Acta Sanctorum

Athanasius

13 January · commentary
Latin source: Heiligenlexikon
St. Athanasius is a martyr venerated by the Greeks on January 13, recorded in the Menaea as having been beaten to death with rods. The commentary distinguishes him from several other martyrs named Athanasius venerated on other days throughout the year.

ON ST. ATHANASIUS, MARTYR.

Commentary

Athanasius, Martyr (St.)

From various sources.

Several Martyrs named Athanasius are mentioned in the sacred calendars. The Greek Menaia record this one as beaten to death with rods, and praise him with the following distich:

"With rods, Athanasius, you offer yourself, hastening indeed to die, but to live for a greater good."

This alludes to the name Athanasius, which signifies "immortal." None of the other Martyrs named Athanasius is recorded as having been killed by this form of punishment. Several Martyrs named Athanasius. On January 3, St. Athanasius the Commentariensis, together with Zosimus, after confessing the faith and enduring torments, fell asleep in a cave. On April 23, St. Athanasius, formerly a magician but converted by St. George, was struck down by the sword. On January 23, St. Athanasius the Lector — by what punishment he was killed is not recorded, but his companions in death are given as the priest Aristocles and the deacon Demetrius. On July 5, St. Athanasius the Deacon was indeed torn apart by scourges at Jerusalem, but was ultimately killed by the sword. On August 23, St. Athanasius the Bishop was struck with the sword at Tarsus. From all of which we conclude that none of these is the Athanasius whom the Greeks venerate on this day.