be suspended on a wooden frame, and iron combs, of the kind used for carding wool, to be brought, and therewith his back and whole body to be torn and lacerated. Already blood began to run down and flesh to fall away: he is torn with iron combs, already even the executioners themselves were moved by wonder and tears: and yet in the blessed Martyr no sense of pain could be perceived. At last, turning to the Governor, he said: "Behold, Governor, this is what I have long desired -- that with my mind suspended from earthly things, rejoicing, my body also should be raised on high. Behold, now the flesh consents to the spirit, and the spirit does not lust against the flesh. Now, near to heaven, I despise all earthly things, and your torments with you. God strengthening him, And indeed I cannot fear these torments or feel them as heavy, because I have the Lord my Jesus Christ who strengthens me. Therefore I do not dread these visible punishments, because they are not eternal but temporal. And by the thought of eternal things: For in view of eternal things, whether good or evil, I account both your goods and your evils as absolutely nothing, expecting that ineffable reward of all good things in heaven, which eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor has it entered into the heart of man, what God has prepared for those who love Him."
CHAPTER III
The Martyrdom of the Seven Women.
[13] And so the Governor, seeing that his constancy in faith seemed to grow stronger and somehow increase under such dire torments, ordered him to be taken down from the frame and again committed to prison. And as he went joyfully to the prison, singing a hymn to the Lord, seven women who had already believed in Christ through his miracles, teaching, and constancy followed him. For fearing neither the torments inflicted on the Martyr, nor the Governor so fierce, seven women, gathering his blood and sprinkling themselves with it, nor those who were leading him, they caught the drops of blood running down with their hands and their linen cloths: and sprinkling themselves with it, they hoped to become sharers of his passion and triumph. And when those who were leading the blessed Blasius to prison saw this, they seized them and brought them to the Governor, they are arrested: saying: "Governor, we have arrested these women following Blasius to prison and sprinkling themselves with his blood; and on more careful inquiry as to what profession they were of, we found them to be Christians. Therefore we have seized them and brought them before your sight, to be examined by your judgment."
[14] And the Governor, seeing them, asked if they were truly Christians. And when they answered that they were, asked to sacrifice to the idols, he said: "Do not by this vain name lose both your goods and your life: but rather yield to me and sacrifice to the gods, to whom your parents both have sacrificed and do sacrifice." They answered and said: "If you wish, Governor, that we, departing from the worship of Christ, should sacrifice to the gods, we must first be purified. Let us therefore go to the nearby pool and, according to custom, wash our faces and our whole body. They ask to be led with the idols to the pool, Therefore command that the gods be given to us, to whom you wish us to sacrifice, so that after we have been purified, we may there immediately, beside that very pool, sacrifice to them as clean women."
Then the Governor, filled with joy and believing that they truly wished to sacrifice to the gods as they had said, ordered many images of the gods to be given to them, and sent soldiers together with them, to watch them both going and returning and to see what they would do about their promise. And those women, having received the images of the gods, put them in sacks filled with lead. And when they had come together with the soldiers to the pool, into which they hurl them; where they knew the greatest depth to be, there they threw them in.
[15] But when the Governor heard what had been done, he was nearly beside himself with rage. At last, angry with the women and angry also with the soldiers, he said: "In vain, as I see, I sent you together with them. Why did you not prevent so great a crime? Why did you consent to let our gods be thrown into the depths of the pool?" The soldiers answered and said: and they tell the Governor, "This, Governor, that deceived you into ordering our gods to be handed over to them -- this same thing deceived us from preventing them from being drowned. For we did not know that the women were speaking to you with guile. Indeed we thought that they truly wished to sacrifice to them, as they had said." The women said: "Our Christ neither practices guile nor suffers it: for of Him it is written: 'Who committed no sin, nor was guile found in His mouth.' 1 Peter 2:22 His worshipers, moreover, though they often suffer guile, do not practice it: and therefore do not think that we spoke to you with guile, but with mockery. For we did not think you were so foolish it was done not with guile, that you could believe we would ever depart from the worship of Christ and sacrifice to idols. Therefore, that you and your soldiers were deceived, you should attribute not to our deceit but to your own folly: but by his foolishness, which they mocked, nay rather, your gods together with you both suffer and practice guile. And about you it is certainly true that just as you practice guile against others, so in turn you suffer it from others: but your gods, if they did not suffer guile, would have taken care not to be drowned. If they did not practice guile, they would not persuade people to worship empty wood, fragile stones, bronze, silver, and gold in place of the true God."
[16] Then the Governor, filled with extreme anger, ordered a furnace to be kindled in their sight, and, to strike greater terror into them, ordered iron combs with which their bodies would be torn, and bronze tunics which would be put on them white-hot from the fire, they mock the proposed torments; to be brought. Finally, ordering a linen cloth to be spread out before him, he said to the women: "Since I cannot persuade you with words, I seek with torments what I cannot achieve with my tongue. Therefore, to demonstrate the uprightness of your former faith, walk upon this linen cloth, turning neither to the right nor to the left; or if you refuse or are unable to do this, I shall expend all these torments upon you." But one of them, who had with her two sons likewise enrolled in the contest of martyrdom, boldly running, took the same linen cloth and threw it into the fire of the burning furnace: "Thus," she said, "God will take away from this life and send into eternal fire all who either do not think Christ should be worshiped or judge that gods should be adored." Then the little boys, understanding that their mother would by this occasion attain the palm of martyrdom, the two boys wishing to follow their mother to death: both with one voice said to her: "Do not, holy mother, do not leave us behind on this earth, but carry us with you to the heavenly kingdom: and just as when we were still infants you nourished us with earthly bread, so now that we are stronger, fill us with the heavenly bread which you often, as if playing with us as your children, promised us."
[17] Then the Governor, no longer able to contain himself from excessive fury, [they are lacerated with iron combs, milk flowing instead of blood; they themselves shine, and are encouraged by an Angel:] unable to endure it any longer, ordered them to be suspended and their flesh to be plowed with iron combs. A truly wonderful and rarely heard thing: from the wounds inflicted, with the soldiers themselves looking on, milk instead of blood was running down: and their very bodies were like a shining flame and were made white as snow. And an Angel of the Lord descended from heaven: and healing their wounds, he said: "You have now begun well; now press on to the end of the contest. For just as a hired laborer, beginning the work of his harvest, receives his wages from his employer if he does not withdraw from the work before the harvest is over; so also you, having already endured harsh torments for Christ, shall receive the crown of martyrdom if you persevere in the confession of Christ. For he who endures to the end shall be saved."
[18] The Governor, terrified by these prodigies, ordered them to be taken down from the rack indeed, but did not cease from the savagery of his cruelty. For he soon ordered them, once taken down, to be thrown into a furnace of burning fire. They are thrown into the furnace: the fire being extinguished, When, according to the Governor's command, they had been thrown in, and without harm to themselves, without the burning of their garments, singing a hymn to the Lord, were walking about here and there, the fire was soon extinguished. Thus coming forth from the furnace, purer than gold thrice refined and brighter than silver purified sevenfold, they emerge unharmed and resplendent: they appeared in the eyes of all shining and whiter than snow. And so, while all were marveling, the Governor, concealing on his face the shame which he felt in his mind, said to them: "Your magic arts, which your Christ taught you, have done this. But now put aside these vanities they refute the Governor who attributed this to magic: and worship our gods, even if late: lest, as a final resort, I condemn you with a capital sentence." They answered and said: "Neither did our Christ teach magic, nor do His servants know magic: but the almighty God works through His worshipers whatever He wills. Therefore what you threaten in words, show also in deeds: and what you began long ago, bring to the end of our contest at some point. For your delays are unwelcome to us; all your little delays seem long to us, because we have already been called to the heavenly kingdom and invited to the crown of our contest."
[19] Then the Governor Agricolaus, vehemently blushing because he could not overcome them, having pronounced sentence, condemned to death, ordered them to be beheaded. When the holy women heard this, giving thanks to the Lord, they said: "Glory to Thee, O Christ, who hast deigned to call us to Thy mercy and hast granted us to suffer for Thy name. Behold, we shall go joyfully, they exult; behold, we shall accept death cheerfully for the confession of Thy name, that we may be able to come to Thee, who art the true life." And as they hastened exultantly to the place where they were to be beheaded, the boys whom we mentioned above, following them, began to cry out to their mother and to say: "Now, holy Mother, your crowns have been prepared for you: but why do you forsake us, or to whom do you leave us? Therefore commend us to the holy Martyr and most valiant athlete of Christ, our Father, Bishop Blasius; the boys beseeching them to commend them to Saint Blasius: so that since it was not permitted with our Mother, at least with our Father we may reach Christ and the kingdom of heaven." When the boys with these plaintive cries had arrived together with them at the place appointed for their triumph, the blessed women asked the executioners for the opportunity to pray. Having received it, with bended knees and with their hands and eyes raised together to heaven, they poured forth this suppliant prayer to the Lord: "Lord God, who brought us forth from darkness and from the womb of our mothers into the light of this world; Thou who through Thy holy servant Blasius hast led us from the error of faithlessness to the knowledge of Thy love; they give thanks to God, we praise Thee, we bless Thee, we glorify Thee: because Thou hast deigned to bring us to this hour of our glorification, and to number us among the company of Thy holy Martyrs. For who is like our God? Who is like Thee among the mighty, O Lord? Who is like Thee? Magnificent in holiness, terrible and praiseworthy, and working wonders. And now, Lord God, since among Thy other wonders Thou hast deigned thus to glorify us Thy handmaids, and now is the time for us to come to Thee, whom we believe in our heart, whom we have confessed with our mouth, whom we have always desired with our whole heart from the knowledge of Thy name, deign to accept the sacrifice of our body: receive us like sheep of the slaughter, and unite us in heaven with Thy holy Martyr Thecla, though we be the least and unworthy. Receive the spirit and souls of ours, which into Thy hands, O Lord, we now commend through the merits and prayer of Thy holy servant Blasius, who first brought us to the knowledge of Thy truth and the confession of Thy name. And they pray for those boys. Grant also that these little ones may have the consolation of this Thy holy Martyr and together with him may reach Thy mercy, O Christ our God, who with the Father and the Holy Spirit livest and reignest for all ages of ages." And when the boys had answered "Amen," they were immediately beheaded by the executioners for Christ, and crowned with their own blood, and departed to the Lord for whom they had suffered.
AnnotationsCHAPTER IV
The Martyrdom of Saint Blasius and the Two Boys.
[20] After this, the blessed Martyr Blasius is again recalled from prison, again brought before the tribunal, again subjected to torments. For now at the third session, the Governor ordered a tribunal to be prepared for him: and when Saint Blasius had been brought there, the Governor said: "For this reason, Blasius, I have put you off until this time, so that in this delay you might have deliberated something that pertains to your benefit. Come, even if late, and sacrifice to the gods. For if you do not, I shall bear with you no longer." Saint Blasius, mocking the gods, The holy Martyr said: "I cannot sufficiently marvel at the darkness of your blindness, Governor. For I wonder that you do not see the light which is in the open and is available to all. For if you had seen the true light, you would by no means worship idols. If you had seen the true light, you would by no means say to wood, stone, bronze, silver, and gold: 'My God.' Who does not know that the works of men's hands are not gods? If you do not know these things are not gods, throw them into the fire, and when the wood has been consumed, the stones shattered, and the bronze, silver, and gold melted, then you will prove that what I said is true. But I already know what torments you are preparing for me on account of my reasoning of the truth: therefore whatever torments, whatever punishments you exercise upon me, I shall fear none of them, and the Governor's threats, with Christ strengthening me. Indeed you have power over my body: but over my soul you do not. For thus Christ my Lord Himself said: 'Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.' Matthew 10:28 For He Himself, whom I serve, who is God in heaven, can even bodily deliver me, if He wills, from your hands."
[21] The Governor said: "And how can your Christ, as you say, your God, deliver you, if I order you to be thrown into the deep pool?" He is thrown into the pool; The blessed Blasius said: "Foolish man, behold, you worship idols -- nay, demons -- and yet in your necessities you invoke them and hope for help from them: and shall I, who worship and adore the true God, ever distrust His power or despair of His aid? For even if your gods, as you say, having been drowned in the same place, were unable to rise from it, yet my Christ can show you His power even in this element. For His power is not unfamiliar with the substance of water. For, to say nothing of the fact that through the Holy Spirit our sins are washed away by waters, He Himself in the body walked upon the waves of the sea as upon dry land, and likewise commanded the holy Prince of the Apostles, Peter, to come to Him with steps suspended above the waters. Therefore He who granted this to the Apostle can also grant it to me, the least of His servants." Having said this, he came with the Governor and an innumerable multitude of people to the pool. And when he had signed the water with the Cross of the Lord, Having signed the pool with the Cross, he does not sink, the water immediately became like dry ground to support his steps: and running over the waters themselves as over the earth, he came to the middle of the pool. Sitting there, he addressed the Governor and all the people standing around from that spot: "If there is any power in your gods, or if you have any confidence in them, enter the waters yourselves also, and walk upon them in the name of your gods, so that you may thus finally demonstrate their power." At these words of the holy Martyr, eighty men, invoking the help of the gods, boldly entered the waters and were immediately swallowed up in the depths. And an Angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and at the same time an inexpressible light shone upon him. And all the people who stood by could indeed see the light, but could not perceive the Angel because of the excessive radiance. [The soldiers who dared the same being drowned: he is led out by an Angel, with great light:] And the Angel said to the blessed Martyr: "Come forth now gloriously; hasten to the crown prepared for you by God." Then rising, he again walked upon the waters themselves as upon the earth. And when he had come forth from the pool, all the people who were present marveled at the light which appeared upon him and at the splendor of his countenance.
[22] Yet the Governor, having seen so many miracles, could be neither moved to spare the Martyr nor brought to believe. At last, summoning him, he said: "I see now, Blasius, that you have resolved to persist in your obstinacy and not worship the gods. Wherefore know that I also have resolved no longer to spare you, but to pronounce the final sentence upon you." He is condemned to death with the two boys: Then, angered, he dictated the sentence in this manner: "Blasius, who has despised me and contradicted the Imperial command and dishonored the gods and moreover killed eighty men by drowning them in the waters, together with the two boys whom he has deceived by his magic, let him be beheaded."
[23] When the holy Martyr heard this, now secure concerning the end of his struggle, and giving thanks to the Lord, he began together with the executioner and the boys to hasten to the place appointed for his beheading. When he had arrived there and had obtained from the executioner the opportunity to pray, with bended knees and with his heart, hands, and eyes raised together to heaven, he prayed in this manner: "Lord my God, who recalled me from the error of idols to the worship of Thy religion; Christ, who art the true light, He prays for those who will honor his memory, and who, illuminating every man coming into this world, hast also illuminated the darkness of my ignorance; God of hosts, who sittest upon the Cherubim and, opening the cataracts of heaven, givest rain upon the face of the earth, and in the sign of Thy covenant stretchest Thy bow over it; Thou who, crucified for us, didst subdue the enemy of the human race, the devil, and didst overcome the crooked bar, the ancient dragon: be present now to me Thy servant: hear the last prayer which I, about to be beheaded for Thy name, pour forth to Thee. Be present to all, and fulfill the just desires of each, who for the glorification of me Thy servant shall glorify Thy name, or for my memorial shall do anything to the glory of Thy name. Especially in pain of the throat or other necessity; If a small bone shall lodge in anyone's throat, or if someone shall suffer any harm in the throat, and with faith shall ask Thy help with the invocation of my patronage, as a testimony of the power which Thou once wrought through Thy servant, do Thou come to his aid and relieve him from the threatening danger. If anyone, burdened by any infirmity, if anyone placed in any peril, shall be mindful of my name and shall humbly implore Thy help with my intercession, do Thou both heal him from infirmity and deliver him from danger, and deign to be present to all who in their tribulations faithfully call upon Thee through my name."
[24] The Martyr was still lying in prayer, and behold a shining cloud illumined him, and a voice sounded from the cloud at the same time, saying: Which, from the divine voice sent from the cloud, he understands God will grant: "I am God, who shall glorify you, most beloved athlete, and have glorified you: and therefore all that you have asked, according to the faith and benefit of each person, I will fulfill. I in infirmity, I in danger, I in whatever tribulation they may be placed -- if they pray to Me with your patronage, I will either deliver them in the present, if it is expedient for them to be delivered, or in the future I will grant them eternal life. And I will bless the house of that poor woman for whom you prayed, and of all who keep your memorial, and I will fill them with temporal goods in the present as well as reward them with an eternal recompense in the future." And when these words were spoken, the cloud departed together with the voice.
[25] And so at last the Martyr, together with the two boys, was beheaded outside the walls of the city of Sebastia. He is beheaded: And a certain woman named Helysea, very prudent and God-fearing, collected the bodies of the Saints and buried them worthily, placed together in the same spot where they had been beheaded. In which place innumerable miracles unto this day the Lord works, in the healing of various infirmities, to the glory of His name and the glorification of His servant. He is buried: after death he is renowned for miracles: Thus the Martyr, tested by the wasting of prison, by the scourges of beating, by suspension on the rack, by the tearing of combs, by the peril of waters, and finally by the stroke of the sword, and glorious with many great miracles, departed from earth to heaven, from men to Angels, from the world to the Lord.
[26] And that poor woman who had come to him in prison, hearing of his glorious passing, his memory is celebrated with candles and almsgiving, lit candles in his memory according to the Martyr's command, and distributed to the poor and needy whatever she could have of meat or fruits of the earth. Many others followed her example at his bidding, whether from her kindred, or neighbors, or household members, and from that time began to bestow many things upon the poor in his name and memory: and the memory of this deed endures even unto this day. For always at the annual return of his feast, at the place of his martyrdom, almsgiving and the reception of the poor, the lighting of lamps and candles, and hymns in his honor and the glory of God are customarily celebrated. The most blessed Martyr Blasius the Bishop suffered in the city of Sebastia, on the third day before the Nones of February, under the Governor Agricolaus, in the reign of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom with the Father and the Holy Spirit together is honor and glory for ages of ages, Amen.
THIRD ACTS, BY AN ANONYMOUS AUTHOR,
from the manuscript of the monastery of Bodeken of the Canons Regular, copied by John Gamans of the Society of Jesus.
Blasius, Bishop and Martyr, at Sebastia in Cappadocia (Saint) Seven women, Martyrs, at Sebastia in Cappadocia Two boys, Martyrs, at Sebastia in Cappadocia
BHL Number: 1378
Column 344BBy an anonymous author, from a manuscript.
PROLOGUE OF THE AUTHOR.
[1] When the Church, founded by the Apostles and their successors throughout the entire world, was nobly flourishing, and according to the Gospel parable, with the seed of the word of God sown, the good earth was producing abundantly in some the thirtyfold fruit of continence, in others the sixtyfold of widowhood, and in some the hundredfold of holy virginity; to test also those seeds that fell by the wayside and those that fell on rocky ground or among thorns, and also to separate the chaff from the wheat, the Church was sometimes purified as well by the winnowing fan of divine testing. Matthew 13:8 In persecution, many falling, Indeed in every city, village, and region, when the storm of most cruel persecution arose from the seditions of the populace, not only men and women of stronger age, but also decrepit old men and boys and girls of tender years were seized, placed before the tribunals of kings and governors, and first indeed enticed by flatteries, rewards, and honors to deny the faith, then compelled by all kinds of torments displayed before their eyes. Of these, some, like a reed shaken by the winds, soon yielded, terrified by the very sight of the punishments: others, after the first, second, or third examination, like a house whose foundation was placed on sand, when the winds and floods beat against it, fell miserably, and having been made the prey of Babylon the huntress, offered their rich spoils to her teeth. But those who had placed the foundation of their house upon the rock, many contend gloriously, what kinds of punishments they endured, what tongue can suffice to enumerate? Some condemned to the darkness of prison are killed by hunger and thirst; others are flayed alive; some are afflicted with whips, beatings, and leaded scourges; others are overwhelmed by stones; others are consumed by flames; some are affixed to the cross in imitation of the Lord; others, tortured in manifold ways, are finally run through with swords. For those for whom Christ was their life and death was gain, while they fixed the eyes of their mind on Him alone, hungering, thirsting, and longing for Him, they counted as little all the tortures that could be inflicted on their bodies. Whence also, with their bodies buried in peace, their name and glory remain for ages, and the whole Church together celebrates their praise.
[2] From the number of all these, I -- though unworthy, yet a devoted admirer -- claim for myself the task of expounding the passion of one most excellent and almost incomparable man, the blessed Blasius, which was indeed committed to writing before but not adequately enough: not trusting in my own knowledge, but confiding in the mercy of Him who opens the mouths of the mute and makes the tongues of infants eloquent. [The Author writes the Acts of Saint Blasius, having been freed by him from the peril of death.] And if any should wish to charge me with having presumed upon things greater and exceeding my measure, I ask them to grant pardon to my boldness. For if their authority had deigned to undertake this work, my ignorance would most gladly have yielded to their skill. At the same time let them know that I have offered this praise, however slight, to such a Patron not out of presumption but out of obligation, since I, snatched from the very jaws of death, thrive restored to life. I shall begin the subject as best I can with stammering tongue.
CHAPTER I.
The Virtues and Miracles of Saint Blasius.
[3] The homeland, birth, and virtues of Saint Blasius, Therefore the most blessed Martyr and most valiant athlete of Christ, Blasius, was a native of Sebastia, the metropolis of Cappadocia, born of a noble family: but a more excellent generosity of mind adorned this nobility of the flesh through the integrity of his character and the conduct of an honorable life. For he was prudent, gentle, pleasant in appearance, affable, outstanding in chastity, preeminent in piety and patience; neither was he exalted by prosperity nor cast down by adversity; generous in charity, beloved by all for his mercy, most skillful in discernment, adorned with the flowers of every kind of virtue. At that time the gatherings of Christians in the same city which we have mentioned were few: for in mountains and caves and in hidden places of the earth, compelled by the violence of persecution, the Christians cherished their hiding place. For Licinius, whom the most Christian Emperor Constantine, protector of all religion, had taken as colleague of the Empire At what time was the episcopate imposed on him? and had bound more closely to himself for the integrity of his character and the piety of his early faith by giving him his sister in marriage, had fallen into the sacrileges of paganism, had forgotten the faith, and out of jealousy of that same Prince had severely shaken by his disturbances the state of the Churches which he had previously restored with all zeal: and he who before had taken the harshest vengeance on the persecutors of Christians now himself in turn became the author and contriver of the most cruel persecution. He destroyed the Churches which he himself had rebuilt at his own expense after they had been destroyed by Galerius Maximian and Maximinus; he afflicted the people of God, and especially the Priests and Clergy, as an inventor of new punishments, with exquisite and unheard-of tortures, and left no safe place to stand. But those few who remained in Sebastia, since they too were hiding themselves as much as they could, seeing the manner of life of the blessed Blasius who lived in the flesh beyond the flesh, by unanimous counsel with equal consent and election established him as their Bishop.
[4] After he had governed them irreproachably for some time, not only by the word of preaching but also by the examples of a holy life, he began to contemplate the secrets of the desert, with frequent fasts and sighs, crying out with David: "Who will give me wings like a dove? And I will fly away and be at rest." His hiding place on the mountain: "He fled far away and remained in the solitude," so that he who had hitherto labored with Martha in the active life might now be able to taste beforehand the sweetness of contemplation with Mary. Psalm 54:7 Having at last found a cave on Mount Argaeus (which, as Solinus relates, is steep with snowy ridges, and never lacks frost even from the burning summer sun), he betook himself there, and alone, communing with God alone, although he had withdrawn himself from all the solace of human visitation, his companionship with wild beasts, he was nonetheless most frequently visited by the approach of wild beasts: if any of which suffered from the trouble of any ill health, as if driven by an intellectual spirit, they were brought to him, and prostrate at his feet they begged for the remedy of health in what voice they could. Healing, And when they had felt that they had obtained it through his blessing, they repaid him this benefit, and as if in thanksgiving, by no means departing from him but continually standing by him, as servants attend their patron. O blessed man, to be compared with no inferior glory to Elijah and Daniel! Of whom the one, also himself dwelling in the desert as a companion of wild beasts, was fed by the ministry of rapacious ravens; and the other, thrown into the den of lions, while his betrayers were devoured by them before his eyes, himself rests unharmed and secure in their midst. In this we know that he is to be preferred even to them: that he not only dwelt among beasts but also worked upon them when they were sick no small tokens of healing. Gratitude: These are Thy works, O Christ: these are the great deeds of Thy loving-kindness. And O pitiable and lamentable folly of men! Behold, irrational animals have the sense to seek health from the servant of God: having obtained it, lest they seem ungrateful, they repay the service as they can: but rational men, created in the image and likeness of God, with the eyes of their minds blinded and their hearts hardened, neither know nor reverence God nor His Saints; but invoke wood and stones for their help, attributing to them their salvation and the benefits granted by God.
[5] In those times in those same parts, Agricolaus held the governorship, who, fiercer than any wild beast, according to the will of Satan who possessed and drove him, was grievously devastating the race of Christ's worshipers. And on a certain day, having gathered his attendants and sent them hunting, when they had come to Mount Argaeus, they chanced upon the hiding place of Saint Blasius. These keeping watch before the cave, And seeing an immense flock of wild beasts gathered together, they fell nearly lifeless with the force of their fear. Then, their spirits revived a little, they murmured among themselves about what this marvel might be: and soon, intending to investigate the truth more certainly, though with wavering step, pressing on thither, they found the cave, and, as is the manner of human curiosity, looking in, they discovered the athlete of Christ engaged in prayer. At which sight, with the greatest haste they returned to the Governor found praying, and reported what they had seen with a careful narration. And he, thinking cruelly, and like a wolf driven by rage to devour the captured sheep, adding to the former number of soldiers, impatient of any delay, urged them to depart as quickly as possible, to search all places with diligent investigation; and he ordered that whoever they found bearing the Christian name should be dragged before him. No slower were they in obeying the mad commands; departing, they entered the cave at a swift run, and addressed the holy man still persisting in prayer thus: He is summoned before the Governor, "Rise and set out; the Governor's command bids you be brought before his sight." And he, rising from his prayer, greeted them in return with a most joyful face and cheerful voice, saying: "You have come well and opportunely, sweetest sons; I rejoice at your coming, because I recognize that my time is now at hand. Forewarned by God: For my Lord Jesus Christ, whom I serve, whom alone I believe in my heart to be the true God and confess with my mouth, I have seen appearing to me this night three times, and commanding me to offer Him the customary burnt offerings. Wherefore, believing that I am called by His grace, with an intrepid and steadfast spirit I shall go wherever you wish, dearest ones. He Himself is my helper; I shall not fear what man may do to me."
[6] And rising at that same hour, joyful and cheerful, he took up the journey with them, having Thee, O Christ, always on his lips, Thee before the eyes of his heart, hoping in Thee as the helper and rewarder of his coming struggle. But not even on that compulsory march was he idle from the work of preaching. Indeed, whomever he could of the Gentiles, he drew to Christ by admonitions and exhortations, the power of signs confirming the truth of his words. The sick who were brought to him by them he would heal by the mere laying on of hands, and meeting all kinds of pains and diseases by the power of a potent faith, he would bestow only the medicine of prayer. Healing the sick by the laying on of hands and by prayer, Nor was this grace of healing worked only in men, but also in various kinds of animals, if any happened to be suffering from any injury. From their innumerable multitude, let the son of a certain widow be set forth, so that in this one case it may be proved what and how much he then bestowed, or now and until the consummation of the age mercifully bestows upon those who seek it with right faith. This same boy, while on a certain occasion he was refreshing himself with a meal of fish, suddenly began to be afflicted with the intolerable torment of a spine in his throat, and as the violence of the pain grew gradually worse, he was waiting moment by moment for the departure of his soul. Thus he heals a boy nearly suffocated by a fish spine lodged in his throat: His mother, since he was her only son, while she was sorrowfully preparing his last rites as though he were already lifeless, learning that the blessed Bishop Blasius was passing through that place, ran to meet him with strong faith and with hope based on the merits of his holiness, threw herself at his feet, offered her son who was already drawing his last breath; with tears she set forth his misfortune and her own calamity, conjuring him by Christ to pour out the bowels of piety and mercy upon her, by restoring him to life and his former health. And he, being wholly full of the bowels of charity, weighing the woman's faith and compassionate for her misery, bent his knees, and not only for the present boy but for the sick of future times, poured forth this prayer from the depths of his heart to the Lord: "Lord my God, Jesus Christ, who art near to all who call upon Thee in truth, who dost fulfill the will of those who fear Thee and dost hear their prayer: be present also to the prayers of me, Thy most humble servant, and restore this little boy unharmed to his mother, removing the spine by which he is choking from his throat. I pray also, he prays for those who will invoke him: O Lord, that from this hour, whenever it befalls any person to suffer this affliction, if through the commemoration of my name he calls upon Thy clemency to his aid, saying: 'Lord Jesus Christ, our true God, through the prayer of Thy servant Blasius, hasten to my aid,' according to the multitude of Thy mercies faithfully come to his aid and deign to deliver him powerfully from every kind of infirmity from which he shall suffer. And if various kinds of animals and birds which serve human uses are seized by any such thing, and my name is invoked over them, be gracious, Lord, to those who ask, healing them, because Thou art the God of mercies and art merciful." When he had finished this prayer, he rose, and imprinting the sign of the Cross on the boy's throat, gave him his hand and lifted him up, and restored him whole to his mother, who continually praised God.
[7] Already the fame of his name and the purity of his most holy life had spread through all of Nicopolis. For on account of the art of medicine, in which according to secular knowledge he was not a little skilled, he was already known there even before
CHAPTER II
Torments Inflicted on Saint Blasius.
[8] And Saint Blasius, burning with desire for martyrdom and hastening the journey he had begun with the soldiers, as soon as he had entered the metropolis of Sebastia and it was reported to the Governor that he was present, was ordered to be locked in the confines of the prison, and on the following day, the Governor rising earlier, to be stood before the tribunal. When he was presented, Agricolaus, according to the interpretation of his name (for someone interpreting it thus says that Agricolaus means "rough flatterer"), first greeted him blandly but falsely, saying: Answering the Governor fearlessly, "Hail, Blasius, to be honored by all for the friendship of the gods in which you excel." And Saint Blasius, greeting him in return with a cheerful countenance in the same manner, said: "Hail to you also, most illustrious Governor. I do not want you to give yourself over to falsehood so much that, with the eyes of your mind closed against beholding the truth, you call those gods which are works of men's hands -- they have mouths and do not speak, eyes and do not see, ears and do not hear, etc. For when they seem to speak, demons speak through their mouths to deceive the wretched hearts of men. Beware therefore prudently, lest in worshiping and honoring them you become like them; because they will be delivered to everlasting fire with all who trust in them." He is beaten with clubs: The Governor, blind with fury, not bearing this remarkable confession of his, ordered him to be beaten with clubs; and when, though beaten for a very long time, he would not yield, but rather confessed that he was being strengthened more and more by Christ, the Governor, confounded, ordered him to be returned to prison.
[9] And when that poor old woman -- to whom the day before a wolf had returned the pig it had carried off, at Blasius's command -- had learned this for certain by the spreading of the report, mindful of that saying of the Lord, that whoever gives one of these least ones a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple shall not lose his reward, and motivated by the will of pious devotion, she did what she could with what she had: killing that same sow of hers, she cooked the head and feet, and coming by night to the prison she brought them with her, and having rewarded the guards, she obtained permission to enter to the athlete of Christ, and entering with a lit lamp she offered them to him, beseeching him with earnest prayers to deign to taste something of them. Matthew 10:42 He is refreshed with food by the widow, promising a reward, even temporal: And he, looking up to heaven and giving immense thanks to God, ate, and giving her the fullest blessing, exhorted her to keep a perpetual memorial of him: he promised that her house, and that of all who following this example would remember him more often, would be made fruitful with the abundance of heavenly blessing. And she, receiving his command with the greatest veneration, joyfully returned home, praising and glorifying God for the most glorious confession and endurance of His Martyr. O truly rich poverty of this widow, to be preferred to the wealth of King Croesus! O praiseworthy "foolishness" of the old woman, who though she could have been delirious in her already decrepit old age, showed herself not lacking in Gospel wisdom when she did not worry about tomorrow! O widow not unfittingly to be compared to that woman of Zarephath, who, while she did not fear to spend, though hungry herself, the handful of flour which alone she had and a little oil to satisfy the hunger of Elijah, both merited to be delivered from the present danger of famine together with her son, and left the memory of her merit to the ages. She is to be reckoned no less than that Gospel widow who, when she cast two mites, that is, a farthing, into the gifts of God, attested by the testimony of the Lord's own voice, merited to be preferred to all the rich who had cast their bronze into the treasury; because while all those had contributed from their abundance, she from her poverty gave all that she had. So also did this faithful widow, who, possessing absolutely nothing else to live on except this one little pig, in order to come to the aid of the holy Martyr condemned to the confines of prison, spared neither this only possession, nor indeed even herself: wherefore her memory shall not depart, and her righteousness remains for ever and ever.
[10] Therefore, at the dawning of the next day, Agricolaus ordered the blessed Blasius, brought out of prison, to be presented before the tribunal prepared for him in the second hearing: standing before him, he exhorted him with flatteries to sacrifice to his gods; if he refused, he threatened him with various kinds of torments. He refused, called down destruction upon gods who had not made heaven and earth, professed himself a worshiper of Christ and to remain so forever. He reproached the Governor for delaying in inflicting the promised punishments: he said he was delighted by the display of these, however manifold, as by the courses of an exquisite banquet; that the strength of endurance and fortitude were supplied to him from heaven by Christ. He is torn to pieces with iron combs, But the Governor, seeing that he could be bent neither by flatteries nor terrified by threats, ordered him to be tortured suspended on the rack, and his entire body to be torn to pieces with iron combs, in a new kind of cruelty. The most valiant champion of God remained immovable through all this, immovable as if feeling nothing, raising the eyes of his heart and body to heaven, praising and glorifying Thee, O Christ, with untiring voice continually; reproaching the Tyrant that he felt nothing of the punishments, since Thou wert his helper.
AnnotationCHAPTER III
The Martyrdom of the Seven Women.
[11] Then the Governor, perceiving that the bloody hands of his torturers were growing weary, while Blasius himself was not yielding at all -- indeed was proving stronger than his torturers -- vanquished and confounded, ordered him to be led back to prison until he might devise something more grievous to destroy him. And as he was being led away by the soldiers, behold, certain women, seven in number, to whom Christ had become a good fragrance, the fragrance of life unto life, with confidence received in God followed him, gathered with fervent zeal the blood dripping from the gashes of his lacerated body, and anointed their own bodies with the ointment of the best and most precious unguent. Seven women, gathering his blood, are captured: For this reason, being questioned by the executioners whether they too might be Christians, they firmly professed it; they were seized, led to the Governor, and accused of obeying the laws of the Crucified. And when he exhorted them with gentle persuasions to offer incense to the idols, they immediately pretended to be frightened by the terror of punishments and promised to give their assent, on this condition: that they go together to the lake and wash their hands and faces there, and thus, with the gods brought and reverently placed on the very shore, with clean hands and body, they might offer grateful libations to them. Immediately he, overjoyed, with all speed ordered the soldiers to comply with their wishes: and he himself, impatient of delay, went with them for the sake of watching the outcome. They throw the idols into the lake: When therefore they had reached the lake and the images had been placed on the shore and adorned with the greatest ceremony, the holy women, taking them in their hands as if to kiss and offer them, hurled them into the depths of the lake.
[12] Then indeed you could have seen the Governor, beside himself, his face changed and pale, and wavering what to do or where to turn, seething between anger and fear. Nevertheless, stammering, he barely managed to cry out, and rebuked the soldiers standing around them for not having come to the aid of his gods to prevent them from being drowned. They in turn excusing themselves, said they had been outwitted by the deceitfulness of the women and had never believed they would commit so great an outrage. The holy women said: "Divinity no longer needs human help, but humanity needs divine help. They mock the gods: If they had been gods, not you them, but they should have protected you with constant guardianship. But since they were wood and stones and bronze, they were hitherto defended by your watch. Behold, they have perished; and likewise you too, unless you come to your senses, shall perish, and all who trust in them."
[13] Then that second Nebuchadnezzar, blind with fury and roaring like a lion, ordered a furnace to be kindled with Babylonian fuel and force, lead to be melted, iron combs to be brought, seven bronze tunics to be made to the measure of each body individually. On the other hand, in another place he ordered a most white linen cloth to be spread out. They scorn the torments: Then, sitting on his tribunal, he summoned them and gave them the choice of selecting what they wished: either to sacrifice to the gods, repenting of their past error, and walk upon the linen cloth, enjoying life with pleasure and being honored besides with great gifts; or, if they refused, to be consumed by the torments which they saw before them and by others still more grievous which he could devise. But one of them, a happy mother of two children, snatching up the same cloth upon which they were ordered to walk, threw it into the blazing furnace, where it was immediately consumed by the flames; while her little children clung to her constantly, and -- what would scarcely seem credible at so tender an age -- chose with the greatest desire to die with her.
[14] And since they could by no means be bent, they were suspended on racks and their whole bodies were torn with iron combs. But as they cried out to the Lord, "Deliver not to beasts, O Lord, they are torn with iron combs, milk flowing from the wounds: the souls of those who confess Thee, and forget not the souls of Thy poor ones unto the end," and again: "Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth," they were made free of all pain; while the executioners themselves saw that streams of milk instead of blood flowed from the inflicted wounds, and the lacerated flesh glowed white as snow. For, refreshed by the visitation and words of Angels, they were healed of every wound: and strengthened by their exhortations they are healed and encouraged by Angels, to persevere even unto the end, they were admonished to receive the crown of the eternal palm.
[15] After this, taken down from the rack at the Governor's order, they were drenched with molten lead and were not harmed. Then, enclosed in seven bronze tunics, but suffering no injury from these either, they were thrust into the already burning furnace. Nor was He who was once present to the three youths in that Babylonian furnace absent from them in this one. They are not harmed by molten lead or by fire: For immediately, with the flames extinguished, they were cooled by the dew of heavenly grace, and emerging with bodies sound and whole, they were presented again to the impious Judge. But the hardened heart of Pharaoh attributed such great miracles not to divine power but to magic arts. To whom the holy women said: "We give thanks to the Lord our God, who, having mercy on us sinners though we are, has deigned to work such great wonders toward us; by whom, behold, we are called to enter the gate of perpetual life,
[16] Then, feeling himself vanquished in every respect, and having only one thing left, they are condemned to death: confounded, he ordered them all to be put to the sword at once. And when they had been led by the executioners to the place where they were to complete their blessed course, they obtained from them however brief a space for prayer, and bending their knees they poured forth a prayer of this kind, saying: Lord, Lord, whose like there is not among the gods, and according to whose works there is none, for great art Thou, and doest wondrous things, they give thanks to God: Thou art God alone, our God, who callest those things which are not, as though they were; who makest light to shine forth from darkness, who hast deigned to call us from the darkness of unbelief into this most splendid light of truth: we beseech the immense mercy of Thy loving-kindness, that through the intercession of Thy most blessed Martyr and our Father Blasius, by whose words and examples we received the rudiments of Thy faith, and were emboldened to this most glorious contest of martyrdom, Thou wouldst deign to number us, though unworthy, among Thy sheep, and to assign us to that portion of perpetual life in which Thou hast established Thy holy Martyr Thecla. Having finished these words, rising, with hands outstretched and eyes raised to heaven, as if from one mouth they said: Glory to Thee, Christ our God, who hast deigned to bring us to this hour: and now, Lord, since a contrite spirit is a sacrifice to Thee, and a contrite and humbled heart Thou dost not despise, in a contrite soul and spirit of humility we sacrifice ourselves as a holocaust to Thee, since we have nothing else. Receive our souls and lead them into Thy kingdom.
[17] But those two little children, of whom it was spoken above, seeing their mother about to be put to death at any moment, the boys asking that they be commended to Saint Blasius felt no sadness therefrom, as human frailty, and especially that age, is wont to feel, but strengthened by the grace of the Holy Spirit, they besought her that, since she was already approaching the palm of the perpetual crown, she would commend them to the most blessed Father and Teacher. Without delay; the lictors drawing their swords cut off the heads of the holy women; and thus, having laid aside the earthen mass of the body, they are beheaded, they leave earthly things behind, and made white by the second baptism of martyrdom, they seek the heavenly things, destined to reign with Christ now forever. O blessed memory of these women, to be proclaimed through the ages and celebrated with every praise, who, conquering both the world and their sex, crushed the head of the serpent lying in wait at their heel! Behold, now having received individual robes of the immortality of souls, they exult; afterward, in the resurrection of bodies, when all shall have arrived at the perfect man, at the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, they shall receive double robes.
AnnotationCHAPTER IV
The Martyrdom of Saint Blasius and the Two Boys.
[18] After these had been translated from the present wicked world to the heavenly realm, the vessel of wrath and iniquity, Governor Agricolaus, now sitting for the third time at his tribunal, ordered the most valiant Martyr of Christ Blasius, summoned from the confines of prison, to be stood before him, and addressed him thus: At least now consent to me by offering libations to the gods: but if you delay any further, by the gods I swear, you shall perish without procrastination by various punishments. Isaiah 6:10 To whom the holy Bishop replied: Most cruel executioner, For the third time Saint Blasius rebukes the Governor: whose heart according to Isaiah is blinded, and whose ears are made heavy, and whose eyes are shut; lest perchance you should see with your eyes, and hear with your ears, and understand with your heart, and be converted, and be healed by God; do you think that I can be turned from the path of truth by any kinds of torments, or bent toward insensible wood and stones? Indeed, if you believe this, you are deceived, because the very same person I had always been, I both am and always shall be: a true Christian. Your cruelty has power over my body alone, but my soul is subject to the dominion of God alone. Who therefore is more to be feared: whether you, who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; or God, who after He has killed, has the power to destroy both body and soul in hell? It is God, indeed, whose vengeful wrath I greatly fear, whose promises I eagerly desire: but you, with your threats, I count as nothing; indeed, I desire with all my vows that you would carry out what you threaten.
[19] The Governor said: Behold, O insane and wretched man, I command you to be submerged in the abyss of the lake, and what help will your Christ, whom you cultivate and proclaim with such zeal, be able to bring you? Or how will He be able to free you from my hands, He who could not even free Himself from the most cruel death which He endured? Be silent (the holy Martyr exclaims), unhappy tongue, and dare not, in my hearing, inflict so great a blasphemy upon the Creator: rather, let us hasten together to the spot -- do not delay -- so that in this too your canine impudence may learn what and how great is the virtue and power of my God and King, who is King of Kings and Lord of lords. Having said these things, having signed the waters with the Cross, he does not sink: he immediately outpaced all others and rushed with swift step to the lake, and having invoked the name of Christ and made the sign of the Cross against the water, soon as he walked upon it, you would have seen it harden as if into the solidity of the ground. O deed to be reckoned equal to the Lord's own deed! O the virtue of the Lord renewed through His servant in one and the same element! The Lord crossed the swelling waves of the sea with dry feet: behold, His servant, walking upon the terrible abyss of the lake in His name with powerful faith and equal virtue, sits as if upon the solid plain of the earth, not to be submerged. Nor is it a wonder; since He Himself promised this to those following Him in the Gospel, saying: He who believes in Me, the works that I do he shall do also, and greater things than these shall he do. John 14:12
[20] Therefore, addressing the Governor and the multitude of surrounding soldiers and people, he exhorted them, that since they boasted of having gods, if there were any power in them, sixty-five who dared to follow being submerged, let them demonstrate it. Accordingly, let them enter, and in the name of their gods sit with him in that place where he himself was seated; by this test he would prove their divinity. From their number, at this word, sixty-five men rushed forward, as if presuming more than the rest upon the power of their gods, and entered the lake: but immediately, by the blowing of the Divine Spirit, they were submerged; the depths covered them, they sank into the deep like a stone. Who is like unto Thee among the mighty, O Lord, etc. Meanwhile the holy Martyr, his soul now longing for the courts of the Lord, his heart and flesh exulting in the living God, was refreshed by an Angelic visitation and address, and encouraged by this manner of exhortation and solace: encouraged by an Angel: Most invincible of the soldiers of Christ, you have fought the good fight, you have finished the course, you have kept the faith; now go forth, return to the arena: for behold, Christ Himself, the leader of Martyrs, sitting at the right hand of God the Father, awaits the end of your contest; He holds forth in His hands the crown of justice, which He, the just Judge, shall shortly render to you the victor. Already Paradise lies open to you, pleasant with perpetually verdant meadows of roses and lilies and flowers of every kind, where the joyful company of your fellow-soldiers already victorious awaits you in triumph, invites you to its fellowship, with whom you yourself, now bearing the everlasting laurel, shall rejoice without end.
[21] Made more eager by these encouragements and promises, the Angelic vision having departed, he comes forth from the lake resplendent: impatient of delays he leapt up, and immediately upon emerging was suffused with so immense a splendor of heavenly radiance that the vision of all who beheld him was dimmed by the force of the vibrating rays. While all were terrified and astonished by this miracle, the devil's henchman Agricolaus alone was by no means moved by the greatness of such events, but now despairing that the holy Martyr could by any manner of threats or blandishments be bent to yielding to his will, and fearing also that if he prolonged his life any longer, he would turn many of them away from the rites of their gods, he ordered a sentence of this kind to be read from the tablet: the sentence read from the tablet Blasius, the Teacher of the Christians, the despiser of our venerable gods, who preferred to perish rather than obey our most salutary commands, and who moreover drowned so great a multitude by his magic arts in the lake to the injury of the gods, together with two boys unhappily deceived by his teaching, we order to be put to the sword as an example to the rest.
[22] he is condemned: But the most glorious athlete of Christ, hearing this, giving immense thanks to God, with bended knees and hands stretched out to heaven, poured forth this prayer, saying: Lord God of hosts, God Almighty, who sittest upon the Cherubim, beholding the abyss of the deep; whose seat is heaven and the earth Thy footstool, who containest all things, fillest all things: I give Thee thanks, I praise Thee, I glorify Thee, because Thou hast kept me from the error of unbelief, and hast strengthened me in the fear and love of Thy name, and hast delivered me from all the tortures of my body, he prays for those who shall invoke his aid: which this minister of the devil inflicted upon me in defense of his idols. And now, Lord God, I beseech Thy ineffable clemency, that from this hour, if any of Thy faithful shall be oppressed by the distress of any tribulation or danger, or even persecution, or shall suffer from various kinds of infirmities, or if it should happen that anyone is choked by a thorn or bone lodged in his throat; and mindful of me shall invoke Thee for his aid in my name by the words of my prayer: Lord my God, be present to the one faithfully asking, and deign to grant clemently whatever Thou shalt be asked.
[23] When he had finished praying these things, he was suddenly illuminated by a bright cloud, and confirmed by the Divine voice in this manner: Blasius, my most beloved athlete, know that your prayer has been heard and your petitions granted: and not only these things which you have asked for the present shall I bestow, but I shall also pour out the abundance of my blessings upon that faithful widow and upon all who celebrate your memory. By a Divine voice from the cloud he learns he has been heard: I shall fill their granaries with wheat, their storehouses with wine and oil and all good things, and I shall multiply and consecrate all things pertaining to them on your account. Therefore, my most glorious champion, enter now as victor through the gates of the heavenly Jerusalem, where you may sit with me on my throne, just as I also have conquered the world and sit with my Father on His throne. When these words had been spoken and the cloud taken away, he was immediately cast out of the praetorium by the lictor with the two boys, and dragged outside the walls of Sebastia; where the truly blessed Pastor with his twin lambs was offered as a sacrifice by the sword. And thus, laying aside the spoils of corruptible flesh, they put on their robes washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb. he is slain with the two boys: O cruelty of the persecutor more detestable than all cruelties, which knew not how to spare even infants of tender age! O most precious death of the Saints, to be called not death but rather life, not a setting but a rising! Because while they set on earth, they more truly rise in the heavens. While they are seen to die here in the flesh, there they begin to live in the spirit; and behold they follow the Lamb wherever He goes, clothed in white garments: and their name shall not be blotted out of the book of life, for they are without spot before the throne of God. And just as they demand from Him to be judged and their blood to be avenged from the hand of the persecutor, so also do they mercifully entreat for their venerators the pardon of sins, and a share in that same joy which they themselves happily enjoy.
[24] Their sacred bodies were secretly seized by night by a devout woman named Helisea, he is buried: and carefully wrapped in linen with spices, they were entombed with fitting honor at the very place of decollation: he is renowned for miracles: where, as the faith of the believing people demanded, innumerable miracles are displayed through their beneficence. But that venerable old woman, to whom the holy Martyr had restored the sow carried off by a wolf, as soon as she learned by a reliable report that he had departed this life, finished by martyrdom, just as he himself while still living had charged her, she, though poor herself, having summoned the poor, performed his memorial with the greatest devotion as best she could. the annual observance bestowed upon him is rewarded Then, having called together all her relatives and friends, she exhorted them, as an excellent counselor, to do the same. And when they consented without hesitation to this sound advice, and joyfully carried it out, not only she but they too soon perceived the generosity of the Divine blessing, with all their possessions wonderfully increasing from day to day. And so it came about that all that kindred learned to celebrate his memory from year to year, and handed it down to their posterity to be observed from generation to generation. The athlete of Christ Blasius completed his martyrdom on the third of the Nones of February, in the city of Sebastia, in the times of King Licinius, while Agricolaus was governing the prefecture of Cappadocia, the King of Kings, Christ Jesus, our Lord and God, reigning in us, who with the Father and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns forever and ever, Amen.
IV ACTS BY AN ANONYMOUS AUTHOR,
from the MS. codex of Cardinal Baronius.
Blasius Bishop Martyr, at Sebastia in Cappadocia (Saint) Seven women, Martyrs, at Sebastia in Cappadocia; Two boys, Martyrs, at Sebastia in Cappadocia. BHL Number: 1379
Column 349ABy an anonymous author, from manuscript.
CHAPTER I
The Episcopate, Concealment, and Captivity of Saint Blasius.
[1] When Diocletian held the reins of the Roman Empire, so most savage a persecution arose against the Christians that within the space of a single month seventeen thousand Christians were put to the sword for the Christian religion. This persecution is accordingly described as the tenth from the Neronian, in which first the Princes of the Apostles, Peter by the cross and Paul by the sword, were slain. Under the fierce persecution of Diocletian, In the second year of this tenth persecution, Diocletian at Nicomedia and Maximian at Milan laid down the purple. These men, in order to subdue the power of the Lord's faith -- Diocletian in the East, Maximian in the West -- began to harass the worshippers of Christ with various and unheard-of devices. Having sent letters of exhortation and many gifts to every territory under their dominion, they urged that, striving to increase more and more the worship of the abominable idols, they should deliver to death whatever Christians they could find after various kinds of torments, and cast their unburied bodies to beasts and birds, so that no one should remain who practiced this religion more openly without being immediately struck by a sentence of death.
[2] While these things were thus proceeding, and even this did not suffice for the most rabid hounds, they dispatched two men sprung from the provinces of Achaea, while Lysias and Agricolaus rage against the Christians Lysias and Agricolaus, endowed with much skill, that governing both Armenia and Cappadocia, they should treat with clemency and gentleness those who had obeyed the imperial statutes, and utterly destroy every race of Christians. Therefore Lysias and Agricolaus, having received their commissions from the emperor, set out together and went to Armenia: one of them, namely Lysias, took his seat at Nicopolis, while Agricolaus presided at Sebastia. When they had begun to cultivate the idol-worshippers to be profaned with their ancient customs, very many, shedding their blood for the religion of our Lord Jesus Christ, hastened with all speed to purchase the kingdoms of heaven.
[3] Among these, the most valiant athlete of Christ, the blessed Eustratius, after various assaults of torments cruelly inflicted by the commander Lysias, was then directed to the Governor Agricolaus, Saint Blasius visits Saint Eustratius, captured by them, by whom he was ordered to be thrust into prison. For at that time the glorious Martyr and most blessed Bishop Blasius was hiding in concealment at Sebastia, on account of the most violent examination that was being conducted against the Christians. This most blessed Prelate, as it is reported, went secretly with his clerics to the aforesaid glorious Martyr Eustratius, and visited him in the prison where he was held, strengthening him in Christ: to whom also on the following day, and fortifies him with the Eucharist, as he was about to die for the Lord, he brought the Eucharist. When Eustratius had received the participation of the sacred Body, he requested a document from him: which being brought, he made a delegation of his estate; and in that delegation, Saint Blasius with his clerics subscribed his name. designated as executor of his testament: Spending the entire night there, at morning light they bade farewell, and exchanging kisses of peace, with the delegation in hand, they returned to their own hiding places. On the following day at the third hour Saint Eustratius departed to the Lord.
[4] These things having thus transpired, the blessed Blasius, dreading the penal afflictions, trusting in the Lord's saying by which it is said, If they persecute you in one city, flee to another; fled to the mountain which is called Argaeus, and hid himself in a certain cave; there remaining a long time, the most sagacious host of his own faith. Matthew 10:23 he hides on the mountain, blesses the wild beasts, To this cave beasts of every mixed and diverse kind came, seeking a blessing from the most blessed Blasius in a certain wild manner: and unless the blessing was bestowed, persisting there impudently, they would by no means depart. Indeed, food was brought to him continually by Divine command, and is fed by them: just as ravens once brought it to the Prophet Elijah. For this man was distinguished by the efficacy of his merits, excelling in appearance, steadfast in spirit, renowned for the power of his miracles, absorbed in divine meditations.
[5] While he was still in his youthful age, he learned the art of the chief physician, formerly a physician, so that no human infirmity should impede his life. Moreover, he served in the earthly palace in such a way that he always sought the heavenly homeland. He chose the active life in such a manner that he would by no means abandon the contemplative. Indeed, so great a reputation had spread far and wide concerning him that not only at Nicopolis, afterward celebrated for his reputation for virtue: which was not far from Sebastia, but in cities and municipalities situated far and wide all around, he was called a Saint of surpassing eminence. Now therefore let us endeavor to explain with careful skill how this Saint fought for the Lord Jesus Christ, how fighting he overcame the devil and his accomplices, in what manner conquering he triumphed, and how triumphing he most vigorously received the palm of martyrdom; and how, strenuously contending, with many guests invited, he seized the heavenly laurel, as much as He who is the helper, by whose omnipotence every creature subsists, enables us.
[6] When the Governor Agricolaus presided over the metropolis of Sebastia, instigated by a diabolical impulse against the Christians, burning with great zeal against them, he sent very many to the heavenly abode. On a certain day it happened that the Governor Agricolaus himself directed some soldiers to hunt: and as they went, in order that the hunt might be safe, they were unable to capture any wild beasts. And when they had wandered wearily through wild and difficult places, through the ledges of valleys and mountains, in like manner they were unable to obtain any game at all. With the hunt thus frustrated, as these men were returning, it came about that they passed unknowingly before the cave found by the hunters, in which Saint Blasius was hiding. And behold, a multitude of boars and stags, of deer and bears, and of various other beasts stood together before the entrance of that cave, as if sheep being driven into their fold by their own shepherd. Immediately the hunters, looking around, stopped, and wondered in astonishment what this might be. While they were pondering such things, the Saint coming forth from the hiding place asked them:
Whence do you come? he said. Or whither do you direct your journey?
They answered and said: Behold, we stand in the midst of those very things for which, in going, we endured so many labors and dangers, surrounded by them. To whom the Saint replied: No creature is captured except by the Lord's dominion, and by His will is set free: he declares they will then take no prey: for what God Almighty has commanded to escape, human power cannot capture; wherefore know that on this occasion indeed you shall go away empty-handed.
[7] Then they, bidding farewell to the Saint, returned by the route they had begun to the city of Sebastia, and hastened to report to the Governor Agricolaus all the things done and accomplished; to whom they also said: When we had gone hunting, we found in a certain cave of Mount Argaeus a worshipper of Christ, to whose hiding place a multitude of the wild beasts of our hunt had fled, exploring his cave's hiding place. When we were marveling exceedingly at this, he is ordered to be seized, a certain God-worshipper came forth from the cave, who addressing us, told us to return, namely that the capture was in vain. Immediately the Governor, hearing this, filled with great joy, forthwith commanded them to go with swift course, to drag him from his hiding place, and thus bring him bound to him. And in the very time of that night, that is, before the officers went to lead him away, the Lord appeared to him three times in a dream, saying:
Rise, blessed Father, perform the rite of the Mass, forewarned in a vision, and taste my Chalice and faithful Body, and drink that same Chalice full of bright blood.
And when the Saint had awakened, he understood that the Lord was calling him to the chalice, that is, to receive his passion and martyrdom; the sacred rite having been performed, made eager in spirit he arose, and celebrated the sacred rites with solemn honor. When this was done, the officers of the Governor arrived, who standing before his cave's hiding place, said: Man of God, come forth; the Governor Agricolaus has sent us he is summoned to the Governor: to bring you to him.
[8] Meanwhile the report spread everywhere among the people that the Governor Agricolaus had sent to bring Saint Blasius; and those who were afflicted by any sickness began to place themselves in his path along the way. Then Saint Blasius, walking with the officers, healed the sick he heals many on the way: in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ from whatever infirmity held them. When the most blessed Blasius entered the metropolis of Sebastia, the multitude of Christians who had been living in secret distress there came forth openly, he is thrust into prison. proclaiming Christ the Son of God with a clear voice. And so when the holy Bishop had been presented before Agricolaus, without being questioned he ordered him to be consigned to the strictest custody, saying: On the morrow there shall be a fitting examination of him.
AnnotationsCHAPTER II
The Miracles and Torments of Saint Blasius.
[9] While the most blessed Blasius was enclosed in custody, many Christians came to him, receiving his blessing and strength of faith. Meanwhile it happened by chance that a certain woman had an only son, who, sitting at table with his family and eating of a fish that had been set before him, it happened that a bone became lodged in his throat. a boy endangered by a bone stuck in his throat, When no one had been able to provide him any relief, his mother soon brought the half-dead boy to the most blessed Blasius, and before the doors of the prison, with a mournful voice, besought him to deign to heal her only son. Immediately Saint Blasius, moved with compassion for her grief, poured forth this prayer to the Lord on behalf of the boy, saying: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the eternal God, who for the salvation of the human race, coming into this world through the virginal womb, didst assume the form of our mortality, so that freeing us from death, Thou mightest happily bring us, clothed with the immortal garment, into that incorruptible homeland; and didst restore unharmed the only child of the widow, who was being carried lifeless to the tomb; by prayer I humbly beseech Thy grace, that this boy may be restored in health to his mother, and may acknowledge that Thou art God alone in heaven and on earth, working wonders. When the prayer was completed, he made the sign of the life-giving Cross upon the boy's mouth; and the sign of the Cross he heals him: and immediately, vomiting forth the thorny obstruction, the boy returned home safe and joyful, recounting with wondrous affection the mighty works of the eternal King to both near and far.
[10] On the next day the seat of judgment was prepared, on which the Governor Agricolaus sat, and he ordered the blessed Bishop to be brought before his sight: whom he addressed with these words: Rejoice, my worthy friend, and worthy friend of the gods. To whom the Saint replied:
May the Almighty Lord, by whom the fabric of the world stands firm, Grant to thee the joys of eternal life.
To whom the Governor said: What religion do you practice, and from what country do you claim to have been born, stranger? And the Saint replied: By religion, he confesses Christ before the tribunal: I am a worshipper of Christ; by homeland, a citizen of this city which you govern, namely of Sebastia. To which the Governor replied: If you wish to be considered a friend of the gods and of us, let this Christ whom you profess in no way be sounded by your mouth. But the most blessed Martyr, responding, said: If Christ is not venerated and proclaimed by my mouth, then make known who ought to be proclaimed. And the Governor said: I am exceedingly amazed at your madness, that you do not understand that Jupiter the Almighty is the god of gods, whom our lords the Emperors and the whole world worships. But Saint Blasius said: Tell me, I pray, Governor, is it fitting to confess as God one who is the creator, or rather one who is created? And the Judge replied: He surely must be adored as God, who created heaven and earth, and by whom all created things exist; that is, Jupiter, the creator and ruler of all the elements. To whom the Saint replied: You err, O most invincible Judge. For he whom you claim as god -- not only I, but your own writings, he demonstrates the vanity of the gods: while he walked in this world as another corruptible and mortal man, clearly demonstrate that he committed every crime and practiced every defilement. But when, as the human condition comes to all, he himself as a wicked man was destroyed by a human death, he was carried by the most foul spirits to the Stygian fire, where he is tormented forever by grim flames and the worms of Tartarus. Do you call this one a god? Moreover, if this one is called a god, let those who worship him, and those who cultivate him, be made like unto him. Immediately Agricolaus, hearing these things, indignant within himself, ordered him to be beaten with clubs, saying: Do not blaspheme almighty Jupiter. And when he had been beaten for a long time, he said with a cheerful countenance: he is beaten with clubs:
Glory be to Thee, Christ God, forever through the ages, Who, preserving me, dost permit me to overcome the fight Brought on by the malicious fraud of the ancient enemy. Therefore praising Thee, I bless Thee with body and heart.
Having said this, the Judge, seeing in him such constancy, he is thrust back into prison: ordered him to be thrown into prison again.
[11] These things having been carried out in this order, it happened that a certain poor woman was raising a pig in a field, and was managing from what she should feed it.
Behold, a rapacious lynx-eyed beast, hastening, seized the fat Pig of that same widow, which near at hand for eating He carries off safely to the forest, to devour it. a pig snatched from a poor woman by a wolf, But when the woman soon discovered by chance what had been done, Tearing out her hair she rends her own garments: Weeping, she comes in haste to the man of Christ, who, shut in prison, And brings her mournful complaints: Most holy one, great consolation of the wretched, Restore my pig, I beseech thee, most holy Blasius. The Saint answered, and returned these words: Did I seize the pig you seek, woman? Immediately the woman said: Not you, but a savage beast; But since I believe you to be in all things a servant of God, Who created heaven, sea, earth, and stars, And does whatever He wills in heaven, earth, and sea; Therefore I earnestly beseech you to restore to me what I have lost, Which the bitter beast carried off with itself. For whatever you ask, is granted by Him. When the servant of God resolved to utter these words, Admiring her faith and her honesty alike, And moved with compassion for her grief, he prayed and said: he obtains by prayers that it be restored Almighty, eternal God, great King of the heavens, Who art the maker of heaven, who art the founder of the world, Who dost dispose not only of great things, but also of lowly, I say, of all surrounding substance: All things whatsoever Thou willest, Thou doest in the highest order: For whom there is power, when the will has been ready: But where the will is absent, power also flees far away; So where the will is present, there power also hastens: Hear me, I beseech Thee, God, Savior Jesus, And may the pig which the wicked beast has seized from this widow, Be led back and restored to the wretched woman; Who with the Father reignest as God forever. Having said this, impelled by the Divine breath, and learns by Divine revelation: the Saint knew that the wolf was at hand, and that it was returning the pig safe. Then he said: Woman, return to your own home. Trust makes you go consoled. For with God's help, the beast will restore your pig to you. Hearing this, the poor woman returned rejoicing To her own home, found the pig safe in every respect, And gave thanks to the Lord for such a gift.
After this, therefore, the woman, fearing lest such a misfortune should befall her again, immediately had that same pig killed, and to the servant of God, she brings him food: who was held afflicted in custody, she managed to bring a certain portion of it, namely cooked meat, and bread and wine with garden vegetables, and having placed them in a basket, she brought them to him with the most reverent affection. The man of the Lord, not scorning her, did not reject what was brought: for taking from it he ate, and giving thanks to her he blessed her; and so the poor woman returned home.
[12] After some days meanwhile, the Governor Agricolaus, with the whole assembly standing around, ordered the Bishop of Christ to be presented before his sight; to whom he also said: Blasius, it has been reported before the consistory of our glory that you alone, he is stood before the Governor: preaching some Christian faith or other, turning very many from the unblemished observance of our religion, have clearly led them to the error of a most abominable path. Hence it would have been proper for you to be dealt with by a sentence of death without any examination. But since our clemency, according to its customary manner, feels compassion for human suffering and wishes to bring every person to the knowledge of the truest religion, just as we have preferred to spare very many others, so also we prefer to spare you, if, obeying our commands, you hasten to exhibit due reverence to our most sacred gods. But the most steadfast Martyr of Christ, hearing this, replied: Then indeed I confess I had embraced an abominable faith, when in ignorance I bent my neck, alas, wickedly to the monstrosities of the abominable idols. But when, with His own assistance, I came to know Christ the Son of God, I received not an abominable faith, as you wretchedly call it, but a benign and holy religion, and eternal life. Wherefore let it be beyond doubt known to your examination that by no agreement and for no reason do I offer sacrifice to your gods. Immediately the most savage Governor, instigated by the most enormous fury, suspended on the rack, he is lacerated with hooks: ordered him to be suspended on the rack, saying: Now we shall see whether your God can rescue you from this. And having brought iron hooks, he ordered his body to be dug into, so that the hooks tearing it would be followed by a bloody flood. But he, strengthened in Christ, counted all their torments as nothing.
CHAPTER III
The Martyrdom of the Holy Seven Women.
[13] But the Judge, seeing such constancy in him, ordered him to be sent back to prison. For as he was being led back, certain seven women, kind and fearing the Lord, were weeping behind him, seven women collecting his blood are captured: and following, they gathered with absorbent linens the blood that was flowing from his body, and with it they anointed themselves with their own hands. When the officers saw them doing such things, they seized them and brought them to Agricolaus, saying: Behold, these too support Christ; for when we were leading that sacrilegious man to be locked in custody, these were gathering the blood falling from his body, and wretched as they are, were smearing it on themselves. Immediately Agricolaus, inflamed with great indignation, said to them: Take with you the statue of our god, and bring them to the lake of immense breadth: if they are willing to worship and sacrifice, let them go. Otherwise, tie a vast weight to their necks and plunge them into the depths of the lake. Then the officers, receiving these orders, took the statue of their god and went with those seven women to the lake; and showing the idol they said to them: Worship this god and go in safety. Otherwise, you will be plunged into the depths of the lake. But the women said: Hand over to us this god of yours, whom you claim, so that we may certainly learn they cast the idol into the pool whether he is a god: and seizing the statue, they suddenly plunged it into the lake, saying: If indeed you are a god, help yourself. Immediately that statue sank to the abyss.
[14] Seeing this, the attendants, greatly disturbed by the misfortune of their god, seized them and brought them to the Governor, and took care to relate in order everything that had been done and accomplished. Hearing this, the Governor, struck with exceeding amazement, was stupefied; and shortly afterward, coming to himself, they are suspended and lacerated with hooks: he ordered them to be seized and lifted up from the ground on a wooden frame, namely stripped of their garments, and then to be lacerated with hooks. When this was done, he again ordered seven bronze seats to be brought, and commanded them to be placed upon them one by one. they are placed on heated seats: These seats were so heated that sparks flew from them, as if from a fiercely kindled furnace. But God Almighty, who is the protector of all who hope in Him, and who is the glory and strength of all His Saints, sent His Angel, who anointed them with such a healing remedy that no disfigurement was found upon their bodies. When all had been completely healed, he said: The good fight they are kept unharmed by an Angel. which you have begun, take care to complete unto the end; since already an everlasting crown has been prepared for you by the Lord Jesus Christ.
When he had spoken these words, he departed into the gentle breezes.
[15] One of them indeed had two sons, who came and, seeing such things, said to her: Good mother, we ask and beseech you by Him for whom you suffer such things, that just as you nourished us with the milk of your breast, so also you would endeavor to teach us this Christian faith which you profess, the boys desiring to follow them, so that you do not leave us as orphans in this world, but lead us together with you to the eternal joys of that Father to whom you hasten to go. And when the officers seized them, they brought them to the Governor: by whose order they were consigned together with the blessed Blasius to prison, they are thrust into prison. and in that very prison, receiving baptism from him, they were thoroughly instructed in the discipline of the holy religion.
[16] On the following day, therefore, Agricolaus, sitting at his tribunal, ordered the aforesaid women to be brought before his examination, to whom, shaking his head, he said: How long, most insane women, does the art of sorcery hold sway over you? Perhaps that seducer has taught you, whom I ordered to be bound in dark custody. they are cast into a burning furnace, To whom they said together with one voice: He indeed taught us to despise idols and to adore Christ the true Son of God. Then the Governor, hearing this, ordered a furnace to be fiercely heated and them to be thrown in. And when they had been placed in the midst of the fire, with the fire removed from above and deflected as if by the violence of winds to another direction, the seven women praised the Almighty Lord with such a prayer, saying:
Let heaven, earth, sea, and sky proclaim to Thee, O Begetter of every kind, the praises of glory forever. Immense Arbiter, who dost govern all the stars, May supreme salvation be Thine, and may Thy glory be perpetual; Who dost direct upon us the gracious Spirit from the heavens, Who, driving out this flame, dost make it cease from our bodies; they praise God, As once Thou didst save three youths by the Holy Spirit. Therefore let earth and heaven render praise to Thee.
[17] But the officers, who were present at the doors, hearing them praising the Lord in the fire, reported with the swiftest speed to the Governor, saying: We beseech you, Lord Governor, that your indignation may not be angry with us, because seeing so stupendous and formidable a sight, we have come to report before your authority. For behold, those seven sorceresses in the midst of the surrounding fire, as if standing in a most frigid place, live and breathe. For we heard them paying praises to their God and magnifying Him with magnificent acclamations. And when the Governor had heard this, astonished at the great miracle, he hastened as quickly as possible to the furnace, attended by a great crowd; and having pulled them out of the furnace, he said: Choose one of two things for yourselves; either worship the gods in appearance at least, and go in safety, or certainly you shall be struck with the sword. Then these seven women said, as if professing with one accord: and come forth unharmed: Whatever you wish to do, hasten to accomplish, since by no means ought we to worship your gods, either specifically or in any manner: but know firmly that the religion which we have received, that is, the Christian worship, we by no means renounce. Then the Governor, seeing their great constancy and their faith so firmly fixed in the Lord Jesus Christ, at last barely managed to give his sentence, saying: they are condemned to death: These seven women, whom after many kinds of torments we have been utterly unable to convert to our religion, we command to be slaughtered by the sword.
[18] Immediately the attendants seizing them led them outside the city of Sebastia. And when they had come to the appointed place where they were to be slaughtered, they asked the soldiers for permission to pray, and obtained it; and they immediately prostrated themselves on the ground and commended themselves to the Lord in their own prayers: they are beheaded, and rising from prayer, they all kissed one another, and bending their knees to the ground, they urged the executioners to strike with the full force of their blow. The officers beheading them beheld the souls issuing forth from the bodies, like reluctant maidens adorned with golden necklaces being led from the bridal chamber, the souls being clearly seen to fly away, and being carried aloft on the wings of praises to the blessedness of heaven; and greatly marveling they returned to their homes. The bodies of the women were secretly seized by night by the Christians, who devoted themselves to burying them with venerable affection.
CHAPTER IV
The Martyrdom of Saint Blasius and the Two Boys.
[19] These things having been carried out in this order, the Governor Agricolaus had the most blessed Blasius brought before his examination. Whom with swelling breast, troubled face, and shaking head, he addressed thus: How long, imprudent and senseless man, do you walk the path of your own judgment? Or how long does our clemency tolerate you? Behold, I exhort and admonish you to sacrifice to the gods whom the whole world worships, and to obey the commands of the divine Emperors. Saint Blasius laughs at the Governor's threats, Otherwise the destruction of your body (I call the gods and goddesses to witness) shall be more grievous than that of those abominable women whom you ensnared with your sorceries. But the most holy Martyr of Christ Blasius replied: Would that the destruction of my body and soul be such as was that of those holy women whom you, wretch, mention with your polluted mouth! Already they have attained Him whom they desired. Already they have received crowns of immortality, gleaming with gold and most precious pearls, for Him for whom they suffered; and since they loved Him who according to the Prophet Isaiah is full of sevenfold grace, namely the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, of counsel and fortitude, of knowledge and piety, and of the fear of the Lord; therefore those seven shall enjoy without end a sevenfold reward of eternal happiness, that is, universal joy forever. Isaiah 11:2
[20] Then the judge of iniquity, the Governor Agricolaus, hearing this, burning with unspeakable fury, commanded his accomplices: Take him, he said, to the lake; and there, with a marble weight tied to his neck, submerge him. The soldiers, carrying out the orders of the most wicked Governor, he is cast into the lake, tied to a stone: brought him to the place, and having tied a vast weight to his neck, they cast him thus into the lake. Immediately by Divine power the waters of that lake were congealed with an icy solidity, so that the man of the Lord walked upon them as upon dry land. He, exulting with the greatest joy, sang this praise gratefully to the Lord, saying:
undrowned, he praises God standing upon the water: Almighty Lord, by whom the fabric of the world stands firm, Who dost rule heaven and earth, who dost hurl the thunderbolts, Without whom no creatures of heaven or earth have vigor: May heaven and earth and sea praise Thee forever. Let every person bless, venerate, and honor Thee. For to Thy feet that lake has been proven a stone. And Thy right hand, lifting Peter, set him upon the waves. And the Israelites once, under Thy heavenly guidance, With dry step traversed the Red Sea's surface. May glory, majesty, and power be equal to Thee With the Father and together with the Holy Spirit through the ages.
[21] When therefore that praise was finished, addressing the officers who stood at the bank of the lake, he said: O unhappy and most fierce ones, why do you not open the eyes of your mind, blinded by dark mist, and understand how great is the power of my Lord Jesus Christ, at whose command not only rational creatures, but also all the elements obey? Behold, you yourselves see that the waters of this lake, by the working of Christ, are hardened like the hardest rocks. Having said this, others who had entered the lake being drowned, immediately some of them, instigated by a diabolical impulse, rashly attempted to go in to submerge the holy man in the depths of the lake; but as soon as they touched the waters with their feet, they were suddenly covered by a flood of waters and were nowhere to be seen. But the Lord's Bishop, voluntarily coming forth from the lake, was detained by the soldiers and brought to the Governor. The officers said to Agricolaus: Remove the sorcerer, remove the magician, he comes forth unharmed: take into your hands the sacrilegious man, and extinguish the accursed one immediately. For at his entrance that lake became like the hardest clod of the fields; and many of our men, he is brought back to the Governor: who had run together to watch the spectacle, he destroyed in that very lake by his sorceries. We indeed barely escaped. But him, coming forth from the water of his own accord, we have brought before your presence: now do whatever seems good to you. But let this be certain to your glory, that if this man is not quickly put to death, by his phantasms and abominable deceits this entire country, and we together with it, shall be utterly devastated unto destruction.
[22] Hearing these things, the Governor Agricolaus, inflamed with excessive fury and burning with great animosity against him, ordered the two boys, who had been consigned to the strictest custody, to be brought before him. When they had been brought, they stood them together with Saint Blasius before the Governor, whom he addressed with a fierce countenance, saying: before whom, with the two boys, he fearlessly confesses Christ, I swear by the life-giving and unblemished worship of our gods that if you do not immediately sacrifice to our gods and offer sacred rites to them as is the custom, you shall forthwith be struck by the sword. And if your Christ, whoever He is, as you claim, prevails, let Him rescue you from my hands. If until now you have eluded the assaults of torments by the magic art, here no deception avails, and no breath of phantom sorcery has power. When Saint Blasius and the two boys had given no response to these things, Agricolaus the Governor spoke to them again: Respond with confidence to the questions that have been put to you: since, as I have said before, if you do not worship the gods, you shall without doubt be struck by the sword. Then the most blessed Martyr and Bishop Blasius, and at the same time the two most holy boys, said: We have already told you many times that by no agreement and for no reason ought we to worship your gods, which are deaf and dumb idols, and to no other than the Lord Jesus Christ do we offer the sacrifice of pious devotion. Now whatever you wish to do, do it; for by no threats are we terrified, by no adversities are we wearied, by no disturbances are we softened, by no machinations are we seduced from the true religion which we proclaim; but strengthened and fearless we proclaim Christ the Son of God with a clear voice, with them he is condemned to death: and all those whom you, most wretchedly, worship as demons, we utterly reject and renounce. Immediately the most wicked Governor, having given his sentence, barely managing to pronounce it, said: Blasius the sacrilegious and abusive, who brings reproach upon our gods and spurns the commands of the divine Emperors, and whom we have been utterly unable to bend to our worship, together with the two boys who practice the same religion, we order to be beheaded.
[23] Immediately the attendants, seizing them, led them outside the city of Sebastia. And when they had come to the place where they were to be beheaded, the aforesaid holy boys said to the most blessed Blasius with many tears: Blessed Father, he encourages the frightened boys: pray for us, because our senses are troubled, and our wavering mind is divided by many things. To whom the most blessed Bishop said: Do not, O dearest sons, do not, O warriors of the divine battle, do not, O most valiant soldiers, be afraid, do not be terrified; for this suffering holds only so much fear and strikes only so much terror. For in return for the earthly things you here cast aside for His sake, you shall obtain heavenly things from Him. Stand manfully, clothed with the breastplate of faith and the helmet of everlasting salvation, for already a white and splendid army awaits you. When he had spoken these words, stretching his palms to the stars, entreating the Lord Savior, he said: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, be propitious, I beseech Thee, to us Thy servants, so that the ancient enemy may place no obstacle before our eyes, and that neither that foul prince nor his most foul accomplices may our eyes behold, but may Thy most radiant and most serene Angels receive our souls, for Thou art God blessed forever.
[24] And when the most holy boys had answered, Amen; the holy Bishop said to them: Let us bend our knees, dearest sons; let us bend them; for our Father, who caused us to be born and born again, with them he kneels and is beheaded: is at hand. Having therefore placed their knees, namely Saint Blasius and the two boys, whose names God knows, the great-souled Bishop said: Let us be struck by the sword, that the prize may be yielded. And again, with eyes fixed on heaven, he said: Into Thy hands, Lord, I commend my spirit, and the spirits of these two little ones. And when the holy boys had answered, Amen, they were beheaded. Their venerable passion and solemn feast day is celebrated on the third of the Nones of February.
[25] After this, a most Christian woman named Helisea, going secretly by night to where the venerable bodies of the holy Martyrs lay, and making a sepulchre there, buried them all together. he works miracles at the place of burial, In which place not long afterward a basilica was built in their honor, in which, with those same Saints assisting, through many wondrous miracles, with the Lord cooperating, their bodies shine forth -- and let no one doubt that this occurs even unto the present day. And not only in this metropolis of Sebastia, and elsewhere. but also in other cities situated far away, namely wherever the fame of their name has reached, many wonderful things are very frequently wrought through their intercession: He Himself indeed granting this, for love of whom they received martyrdom, and for love of whom we most devoutly venerate them; to whom with the Father and the Holy Spirit is equal glory, the same majesty, one Godhead, one power, equal virtue, one omnipotence, now and always and through immortal ages of ages. Amen.
CONCERNING SAINT BLASIUS THE HERDSMAN, MARTYR, AT CAESAREA IN CAPPADOCIA.
CommentaryBlasius the herdsman, Martyr at Caesarea in Cappadocia (Saint)
By I. B.
[1] That there were several persons named Blasius we have stated above. The most celebrated is the one whose Acts we have now related, the Bishop of Sebastia. The Greeks celebrate another from the same Cappadocia on this day. One who is called a Cappadocian, and a herdsman, and who was seized in a forest; one might perhaps suspect him to be the same Bishop, This one is different from the Sebastene, seized on Mount Argaeus (at whose base Caesarea is situated) among herds of wild beasts, as it were; were it not that the end of life and the torments inflicted were different for each. Concerning this one, therefore, the Menaea have the following:
[2] Once the stalls of oxen had Blasius: But now the court of heaven holds him.
This man, born at Caesarea of Cappadocia, had parents who were exceedingly wealthy, born at Caesarea, who from their abundant herds generously distributed their increased riches to the poor. When persecution then arose, of pious parents, Blasius was sought as a Christian, but could not be found, although the enemy scoured the very forests and solitudes. When the noble youth learned this, he voluntarily presents himself to the persecutors, as if invited to a royal banquet, he voluntarily offered himself to his persecutors, and received them hospitably as persons who had done him a good service.
[3] When he stood before the tribunal of the Judge, being questioned, he set forth his name, religion, and entire manner of life. Immediately therefore, lifted up by his hands and feet, he was stretched out and beaten for a long time with raw sinews. he is suspended and beaten with sinews: God nevertheless both alleviated the pain and healed the wounds. The Judge, attributing this to magic arts, cast him into a very large cauldron full of boiling water. But a miracle occurred, and a spectacle altogether worthy of amazement. The man, surrounded by fire as if by a garment, he remains unharmed in boiling water for five days, preserved by Angels: even sang from within it. What then? The Saint is ordered to be kept in the cauldron for five days. But the Angels commanded him to be of confident spirit, and ensured that the fire would cause no harm or injury to his body. Therefore the soldiers ordered to pull him from the cauldron, when they heard that he was both alive and singing praises to God with the Angels, themselves also professed to be Christians. When the Governor learned this, he sent other soldiers: but these too, when they approached, proclaimed themselves Christians. the converted lictors, Finally the Governor himself approached, and seeing the Saint in the boiling cauldron, and supposing the water had cooled, ordered his own eyes to be bathed with it: having done this, he lost both his eyes and his life. the Judge being destroyed,
[4] But the holy Martyr of Christ, taking water from that same cauldron and sprinkling the believers, he baptizes: baptized them in the name of the Holy Trinity. Then, having drawn near to the stable of his cattle, when he had given his mother and household the instructions that were fitting, he rendered his spirit to God. Those who were present at his death beheld something like a white and shining dove flying from his mouth to heaven. [he dies; his soul is seen departing in the form of a dove. His shepherd's staff sprouts leaves.] And so his holy body was buried in that very place. His pastoral staff, sprouting and putting forth leaves beside the altar, overshadowed the altar itself.
[5] Thus the Menaea. None of this appears in the Acts of Blasius of Sebastia. That shepherd's staff indicates that he himself was a herdsman, and the Menaea expressly state: The commemoration of Saint Blasius the cowherd, or herdsman. Called a herdsman.