Apollinaris Syncletica

ON ST. APOLLINARIS SYNCLETICA, CALLED DOROTHEUS.

At the Beginning of the Fifth Century.

Apollinaris Syncletica, called Dorotheus, Virgin in Egypt (St.)

By a Contemporary Author.

[1] The Greeks celebrate this saint, like the above Syncletica, on the 4th of January; the Latins on the 5th. The Roman Martyrology: "On the same day, St. Apollinaris the Virgin." Molanus: "Also, as Metaphrastes notes, the blessed Apollinaris the Virgin." The name of St. Apollinaris in the Martyrologies. The Menaea, however, on January 4: "On the same day, St. Apollinaris Syncletica, or Patricia." They then narrate her life at length, which, since it agrees entirely with Metaphrastes and is found in the Viridarium of our Matthaeus Raderus, we here omit. But it has seemed good to transcribe here certain things from the most learned observations of the same Raderus.

[2] Why she is called Syncletica. "Syncletica," he says, "was perhaps called Senatorial and Patricia from the dignity of her father Anthemius. Although other sacred virgins are read of under this name. But the opinions of writers vary concerning this Anthemius, whom Metaphrastes affirms was the Emperor of the West created by Leo the Great. Her father was the grandfather of the Emperor Anthemius. Others consider the elder Anthemius to have been the grandfather of the Emperor Anthemius, who was nevertheless a consular prefect of the city and a regent for the Emperor: for when Arcadius died, he administered the Empire on behalf of the young ward Theodosius the Younger with great fidelity and praise. He held the consulship with Stilicho (consul for the second time) in the year of Christ 405. Baronius recounts his praises and deeds from St. Chrysostom and Theodoret, at the year 405, numbers 1, 2, 3, and names him the grandfather of the Emperor Anthemius. Sidonius Apollinaris praises this Anthemius in his Panegyric to the Emperor Anthemius as the father-in-law of Procopius the father, in this verse (v. 94):

'His father-in-law Anthemius, Prefect and Consul alike, Ruled the peoples by his judgments and the year by his name.'

He was therefore the grandson of that Philip, the Prefect of Constantinople, who killed St. Paul, Patriarch of Constantinople; the father-in-law of Procopius; An illustrious man. a man of outstanding piety, equity, and modesty -- a father entirely worthy of such a daughter, and a daughter worthy of such a father, but unworthy of so monstrous a grandfather. On him, see Socrates, Ecclesiastical History, book 7, chapter 1; Theodoret, History of the Fathers, book 9, chapter 8; St. Chrysostom, letters sent from Cucusus, letter 147; Nicephorus, book 14, chapter 1; the Tripartite History, book 11, chapter 1. He was also Praetorian Prefect, as is clear from the Constitutions of Arcadius, Honorius, and Theodosius. There survives his conversation with* Aphraates, a most holy anchorite, when he was returning from the Persian embassy."

[3] It was lawful for Apollinaris to assume male clothing. "Apollinaris assumed the name of Dorotheus, having taken the sacred garb of monks for the purpose of concealment. For although the sacred letters and the interpreters of sacred letters -- Tertullian, Cyprian, and others who have followed them -- declare it to be a thing hateful and abominable to God if a man should simulate a woman or a woman a man, nevertheless the writers of sacred and civil law explain that it is sometimes lawful to change one's clothing and names for a pious and certain end, when the danger to an innocent life or to modesty, or an honorable and pious cause, permits or requires it. This is so certain that many both virgins and matrons, made illustrious by wonderful deeds and works, have been enrolled among the saints, such as: Eugenia, who called herself Eugenius, whose praises all Martyrologies along with Alcimus Avitus, Fortunatus, Aldhelm, and Metaphrastes proclaim, on the 25th Various women who did the same. of December; Euphrosyne, called Smaragdus (not with an empty name), on the 11th of February; Pelagia or Pelagius, on the 8th of October; Theodora of Alexandria, on the 28th of April; Antonina, on the 3rd of May; Athanasia; Susanna, on the 15th of December; Marina, on the 18th of June; Anastasia Patricia, on the 10th of March; the matron Anna, on the 29th of October; that anonymous woman praised by Sophronius in the Spiritual Meadow, chapter 170; and the virgin Glaphyra, attendant of Constantia Augusta, the sister of Constantine the Great and wife of Licinius, on the 13th of January; Baronius, Annals, volume 3, year of Christ 316, number 14; Jachelina, an illustrious virgin and sister of the Count of Apulia, Great Mirror of Examples, p. 326; Euphemiana, called Euphemianus, Menaea, October 29." So far Raderus; but his memory deceived him when he judged the matron Anna and Euphemiana to be different persons. For Anna, a matron of Constantinople, presenting herself in the guise of a eunuch, lived among monks and was called Euphemianus; I read the name Euphemiana nowhere. What he reports about Jachelina, or Jakelina, or Jaquelina, is found in the old Mirror of Examples, distinction 5, example 65; in the Mirror of our Johannes Major under the word Virgo, example 4, from Cantimpratanus, book 2, chapter 29, section 38.

[4] Another Syncletica the virgin. Another Syncletica the Virgin, nearly a contemporary of this one, is celebrated by the priest Coelius Sedulius in his letter to Macedonius, which is the preface to his Paschal Poem, and whom he extols with the highest praises along with her married sister Perpetua. "Who would not desire and strive," he says, "to please the exquisite judgment of the sacred virgin and handmaid of Christ, Syncletica, who so advanced the nobility of her proud blood through humility to glory that she deserved to be made an 'Allecta' in the Senate of the heavenly homeland? Truly a worthy temple, in which the Lord dwells, chastened by fasting, filled with prayers, most pure in chastity! She has so thirstily drunk the Scriptures of ecclesiastical doctrine that, had the license of her sex not been wanting, she could even teach,* although in the members of a feminine body the spirit is masculine. Of her daily dispensation of mercy I say nothing, which she exercises in silence and bestows in concealment. Yet her poor clothing reveals where a rich revenue profits. And so that the greatness of so great a prudence, shining with a twin lamp, might give more light, she also has a sister named Perpetua, a name deserved by merit, Syncletica's sister Perpetua. unequal in years, equal in deeds, tender in age, venerable in uprightness; who, nourished by the dignity of her name, so lives that she cannot lose what she is called. Illustrious in marital power, more illustrious in divine religion; she holds the palm nearest to virginity, remaining chaste in the bond of marriage. The rest of what we said of the sister, besides the conspicuous adornments (as befits a married woman), we find also in the character of this one." So far Sedulius. Concerning our Apollinaris Syncletica, I am surprised that no mention is made in the Lives of the Fathers. If the Macarius in whose cenobium she dwelt is that Alexandrian one whose life we gave on January 2 (which is altogether probable), it can easily be conjectured that Apollinaris did not long survive the year of Christ 400.

* June 7. ** April 7. * Blandin manuscript: Sincliticis; the printed editions: Syndeticis. * So the manuscript, and correctly. But our Scottus, from I know not what codex, read Athleta*, erroneously. Scottus: potuisset* ("she would have been able"). Scottus and Rosweyde: quam ("than"). The words gemina lampade* ("with a twin lamp") are absent from my manuscript.

LIFE OF ST. APOLLINARIS SYNCLETICA,

BY A CONTEMPORARY AUTHOR, IN METAPHRASTES.

Apollinaris Syncletica, called Dorotheus, Virgin in Egypt (St.)

By a Contemporary Author.

CHAPTER I.

St. Apollinaris journeys to Jerusalem and Alexandria for piety's sake.

[1] Under the reign of the most pious Emperor* Anthemius, son of the Emperor, who had two daughters: St. Apollinaris refuses marriage. one of whom had an unclean spirit, while the other from an early age devoted herself to churches, shrines of the martyrs, and prayers. Her name was Apollinaris. When she was of lawful age, her parents sought to join her to a husband; but she was unwilling. One day she said to her parents: "I desire to go into a monastery." Her parents said to her: "We wish to join you to a husband." But she said to them: "I do not wish to be joined to a husband, but I hope that as God has kept his holy virgins undefiled, he will also keep me undefiled in his fear." It seemed a new and admirable thing to her parents that, at her age, she should say such things, desiring God. She again asked them to bring a nun to teach her the psalter and to read.

[2] She is instructed in letters. The Emperor was greatly distressed, since he wished to join her in marriage. But when she persisted and refused to accept the betrothal gifts, her parents said to her: "What do you wish, daughter?" She said to them: "I ask you to bring me to God, so that you may receive the reward of my virginity." When they saw that her mind was so firm and immovable and that she had been so loved by God, they said to her: "We hope, daughter, that the will of God shall be done." A few days later they brought nuns to her, who taught her the psalter and to read the Scriptures.

[3] She visits the holy places. On a certain day, while both parents were sitting together, she said to her parents: "I ask you to let me go to the holy places, that I may pray and adore the holy** resurrection and the venerable cross." But they had no intention of letting her go, because they loved her more than her sister, who was tormented. But when after some interval of time she continued to press them, the Emperor ordered that boys and handmaids, gold and silver be brought to her, and they said to her: "Take these, daughter, and depart. Fulfill your vow, for God wishes you to be his servant." And placing her on a ship, with these servants attending her, they said to her: "Daughter, remember us in the holy places." She said: "As you have satisfied me, may the Lord also deliver you in the evil day." And having bidden her parents farewell, she began her voyage.

[4] When they had arrived at Ascalon* within a few days, they stayed there for some days on account of rough seas. She herself, praying in all the churches and monasteries, also provided them with what was necessary. After some days, having found companions, we came to the holy city. When we had stopped at a certain place for our baggage, and the boys and handmaids who were with us, we rested a little. The blessed Apollinaris said to them: She prays for her parents. "Come, let us adore the blessed resurrection and the venerable cross." Moreover, while they were praying, she prayed for her parents. And she began to do good to those who were in need. They went constantly to the monasteries of perpetual virgins and to those who led the monastic life, and she provided them with what was necessary.

[5] She frees her servants. On a certain day she said to one of those who were with her: "I wish, God willing, to set you free." When they heard this, they were distressed. She therefore said to them: "Do not be anxious in spirit. For if God moves my humility, I will provide for your sustenance." When they had received her blessing, they gave her great thanks. When they had departed, she went with those who remained to the Jordan; and there again she provided for those in need. When they had left that place, they again came to the holy city.

[6] After some days had passed, when she had completed her prayer, she said to those who were with her: "My brothers, I wish to set you free as well. But now let us go to Alexandria, and let us adore St. Menas."** They said: She goes to Alexandria. "As you command, Lady." When she had gone down to Ascalon, she distributed along the way to those who were in need; and having found a ship bound for Alexandria, they sailed there. The governor of that time heard of her arrival and sent to pay her reverence. But she would not allow it; instead, she came by night to the Praetorium and paid her respects to the governor and his wife. She honors the secular governor. They fell at her feet, saying: "We beg you, Lady, why have you done this? We sent men to come to your feet, and you, our Lady, have come to our feet?" She said to them: "Do you wish to do me a favor?" They said: "Certainly, Lady." She said to them: "Let me go, for I wish to go and pray at St. Menas." They dismissed her with splendid gifts. But she, having received them, distributed everything to the poor.

* This Anthemius, as we have already said from Raderus, was the grandfather of the Emperor Anthemius, the guardian of the young Theodosius the Younger.

** That is, the church of the Lord's resurrection.

* Ascalon, a coastal city of Palestine, celebrated in sacred Scripture, near Egypt.

** This is St. Menas or Mennas, who suffered in Phrygia. On him and this temple of his, see November 11.

CHAPTER II.

In the garb of a monk she flees into the desert.

[7] When she had stayed in the city for a few days, she went everywhere to the monasteries and constantly provided for them. In the place where she had her lodging, she found an old woman, to whom she gave a modest gift, and said to her: "Take this, sister, and go to the church, and buy me one monastic lebitonarium, and likewise a shoulder-cloth and a cowl; take also a girdle." She buys monastic garments. The old woman went and served her in this matter. When she had brought them, she blessed her, saying: "God help you, Mamma."* When she had received them, she hid them on account of the servants. When she wished to go out to St. Menas, having freed all of them, she gave them what was necessary for their sustenance and dismissed them. They blessed her and departed.

[8] Having taken with her one eunuch and one old man, she came by ship to Lemna. When they had arrived at the house of Philoxenus, the paramonarius* there learned of it, and came with great ceremony and said to her, falling at her feet: "My Lady, where do you wish me to stay while you go up and make your prayer?" She refuses to accept anything for free. She asked him with an oath that nothing be brought to her. She said to him: "Perform the office of charity. Bring me four animals, that I may go up and adore St. Menas." On the following day he brought the animals. She said: "Believe me, sir, I will not mount them unless I have paid their hire." Having paid more than was customary, she bade farewell to the steward. He departed, having received her blessing.

[9] She adores the tomb of St. Menas. When she had gone up, she had the groom also mount another animal. When they had arrived at St. Menas, they adored his venerable tomb. The steward heard of it and came with the clergy to pay her reverence. She was distressed at this, for she did not wish to be recognized. The steward asked her, saying: "Lady, please accept my house." She said to him: "I wish to remain one day in the church until God sends me where I am to go." And he sent her the saint's blessing. She distributed to those in need. After three days she said to the steward: "Perform the office of charity. Provide me with a litter, that I may go and adore the Fathers of Scetis."* He summoned a litter-bearer and said to him: "In the name of God, bring me a litter." He said: "As you have commanded." The blessed woman then brought to her the boy who had remained with her, and having given him her blessing, she dismissed him too, saying: "Pray for me."

[10] When the litter-bearer came on the following day, she waited until evening. Having bidden farewell to the steward and the boy, she mounted the litter, having the monastic garments inside, and had the eunuch mount behind and the litter-bearer in front. The blessed woman began to pray, In the garb of a monk she lives in a marsh. while she was inside, and to ask the Lord God for help. Around midnight she arrived at a marsh near a spring, which to this day is called the Spring of Apollinaris. Having opened the curtains of the litter, by God's providence she found both men asleep. Having taken off her worldly garments, she put on the monastic ones, saying: "You who gave the beginning, that I might attain this holy habit, make me worthy to bring it to its end in accordance with your will, O Lord." Having signed herself with the cross, she threw herself from the litter and entered the marsh. God, seeing her charity toward him, caused a palm tree to suffice for her nourishment as long as she lived.

[11] When the litter-bearer and the eunuch awoke and found that she was not in the litter, they were greatly astonished. For they found the garments she had worn in the litter. Returning, they came to the saint's shrine and reported to the steward about her, showing him her garments. Astonished, he entered the city with the litter-bearer and the eunuch, and they laid the entire matter before the governor. The governor, terrified, wrote a letter to her father the Emperor, informing him of everything in order, also sending her garments. When the Emperor received and read the letter, he wept bitterly. When he also saw his daughter's garments, Her flight is reported to her parents. his heart was darkened the more, and he began to weep with her mother and the whole Senate. But afterward they grew calm, giving thanks to God. The Emperor said: "God, who chose her, confirm her in your fear." When all had wept again, some of them said to the Emperor: "Truly, Lord, she is the daughter of a pious Emperor, she is the daughter of your power. From this your good works are the more apparent." Having said these things and more, they all prayed for her.

A lebiton, lebeton, lebitonarium, or lebetonarium, also levitio, was a kind of linen colobium, as our Rosweyde says in the Onomasticon to the Lives of the Fathers*; but Suidas says it was a monastic garment made of hair. Note here the garments of the ancient monks.

** This word signifies a grandmother; it is also used for mother and nurse. Here it is used by the virgin as a mark of honor.

* I do not remember finding mention of this place elsewhere.

** A minister or steward of a church or monastery is elsewhere called by this name.

* A region of Egypt celebrated for the habitation of monks.

CHAPTER III.

She lives a holy life in the desert and in the cenobium of St. Macarius.

[12] Her marvelous abstinence and patience. When the blessed woman had remained many years in the marsh and had strenuously fought against the devil, her body became like the skin of a tortoise. For it had been eaten away by gnats. She herself had been consumed by abstinence and by the rule she had taught herself. When the Lord Christ wished to make her worthy of the crown of the holy Fathers, he caused her to come forth from the marsh. She was unknown to all as a woman, but was thought to be a eunuch. Someone appeared to her in a dream She is called Dorotheus. who said: "If anyone asks you what your name is, say Dorotheus." When it was morning, St. Macarius met her and said to her: "Give me your blessing, Father." Having given each other the kiss of charity, they walked in the desert. Dorotheus asked, saying: "Father, She dwells in the monastery of St. Macarius. who are you?" He said: "I am Macarius."* He then said: "Perform the office of charity: let me dwell with the brothers." And he immediately provided a cell for her. The whole day and night, therefore, she earnestly offered supplications to God. The devil began to tempt her with nocturnal visions. She resists temptations. But the blessed woman fought vehemently against him, lest she reveal herself to be a woman. She exercised herself beyond measure and did not leave the church, nor the rule, praying to God day and night.

[13] One day Abba Macarius came to her cell and said to her: "Perform the office of charity, good brother: send us your prayers." She said: "Father, I wish to be blessed by you." When they had said their prayers, they sat down. Abba Macarius then asked her, saying: "Tell me, brother, where do you come from, and what is your name?" She said: "I am called Dorotheus, and when I heard of the holy Fathers who are here, I wished to dwell with them, if I am worthy." The elder said to her again: "What work do you do?" She said: "I will do whatever you command me." He showed her how to make a chain. God, wishing to display the strength of her spirit, did not reveal to Abba Macarius that she was a woman, but he thought her to be a male eunuch. God performed many healings through her. She is renowned for miracles.

* This Macarius was not the Egyptian, of whom we treat on January 15, but seems to have been the Alexandrian, whom we said on January 2 to have dwelt principally in Scetis and to have survived to the beginning of the fifth century after Christ's birth.

CHAPTER IV.

She drives a demon from her sister.

[14] The demon tries to betray her. In the course of time the demon, who is hostile to good people, attacked her sister, who was tormented by a demon (she was with the Imperial household), and the demon began to tear her and to say: "Unless you take me and bring me to the desert, I will not go out of her." The demon wished to convict her sister that she was a woman. But God stopped the demon's mouth, so that he did not say those things. The demon greatly pressed the girl to go into the desert. Some of the nobles counseled the Emperor to send her. Then the Emperor sent her with a great retinue to the Fathers in the desert. When they came to Scetis, St. Macarius knew for what reason they were present in that place, and going out to meet them, he received them and said: "Why have you come here, children?" They said: "Our most pious Emperor Anthemius has sent his daughter, to be cured through God and your prayers." Having received her from the chamberlain, he brought her to Abba Dorotheus and said: "Perform the office of charity; for she is the daughter of the Emperor and needs the prayers of the Fathers and yours. Pray for her, that she may be cured. For this is your reward."

[15] Her demoniac sister is given to her to be healed. When she heard this, she began to weep and to say: "Who am I, a sinner, that you have conceived such an opinion of me?" And bending her knees she said: "Grant me, Father, that I may weep for my sins, for they are many. For I am weak and entirely unskilled and ignorant for this matter." Abba Macarius said to her: "Are there not also other Fathers who perform signs through God? But nevertheless this reward has been left for you." She said: "May God's will be done," and moved to repentance, she received her into her cell. She recognized her to be her sister, and weeping, she grew calm. Embracing her, she said: "Welcome, sister." By God's work, the mouth of the demon was stopped from accusing the handmaid of God of being a woman. When the demon had long afflicted the sister, through her prayers she subdued him.

CHAPTER V.

Accused of impurity, she is brought to her parents.

[16] She drives out the demon. One day the demon began to afflict the sister. She rose up, stretched her hands to heaven, and weeping, she supplicated God for her sister. Then the demon cried out and said in a loud voice: "Oh! I am driven out of her by force!" And the girl fell prostrate and the demon departed. Having received her, she brought her healed to the church and to the feet of the Fathers, saying: "Forgive me that I have sinned among you." They gave the kiss of peace and called the men of the Emperor and delivered the Emperor's daughter to them in good health. Having venerated all the Fathers, they departed to the Emperor. There was great joy in the city on account of the Emperor's daughter, and they glorified God, seeing the girl's great modesty. The blessed Dorotheus humbled himself the more, exercising beyond measure, and became a perfect standard-bearer.

[17] The demon accuses her of impurity. But the devil again entered the Emperor's daughter and caused her to appear pregnant. The Emperor began to be greatly distressed and questioned her, saying: "By whom are you pregnant?" She could answer nothing there except only this: "I do not know whence this has happened to me." The Emperor examined her further. Then Satan suggested to him this thought: that the monk who had attended her had made her pregnant. Then the Emperor, filled with great wrath, sent men to destroy that place. When the officials had gone with all speed to Scetis, they sought to find out what had happened there, saying: "Give us the monk who made the Emperor's daughter pregnant." The holy Dorotheus, servant of God, hearing these words, came forward into the midst, saying: "I am the one." The holy Fathers were distressed and said: She is brought to her parents. "We too will go with you." She said to them: "My lords, only pray for me; and I hope in God and in your prayers that I shall soon adore you again." Going to the church, they came with the whole community of brothers, and having said prayers, they went out together, escorting Abba Dorotheus. For Abba Macarius knew there was no evil in that one.

[18] When they had arrived before the Emperor, Abba Dorotheus fell at his feet, saying: "I beg your piety to hear about your daughter in silence. She privately reveals to them that she is their daughter. Let us go apart, and I will tell you everything. No outrage has been done to her, nor has she anything evil -- God forbid." After they had gone apart, she and her parents, she said to them: "By the Lord, promise me that if you learn the truth, you will send me back to my place." When the Emperor and his wife had promised her this, she said to them: "The one who, after God, made your daughter well is my humble self, through the prayers of the Fathers." When they heard this, they were stupefied and remained mute and astonished. She said to them: "I will make you certain of this matter," and opening the neck of her colobium, she showed them her breasts, and said: "Father, I am your daughter Apollinaris." When her parents heard this, they were amazed, and many tears were shed on that day. They brought her sister and said to her: "Do you know this man?" She answered: "Truly, this is the eunuch who, after God, healed me." And falling at her feet, she asked her about her womb. When she had raised her up and laid her hands on her womb, She uncovers the demon's fraud. she made her well. When they saw this, they were amazed and glorified God. They said: "Truly this is our daughter Apollinaris." There was weeping mingled with joy in the Emperor's palace.

CHAPTER VI.

Having returned to the monastery, she dies and is recognized as a woman.

[19] When she had spent a few days with her parents, she told them everything. When they heard it, they praised God. They asked her to remain with them, but they did not persuade her then. But because they had promised her, they sent her away with many tears. She asked her parents to pray for her. They said to her: "God, to whom you were betrothed, he will show mercy to you. But remember us, daughter, in your holy prayers." When they had embraced her, Scorning money, she returns to the monastery. they dismissed her. They wished to give her money for the use of the Fathers, but she did not accept it, saying: "My Fathers have no need of the money of this world, lest we fall from heavenly goods." Having said prayers, they sent their daughter away, rejoicing and exulting. When she had come to Scetis, the brothers and Fathers received her and praised God that their brother had returned safe, and they held a feast day for her.

[20] She dies. A few days later, when she knew that she was about to depart from the world, she said to Abba Macarius: "Perform the office of charity. If it should happen that I depart this life, do not let the monks compose my body." He said to her: "How can that be done?" When she had died, the holy Fathers came to wash her holy body. She is recognized as a woman. They saw that she was female in sex, and they cried out, saying: "Glory to you, O Christ, who have many hidden saints!" Abba Macarius was astonished that this had not been revealed to him. But one night he saw a vision, which said to him: "Do not be troubled on that account. For you must be crowned with the holy Fathers who are from of old." Then the vision narrated to him the life and name of the blessed woman. Her holy relics were brought and placed to the east of the holy church, in the cave of Abba Macarius, with joy and glory, to this day, through God and the holy Fathers. Miracles occur at her relics. And after the holy woman's falling asleep, healings are performed through the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be glory and power forever. Amen.