CONCERNING STS. LEO AND PAREGORIUS, MARTYRS AT PATARA IN LYCIA
Preliminary Commentary.
Leo, Martyr at Patara in Lycia (St.) Paregorius, Martyr at Patara in Lycia (St.)
G. H.
[1] The Greeks in the great Menaea, the Anthologion, and the Lives of the Saints published by Cytheraeus, celebrate on February 18 with the annual worship of the divine office the feast of St. Leo I, Pontiff of Rome, as we noted above in the catalogue of those Passed Over. To this same Leo in the Menaea and in Cytheraeus another Leo the Martyr is joined, Sts. Leo and Paregorius suffered at Patara in Lycia, together with Paregorius likewise a Martyr, who at Patara, a maritime and episcopal city of the province of Lycia, underwent martyrdom for the confession of the Christian faith. At the time of the pagan Emperors, St. Methodius, an illustrious writer, was simultaneously Bishop of Patara and of Olympus, a neighboring city there, and afterwards of Tyre in Phoenicia Prima, whom St. Jerome says in his work On Illustrious Men, Chapter 83, was crowned with martyrdom at Chalcis in Greece in the last persecution. He is to be treated on September 18.
[2] In which persecution these Martyrs completed their struggle is not equally clear. in the time of Lollianus, Proconsul of Asia, The Acts only state that the Proconsul Lollianus, chosen by the Emperors, came to Asia in those days. But when this took place has not yet been possible to determine. The consular family of the Lolliani is well known, from which in the sixth year of Antoninus Pius, A.D. 144, Lollianus Avitus was Consul together with C. Gavius Maximus. Julius Capitolinus also states in his Life of Pertinax that Pertinax sought the dignity of commanding a legion through Lollianus Avitus, a man of consular rank, the patron of his father, Pertinax who was afterwards created Emperor toward the end of the year 192; and that then Lollianus the Consular attacked him because he had acted contrary to his promise, and he accepted the argument of necessity, as the same Capitolinus asserts in his Life of Pertinax. There was also a Lollianus Avitus who was Consul with Titus Claudius Pompeianus in the sixteenth year of Severus, A.D. 209, and two years later the Consuls were Q. Epidius Rufus Lollianus and Pomponius Bassus. Didius Julianus also, who held the Empire assumed against Severus for two months and five days, ordered gladiators at Capua to be armed through Lollianus Titianus, and summoned Claudius Pompeianus from Terracina to the principate, as Aelius Spartianus writes of him. Indeed, among the thirty tyrants who arose roughly in the time of Gallienus and Valerian, Lollianus is placed fourth by Trebellius Pollio, who, after the killing of Posthumius, was proclaimed Augustus in Gaul. And this suffices concerning the family of the Lolliani, one of whom was sent to Asia by the Emperors as Proconsul. For of the two Proconsuls designated in the Register of the Eastern Empire, one governed Egypt and the other Asia; and just as under the Proconsul of Egypt five Governors were numbered, acting for the Governor of Lycia, so throughout the Asian territory there were seven, namely the Governors of Pisidia, Lycaonia, Phrygia Pacatiana, Phrygia Salutaris, Lycia, Caria, and the Islands. In the Acts, however, he is not called Governor, or in Greek epistates, proestos, hegemon, or a word of equal rank, but epitropos, Procurator, as one who was placed in charge of public affairs in that city in place of the Governor of Lycia. the Procurator of the city of Patara sentencing him to death: That the martyrdom of Sts. Leo and Paregorius may be referred to the reign of Gallienus and Valerian might seem probable from the fact that the Proconsul is said to have been chosen by the Emperors as though they were reigning simultaneously, and that there were then several men named Lollianus, and the worship of false gods was very vigorous at Patara. All of which, however, might perhaps be ascribed to other Emperors.
[3] The day of death was not the same for both. For Paregorius had been slain some time before St. Leo was arrested. And the Acts are silent about the precise day and month on which they suffered. In the Greek manuscript the following title is prefixed: they are referred to June 30, The struggle of St. Leo and Paregorius, who suffered martyrdom at Patara, a city of Lycia, on the day before the Kalends of July. in the manuscript Acts: On which day we have found their name inscribed in no ecclesiastical records whatsoever. We obtained these Greek Acts from an ancient manuscript Medicean codex of the King of France, written, as it appears, by a nearly contemporary author; February 18 in the Greek Calendar. and they are much more ample than what Gentianus Hervetus translated into Latin from Metaphrastes, and which Lipomanus and Surius published for February 18. On which day also, after the encomium of St. Leo the Great, Pontiff of Rome, as we said, they are recorded in the Greek Menaea and in Cytheraeus in the Lives of Saints, with this illustrious epitome from the Acts.
[4] On the same day, the commemoration of the holy Martyrs Leo and Paregorius, who suffered at Patara in Lycia. with this epitome of the Life, Of these, Blessed Paregorius, by many kinds of torments, won for himself the palm of immortal life and received it in Christ. But the most praiseworthy Leo, left alone, and reflecting on this separation from the Martyr, groaned and lamented that he had not obtained the crown, since one and the same course of contest had been set before both of them. Wherefore, going out to the place where the body of the Martyr Paregorius lay cast forth, he burned in spirit and offered libations of tears to his companion. Then having departed from there, he was forbidden to enter the place where a gathering and festival of idolaters was being held. But while he persisted in the ascetic life, he was kindled with a greater ardor of spirit; and gazing upon the lamps and burning candles, he broke them with his hands and trampled them with his feet. For this reason he was arrested, brought before the Procurator of the city, and when questioned, he proclaimed Christ as the true God. He was beaten vehemently and beyond measure with raw ox sinews, but he bore his torments patiently, as though another were suffering. Then he was handed over to the lictors, beaten and dragged over a deep and precipitous torrent. But being permitted to complete his prayer, he delivered his spirit to God. The lictors then seized his venerable body and, casting it down from on high, threw it into a deep chasm in the earth; and thus his martyrdom was consummated.
[5] So much for that passage. In the Menaea these verses are added, with an allusion to each one's name:
Paregorius, having given his flesh to tortures, Receives the crowns as a great consolation. Drawing strength from above, from God, Leo Endured the violent dragging like a lion.
Now in Greek, paregoria means consolation, and paregoremata was used to describe what the chorus performed within, which was nevertheless heard in the theater and refreshed the listeners.
[6] Among the Latins, Constantius Felicius assigned them to February 16 in these words: "Leo the monk and Paregorius, by the Latins on February 16, who however at different times were put to martyrdom at Patara by the Proconsul Lollianus." Leo was devoted to pious and ascetic exercises, so that on this account he may be considered a monk. Then by the order of the Procurator of Patara they were put to death, at the time when Lollianus had been appointed Proconsul of Asia.
[7] Molanus has this for February 18: "At Patara, of the holy Martyrs Leo and Paregorius." and February 18. Ferrarius in his General Catalogue of Saints: "At Patara in Lycia, of the holy Martyrs Leo and Paregorius." He also mentions them in his Topography under the word Patara; Ptolemy calls it ta Patara; in the Acts one reads en Patarois.
LIFE
by an ancient author, from a Greek manuscript, collated with Metaphrastes.
Leo, Martyr at Patara in Lycia (St.) Paregorius, Martyr at Patara in Lycia (St.)
From a Greek manuscript.
CHAPTER I
St. Leo's desire for martyrdom inspired by the example of St. Paregorius; his captivity.
[1] Various indeed are the machinations of the devil against the servants of God; but more various and greater is the inclination of the Only-begotten Son of God toward his ministers. For the devil does not set against those who are Christians by nature flesh and blood, but spiritual wickednesses; St. Leo is stirred by the martyrdom of St. Paregorius: but the help of Christ makes his own household of the faith stronger against the devil. What has been said is sufficiently proved by the endurance of the noble Martyrs Leo and Paregorius. For when Blessed Paregorius had first been consummated in endurance in the Lord and had found the kingdom of heaven as rest from his many labors, the blessed Martyr of Christ Leo considered the contest which he had completed to be blessed; but he himself was afflicted with great sorrow that he had not obtained the same contest, since a common path had been set before them both.
[2] In those days it happened that the Proconsul Lollianus, chosen by the Emperors, came to their region, while at that time the government was in the hands of the Procurator of the city of Patara. Now the wicked Procurator, celebrating the feast day of Serapis and gathering a council of the impious, he is grieved by the worship of Serapis: was plotting against the Christians and forcing all to the insane worship of idols. When many assembled and were held by human fear, Blessed Leo was grieved, not even able to bear hearing the audacity of the impious. Deliberating within himself, he went out to the place where the relics of the blessed Martyr Paregorius lay. But when he had been in that place where those who were worthy of it were celebrating the execrable and impious feast, every one of those who saw him, both from his mature conduct and from his face and clothing, and from the fact that he did not consent to the evil things being done by them, supposed him to be a Christian and truly venerable.
[3] For all things about him were moderate, for he had practiced the ascetic life from his youth; he leads an apostolic life: and therefore he had been devoted to continence, chastity, and temperance. His garment was woven of hair, and in reality he emulated the Apostolic life and had been an imitator of St. John, the Forerunner and Baptist. When therefore he had come to the appointed place and poured forth his accustomed prayers, he returned home; and having entered and prayed as usual, taking bread, he remained within himself, meditating on nothing else than the noble deeds of the pious Paregorius.
[4] While he was turning these things over in his mind, he fell into a brief sleep, that he might behold the glory of things to come for him. Genesis 37 For just as the Patriarch Joseph saw what God was about to bring upon him, so also Blessed Leo saw through the Holy Spirit the outcome of things to come for him. He seemed to see, during a violent storm with torrents rushing down in great force, Paregorius and himself standing in the midst of the torrent; [he is roused to martyrdom by a heavenly revelation, following the example of St. Paregorius:] and although the flood was very dangerous, he threw himself forward and rushed to the blessed Martyr Paregorius, who was entering upon the path to martyrdom. And so after he had beheld the vision, awakening and making a conjecture within himself about the outcome, he foresaw the things that were to come. He pronounced himself blessed because he had spent some time with Blessed Paregorius.
[5] From then on he went to him as to a most faithful companion in the contest, and he went not secretly but through the middle of the forum and through what was called the Tychaeum. And when he came to the place, he saw lamps and candles lit around the shrine; and he pitied those who had come, as men who had been deceived, he casts down the light kindled before idols: judging their impiety to be most absurd. When he came nearer, he broke the lamps with his hands and trampled the candles with his feet, saying to them: "If you consider your gods to have power, let them defend themselves." This action of Blessed Leo paved the way for the martyrdom that was to befall him. Having therefore offered prayers to God, he continued on his intended journey.
[6] But the ministers of iniquity, having assembled the congregation of the impious, cried out against St. Leo, as one who was turning away the benevolence of Fortune offered to the city. When the tumult had grown and the report of what had been done had spread through the whole city and come to the ears of the Procurator, who was then administering the state, using his own wickedness, he ordered the soldiers to watch for his return and to arrest the man. And he indeed returned, considering within himself what was about to happen, lifting the eyes of his mind to God. But the soldiers, drawing near and seizing him as he neither resisted nor made any disturbance, brought him to the Procurator. He, like some savage beast devouring blood, full of fury, was moved against the Martyr, considering within himself that such an action must by no means be permitted, lest it become a cause for Christians of such audacity and the overthrow of pagan idols.
NotesCHAPTER II
St. Leo's constancy in professing the faith of Christ amid threats and beatings.
[7] After he saw Blessed Leo near at hand, he immediately charged him with the audacity he had used against the lamps, saying: "It seems to me, old man, that you either do not know the power of the heavenly gods, since you overthrow their religion, or that you are insane, acting contrary to what seems good to our most divine Emperors, whom we rightly call second saviors and gods who do the best for us." To this the most holy Leo replied: "You have spoken of many heavenly gods, O Procurator. But the truth is not so: for there is one God of heavenly and earthly things, our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who does not need he professes the faith of Christ: to be worshipped in such a manner by men. For a contrite spirit and a soul accustomed to think humbly of itself are held in great esteem by God. But the lamps and candles that are lit around images are vain and empty, he mocks the superstition of the gods, since stone and bronze and wood, which have been constructed and fashioned by human art, cannot have feeling. If, O Procurator, you understood the one who is truly God, you would not have honored this material, devoid of all sensation, with the honor of incense. Cease therefore to labor in vain over these things, and praise the God of all things and His only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world and the creator of our souls."
[8] To this the Procurator said: "You have not answered in the present matter to the charges brought against you, but have said one thing for another. For since you are accused of these things, with a ready and
eager spirit you teach about Christianity. But thanks be to the gods, who did not allow you to remain hidden after you dared these things. Either therefore acknowledge the gods and fulfill their sacred rites, obeying the judgment of those present, or pay the penalty for what you have dared to commit." To this the Martyr said: "It would have been pleasant for me that not even one or two here had fallen from heavenly knowledge, let alone so great a multitude. But since I see that many have gone insane in impiety, do not think me one of them, since I am a Christian. For I, who hold within me the Apostolic precepts, shall use them for obedience. But if on account of these things you demand penalties from me, brave in the face of threatened punishments: do not delay. For I will not shrink back on account of the torment which you consider most grievous; but I am prepared to endure all things, lest anyone give the devil any foothold against us. But if not all share the same sentiments as we do, they will live only this present life. For the future life is acquired through these afflictions. For so the Scripture says, that narrow and strait is the way that leads to eternal life." Matthew 7:14
[9] The Procurator said: "If you therefore confess that the way among you is narrow and strait, cross over to ours, which is broad and better." St. Leo said: "I did not say it was so narrow as not to receive those who enter it; for many have entered this most beautiful way. But it is called narrow because it is entered with affliction, distress, and necessity, and with persecution for the sake of justice, he teaches that the way to salvation is narrow: by those who approach it. But for those who undertake these things willingly, the faith is most broad, leading to its own virtues. But why do you not declare that the way which among us is called narrow is in fact most broad for salvation, since you have learned that from the faith of our one ancestor Abraham, an innumerable multitude is justified in the faith, resting in his bosom; while the way which is broad among you is narrow through unbelief? And this is true. For virtues, though they are diverse and broad, are narrow and inaccessible to the unskilled."
[10] While St. Leo was discoursing on these and many more things, and strenuously affirming the truth of Christianity, the multitude of impious Jews and Gentiles cried out, asking that he not be permitted to say what he wished. But the Procurator said in response to what was said by the multitude: "I now give him the power to speak freely, and I promise common friendship if he obeys the gods." But St. Leo said: "If you have forgotten my words, O Procurator, you rightly ask again. But if you remember them, know that it is impossible for me to agree that gods which are not so by nature should be worshipped." he is beaten with scourges: Then, moved to anger by these words, he ordered the venerable body of the Martyr to be beaten with scourges. Although the number of blows was innumerable and greater than a human body could sustain, the most valiant athlete of Christ, Leo, was moved by nothing at all that was being done, not emitting even the slightest sigh; for he turned his desire toward the Lord.
[11] But the Procurator said: "These torments with which you have been afflicted are small, O Leo, if compared with what is to come. Therefore obey me and offer to the gods the sacrifices established by law." St. Leo said: "O Judge, what I have often said before, I will not refuse to say again: I neither know these gods, nor will I ever bring myself to sacrifice to them, since I know the most useful precepts of the sacred Scriptures." To this the Procurator said: "Say only this: 'Great are the gods,' and you shall be freed. For I spare you, having regard for your grey hair and your other bodily condition." To this St. Leo said: "This I too would say, that they are truly great and well suited to destroying the souls that believe in them." Moved to fury, he said: "I order you to be dragged over the rocks, constant amid threats and punishments: as one seized by madness, and so to die." Blessed Leo said: "Any manner of death is pleasant to me on account of the heavenly kingdom. For I call that life and salvation which, after I have departed from here, will grant me to dwell with the Saints." The Procurator said: "Obey the edict and say: 'The gods are saviors.' For you are about to die quickly."
NotesCHAPTER III
The martyrdom and burial of St. Leo.
[12] St. Leo said: "You seem to me to be very feeble, since you only constantly threaten me with words but do nothing beyond words." When the multitude stirred up sedition on account of these things, death is adjudged the Procurator, being disturbed, ordered the Saint to be seized by the feet and dragged to the torrent, there to undergo his final punishment. When the Procurator had therefore pronounced sentence, immediately the servants of sin dragged Blessed Leo to the torrent inhumanely and cruelly. he is dragged to the torrent:
[13] Then, knowing that his desire was fulfilled, lifting his eyes to God, he began to speak thus: he prays to God, even for his persecutors: "I thank you, Father of Christ, that you have not long separated me from your servant Paregorius, but have given me a swift occasion to follow him. I rejoice therefore at what has been done: that as a fitting provision for my former sins I receive martyrdom, and that I deliver my spirit into the hands of your angels, to be preserved eternally free from the judgment of the wicked. And for what is done to me, be gracious to those who have dared it; and grant them to acknowledge you as the God of all, since you do not desire the death of the sinner but his repentance; and on account of our suffering grant easy endurance in Christ Jesus our Lord, whose glory and power be to the Father for ever, Amen." 1 Timothy 2 And after he had repeated "Amen" with great eagerness of spirit, crying out with thanksgiving, he dies. he gave up his spirit to the Lord.
[14] Then the ministers of iniquity, lifting the body of the Saint upon a high rock, cast it into a deep chasm in the earth. The body is thrown down a deep precipice: But the body, having fallen, was by no means scattered, but as though it had been quietly carried there; and it appeared to have received only a few scratches from the roughness. In this manner, therefore, the most noble Leo, having overcome the devil, earned outstanding crowns. And since it was just that the magnificence of his deeds should be preserved for his singular honor, and that the memory of his blessings should remain as proof of those same deeds, the place itself endures to this day; which formerly indeed, when the body of the Saint was carried there, was precipitous and so inaccessible that from mere inspection alone it threatened danger; then not dangerous for those who wander: but now through the Saint it has been rendered firm and stable, and free from all danger. For frequently both men and women and other animals, wandering from the road, are brought to that precipice, and they do not feel even the slightest harm. And sometimes a very large vehicle with the draft animals pulling it has fallen down and remained entirely free from all danger. And this place has been divinely endowed with that convenience.
[15] But the most devout Brothers, hastily removing the body of the most holy Martyr, then found and beautiful, marveled that his face appeared so beautiful and seemed to smile, while the rest of his body was ruddy and as if lightly sprinkled with dust from the contest. They therefore washed it with water and laid it down with great care, he is buried. and departed with thanksgiving, praising God who had granted such noble perseverance to the blessed Martyr, asking that they might be made worthy of his lot and dwelling, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, to whom be glory and power for ever and ever, Amen.
Note