ON SS. EPICTETUS, PRESBYTER, AND ASTION, MONK,
MARTYRS OF ALMYRIS IN SCYTHIA.
Under Diocletian.
PRECEDING COMMENTARY.
Most rare is the memory of these holy Martyrs; the Acts illustrated with observations.
Epictetus, Presbyter and Martyr, at Almyris in Scythia (S.)
Astion, Monk and Martyr, at Almyris in Scythia (S.)
BY THE AUTHOR J. P.
No notice of these Martyrs, either in the Greek Fasti, or in the ancient tables of the Latin Church, could I anywhere find; and, after I had sought, my labor's pay being frustrated, I learned by experience that Heribert Rosweyde spoke all too truly in his Notes to their Acts, which are read inserted in the Lives of the Fathers, Scarcely any memory of these Martyrs that he had found mention of these Saints nowhere in the ecclesiastical tables, except in the manuscript Florary of the Saints, where it is thus read, on the eighth of July: In the East, of the holy Martyrs Epicticus and Astion, slain for Christ under the Emperor Diocletian, whose wondrous acts and passions are read. They suffered in the year of salvation 290. After this the said Author soon subjoins: The same day is assigned in the Martyrology of Usuard, augmented by the Cologne Carthusians in the year 1521. But from this life the Mirror of Examples cites an example, distinction 8, which is from the lives of the Saints, example 21, which in its edition is had in chapter 11, but in this our edition corresponds to number 17.
[2] Among the supplements added to the Usuardine Martyrology, not so long ago edited and illustrated, in the sacred fasti, there is found, besides the announcement of the Antwerp codex Max., another of Grevenus, with a eulogy in these words: Of Epicticus, presbyter, and Astion, monk, Martyrs. Who in the time of Diocletian, coming from the East into the borders of Scythia, held for the faith of Christ, in all the torments by which they were afflicted, spoke these words most frequently: We are Christians, O tyrant; let the will of our God be done in us. After various torments at last, beheaded, they consummated their martyrdom. And these few things, by no means to be commended for antiquity, is what I have been permitted to find concerning our Martyrs. To which add Castellanus, who latest of all added them to his Universal Martyrology.
[3] The rarity of copies of the Life the same Rosweyde left attested in the aforesaid notes, most rare copies of the life. when he wrote that he had no manuscript copy, except one from the church of St. Salvator at Utrecht, from a recent hand. Nor any printed one, except one from Cologne in the Lives of the Fathers; adding that the remaining editions lack this life. Therefore, provided with such aids so sparingly and thinly, Rosweyde inserted the Acts of our Martyrs into the Lives of the Fathers, edited by him; and hence they afterward passed into the edition of Surius. No one therefore has cause to wonder at our brevity in illustrating the Acts of these Martyrs, since so scanty—I had almost said no—furniture of ancient monuments does not admit a longer discourse, nor does scarcely anything worthy of memory occur in this place, besides the sifting of the Acts, of which we shall now briefly treat.
[4] Tillemont, in tome 5, page 153, treating in passing of our Martyrs, The Acts, which are given, are sifted; holds them suspect, the city of the Almyrisenses in Scythia, which was their arena, being very difficult indeed to find, and their names being moreover nowhere expressed in any ancient monument, either of the Latins or of the Greeks, except, he says, in two new Martyrologies, which enter them on the eighth of July. Presently, having digressed to the History or Acts, he carps at them, as containing prolix discourses
that are prolix and deeds little probable, especially at the end, so as not to say that they are absolutely fabulous. Which things, if anyone shall wish to scrutinize and explore article by article and in detail, he will perhaps be able to pluck at the following. First, that an Author of uncertain name, age, and perhaps of uncertain trustworthiness published them, all antiquity meanwhile being silent. Secondly, that they swarm with miracles, prayers, orations or dialogues rather prolix and frequently repeated; in which the Author is most copious, but sparing in the description of the life of the Martyrs. Thirdly, the Acts fix St. Epictetus in the times of Diocletian, that most profane Emperor; for from these words they begin; and yet at number 3, by a demoniac to be freed by the Martyr, the devil in his indignation recounts the evils done by him elsewhere, of which some, namely those which he wrought through Arius and Donatus, contain an anachronism; since they were later than the reign of Diocletian, who laid it down in the year 304; the heresy of the former having begun about the year 306, that of the latter perhaps about 319. Fourthly, that Rosweyde torments himself to find the site of the city of the Almyrisenses, the arena of the holy Martyrs, of which he thus discourses in his Onomasticon to the Lives of the Fathers, page 1013: From these things, he says, it is gathered that the city of the Almyrisenses is in Scythia. But in what author is there memory of this city? I think the city of the Almyrisenses or Halmyrisenses was so called from a lake, which is called Halmyris by Pliny, book 4, chapter 12, in this tract; and he cites his words, and then proceeds: This lake the Danube makes, which Penetus in his Pliny says is commonly called Lac de nostro Dame de Danubi, that is, the Lake of the divine Virgin of the Danube. Perhaps the Salmorudis of Antoninus.
[5] which seem He adduces moreover the passage of Nicephorus, book 22, chapter 29, which Nicephorus, after he had said that Eunomius by the order of Theodosius was deported to Halmyris, adds: Now Halmyris is a place of Mysia in Europe, situated on the Ister. Whence Rosweyde concludes that no doubt from this the city of the Halmyrisenses was so called, and so is to be written; that from Pliny's description it is to be placed near Peuce, which is in Lower Mysia. Now Lower Mysia also goes under the name of Scythia. Whence in Lower Mysia are the Tomi, the place of Ovid's exile, which Ovid himself places in Scythia. Finally, at the last, he admonishes that in the Notitia of the Empire many places of Lower Mysia are found to belong to the Scythian prefecture. Do you see how many windings are needed to find the arena of our Martyrs, the city of the Almyrisenses in Scythia; which the said Author asserts indeed that he has found, but perhaps has not yet found after a labor by no means perfunctory? Truly, if we believe the Author of the Acts, relating at number 15 that Astion went to draw water at the Danube, thence it is gathered that the aforesaid place was near the Danube, agreeably to what Rosweyde noted above. But let us return to the other things which could be objected against the Acts of the holy Martyrs.
[6] Fifthly, one might moreover pluck at the said Acts, on account of defects; in that at number 16 Astion, about to heal one half-dead from a fall, invokes Jesus Christ, as him who to Æneas, lying for 80 years on his pallet, granted through St. Peter firmness of limbs. Which manifestly conflicts with the sacred Text, in which, Acts 9, from verse 32, it is read: And it came to pass that Peter, as he passed through all, came down to the saints who dwelt at Lydda. And he found there a certain man named Æneas, who for EIGHT years had lain on his pallet, and was a paralytic. But perhaps this is a slip of the writing.
[7] Sixthly, there will be one who with Rosweyde asks who is that Commander or governor Latronianus, with which they labor, under whom these Athletes are commemorated to have consummated the course of their martyrdom in the Acts, number 49. For indeed he so escaped Rosweyde, that he has nothing in his note to these Acts to say of him, except this one thing, by which he indicates that inquiry is to be made about him. What if a reader of refined judgment should also accuse the writer of this martyrdom? because from number 25 onward through the course there are set down some things, partly not sufficiently likely, partly, as one goes on to the end of the Acts, others moreover smacking of oratorical composition, or a certain characterization of Metaphrastes, adorned with various passages of sacred Scripture. Seventhly and finally, I know not whether all should be admitted as true, or at least likely, which are read concerning the apparition of the Martyrs to the parents of St. Astion, and concerning the embrace given to them; and above all whether the address of Astion with his mother, at number 45, will not labor as to credibility, in which he asks her that she divide and distribute to the poor the portion, he says, falling to me from your substance, FOR MY REST and your salvation. For to whom would those words, for my rest, uttered by a glorious Martyr, not be displeasing? I know that Rosweyde interprets them in a more benign sense, namely for a greater accidental glory; producing that well-known saying of Augustine on the words of the Apostle: He does an injury to a Martyr, who prays for a Martyr.
[8] And these are the things by which one may pluck at the Acts of these Martyrs, that they are not genuine. by calling them to analysis and criticism; on account of which, if one shall say that they are suspect of falsity, he will perhaps seem to some a harsh, but not an altogether false, critic. But I indeed, to speak freely what I feel, and to bring my judgment upon them in the mildest possible manner, confess that, for the reasons brought forward in the preceding number, some suspicion arises in me, and not, as I think, one destitute of all reason, that those Acts are not altogether genuine, pure, and authentic. Would that it were more certainly settled concerning the Saints themselves from ancient tables, Latin or Greek; whom nevertheless, notwithstanding the utmost silence of the ancient monuments concerning them, I have not judged should be deprived of their possession, but should be inserted here. But now the place demands that their
ACTS
be given.
Edited in the Lives of the Fathers at Rosweyde's, book 1, from page 211.
By an uncertain Author.
Epictetus, Presbyter and Martyr, at Almyris in Scythia (S.)
Astion, Monk and Martyr, at Almyris in Scythia (S.)
BHL Number: 2568
From the Lives of the Fathers.
CHAPTER I.
The pious upbringing of St. Epictetus; the working of miracles; the conversion of Astion to Christ.
Chapter I.
In the times of Diocletian, that most profane emperor, there was a certain presbyter in the parts of the East, named Epictetus, leading a religious life, St. Epictetus, piously reared, in riper age works miracles. and being chaste in all his conversation. For this man, from a small age nourished in the service of the Lord, was exercised in all the justifications of Jesus Christ. But when he had come to mature age, like Samuel of old, he merited to bear the priestly ephod, because divine grace wrought many signs and wonders through him in all things. In short, he often gave light to the eyes of the blind by his prayers, but also cleansed the lepers who came to him, healed the paralytics, and put demons to flight from the bodies they beset.
[2] Therefore one of these days, while he sat alone in his cell, and offered his wonted prayers to Christ, He heals a paralytic girl of 15 years; a certain maiden, the daughter of a certain Count, wholly dead in all her members except the tongue, was brought to him. And when her father had set his daughter before his doors, he himself, entering in to the Saint, suddenly cast himself at his knees, crying out and saying thus: Have mercy on me, O man of the most high God, for your God is proclaimed by his servants as merciful and compassionate. Do not, I pray, will to cast me from your face, since he graciously receives all who flee to him. For I have an only daughter, of nearly 15 years of age, but she through three years' time has been dissolved by an excessive paralysis. And so I do not doubt that he who restrained the twelve years' flux of blood will be able, if he will, through you to grant also to my daughter entire soundness, since we have vowed ourselves to his faith, and are sons of the holy Church, and are baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Hearing this, the Priest of the Lord ordered the girl to be brought in to him. When her father had set her before his feet, the man of God poured out prayers for her to the Lord God, thus saying: Eternal God, driver of the Cherubim, who camest down from heaven to lead back the exile from paradise into his ancient possession, who through the dispensation of thy humanity didst take upon thee our infirmity, that we might merit to possess thee in our earthen vessels: I beseech thee, Lord, I beseech thee, deign to look upon the faith of thy servant: and as thou didst call back the daughter of the ruler of the synagogue from the gates of death to life, so now also deign through thy grace to restore this only pledge to its former state, that this unbelieving and perverse generation may acknowledge that thy holy and terrible name is to be worshiped, and may declare thy wonders in all time. And the prayer being ended, he anointed all the girl's members with sanctified oil. She, having obtained this health and healing, together with her parents blessed the Lord. Then holy Epictetus charged the girl's father, saying: If you desire, O my dearest, that no infirmity for the rest, nor any vexation, may prevail in your house, hasten every week with all your family to receive the Lord's Sacraments with inmost devotion and a clean heart. When he had said these things, he bade him depart to his own, joyful and of good spirit, with all his household.
III
IV.
[3] Likewise at another time a certain demoniac was led to him. He frees a demoniac, Whom when the man of God had made to dwell with him, the devil began for three days thus to cry out to him and say: O cross, O torments! which I suffer without cause. How well was it always with me in the parts of Phrygia! How daily did I persuade men to my sacrifice and rite! In how great honors, therefore, did I, wretched one, dwell there; but until now I did not understand, because by a certain fickleness I withdrew thence and came hither. For I a am he who through Montanus brought forth very many words, full also of blasphemy. I through Maximilla perpetrated various crimes. I dragged that whole region down to my worship and filthiness. I through Arius invaded the Alexandrian city, and persuaded it to say that the Son of the living God is a creature. I through Manes instituted the heresy of the Manichæans, and showed how they should consecrate fasts to me. I through Donatus laid waste all Africa. And behold, now by one servant of thine I am held bound, like a fugitive slave, O Christ. These and more of these things, the demon crying out, being rebuked by the blessed Man, on the third day he departed from his dwelling, and the person being purged, gave thanks to Christ the Lord.
Again at another time a blind woman was brought to him, and standing before him thus wept, saying: and a blind woman. Who you are, I acknowledge; but also how much you avail with God, I believe. Do not therefore will to despise my weeping, nor to hold my supplication in vain. For the physicians of this whole province, exercising their prudence and industry upon me, could profit in nothing: but however much
they showed their art upon me, so much was I, wretched, dissolved with pains. Wherefore I beseech your holiness, that you would deign only to lay your right hand upon my eyes in the name of your Christ: and I believe that soon the sight of my eyes will be granted me through you. Then holy Epictetus, wondering at this woman's faith, placed his right hand upon her eyes, glorifying the goodness of the Lord, and saying to her: According to what you have believed, O daughter, be it done to you. Still the words were turning in the mouth of Christ's priest, and suddenly, her eyes being opened, the woman beheld the light, crying out and saying: Glory to you, O God of the Christians; who do not despise sinners set in error, but for your great mercy receive and save those who turn to you. And when she had said these things, at once with her whole household she believed in God the Savior. And because it is long enough, if we should wish to set forth to the studious reader all the wonders which the Lord wrought through him: let it suffice to have touched these few of many in passing. But now let us return to the proposed work.
[5] Therefore one of these days, when a certain youth exceedingly comely of countenance and fair of aspect, The youth Astion, named Astion, had come to him for the sake of a visit, and the blessed Presbyter had asked him to sit beside him: laying his hand upon his head, he began with gentle words thus to exhort him to the faith of the Lord, saying: Who, he says, are you, O sweetest son, and whence do you come, or whither do you go? Or whose son or of what family you may be, show me. But he, answering, said to him: My origin or family, how I should set forth to your blessedness, O most blessed father, I know not. This therefore which I know, I will only briefly and in passing indicate to you. My father is held the foremost of this city and exceedingly most wealthy: my mother, indeed, was of the family of the illustrious and the daughter of Julian the senator, who daily behold me as an only pledge and a most precious pearl. And the Saint to this: Well have you said, my son, that they behold you as a pearl: for they do not now have you; but only behold you, because your blessed soul is held by Christ more precious than every pearl and every metal, whom our Savior himself has already chosen for his ministry and for service, as I see. Come therefore, my son, and spurn those things which are had in this world, that you may with all the Saints receive in the future those things which are not seen here. For all these things which are here beheld are transitory and about to perish; but those things which God has prepared for those who serve him remain forever, even as he himself remains forever. For this gold, son, which is seen, is not true, but is a certain vanity of fancy, through which in this world the souls of the just are deluded.
[6] heavenly riches being set forth, and love toward the heavenly Father Likewise also silver, which is discerned by these eyes, possesses a false name, which is fabricated and filed by all, only that it may deceive the greedy and persuade the foolish. Come therefore, and hear me, sweetest son, and I will show you what gold you are to choose, or what silver is to be desired, that namely which our Lord and Savior imparts to those who believe in him, saying: I counsel you to buy of me gold tried by fire, that you may be made rich; and to be clothed in white garments, that the confusion of your nakedness may not appear. This gold, therefore, tried by fire, is Christ our Lord. And, son, whoever shall wish to have him in the seat of his heart, at once shall merit heavenly riches, and shall be clothed in white garments, that is, in Faith, Hope, and Charity, through which for the rest not only this visible world, but also the devil, whom you worship as a lord, with all his angels, you shall be able to overcome. For also this father of yours, who is seen, son, is not the true father, but the almighty God is called your father, and therefore the one is called one thing, and the other proclaimed another. For the former exists invisible and unspeakable, but the latter is visible and corruptible. The former remains incomprehensible and immortal; the latter passes his life corruptible and mortal in all things.
[7] far more excellent than the fleshly father; By the former's dispensation, therefore, all things stand fast, but by the latter's ordering nothing remains established. He commanded, and you were made; he bade, and you were formed in your mother's womb; he ordered, and you came forth; he commanded, and you were led to this youthful age. And indeed this visible father is to be honored, son, yet not as the former; because the former made and created us to his own image and likeness, gave also understanding for prudence, granted us to have an ever-watchful sense and a memory of good things, and over all his works appointed us as lords, and from servants adopted us to himself as sons and brothers and friends through his grace: and therefore this true Father, who has bestowed on us such good things, it is always fitting, son, to acknowledge and adore. For to this visible father honor is to be paid only for this, that he often exercised the service of a servant toward us, set in a small age, frequently while he fed us, more often while he was solicitous for those things which were necessary to our infancy, while the flesh kissed what is of the flesh, while he had solicitude for his own bowels. Behold therefore for such causes honor is to be paid him.
[8] and the lovely mother the Catholic Church, But we have also another mother, son. Not this visible one, but she remains immortal: and she who is worthily betrothed to our Savior, and adorned by the Angels, decked out by the Prophets, glorified by the Apostles, exalted by the martyrs and confessors, and in Christ, and through Christ, has been raised into the heavenly bridal-chamber: who by men is proclaimed this holy mother the Church. Whose voice is held as that of the turtledove, from whose lips distill spices: namely the doctrine of the Apostles. Whose eyes are the two luminaries of heaven: whose teeth are white, and as of one coming up from the washing. Which mystic sense the twenty-four b most sacred books have in figure. From whose hands drips myrrh, which is justice and true faith. Whose ten fingers contain the virtue and mystery of the decalogue. Whose two breasts are the two Testaments: namely the Mosaic law, and the grace of the Gospel. Whose feet are like fine brass: whose belly and inward parts declare the font of most holy Baptism, and the regeneration of all nations. Come therefore, my sweetest son, and suck the breasts of this most true mother of yours: and yielding to admonitions, spurn those things which are seen in this world, that you may merit to enjoy those things which in the future life God has promised to give to his sons. But hear also our true Father saying: Go forth from your land, and from your kindred, and come into that land which I shall show you; namely into the land of the living, and the Region of the Saints: into the land flowing with milk and honey, that is, into the doctrine of the Apostles and Prophets. And when you shall have fulfilled all things which he had commanded you, then he will hand over the possessions of paradise, will open to you the heavenly Sacraments, will bestow the glory of the kingdom of heaven, will show the immense joy of the Apostles, will more often display the choirs of martyrs, the throng of Angels and Archangels. But above all these things, he will adopt you to himself as a son and brother through grace. Hearing these things, the most wise youth fell down at the old man's knees, and began to ask him that he might rather offer him to him whom he himself might serve from his early age, who alone was held of such power and greatness. And because, on account of the servants or ministers who were at his attendance, lest any of them should indicate these things to his father, Astion spoke nothing further on that day to the man of God.
VI.
[9] But on another day, rising at the first dawn, like a most prudent bee, he hastened to the same place whence the day before he had fed on the heavenly flowers, he gains him for Christ. And entering into the dwelling of the Lord's Priest, he thus saluted him, saying: Hail, O Apostle of Christ, and minister of the new Testament. And the Saint to this: Hail also you, young man, who bear on your head the robe of martyrdom and a crown woven with various gems. And when he had made him sit beside him, he thus spoke to him: What is it, son? The Lord's seed, which yesterday we sowed in the earth of your heart through divine grace, has it risen unto fruit, or is it still held by the fault of unbelief? And Astion says: As your blessedness knows, O most holy father, I am the only son of my parent, and exceedingly dear: and I greatly fear, if I shall have become a Christian, that he, through excessive despair, may either violently be bereft of his spirit, or cast himself into the depth of the sea: and either truly, which be far, become mad on my account: and whence I hope salvation to come to me, I should prepare for him perpetual death, and the fires of gehenna. Therefore, if you deign to accept my counsel, do meanwhile the things which I say: Bid me today be made a catechumen, and impose on me a fast for as many days as you will, and after the appointed days grant me the Sacrament of baptism. And when I shall have fulfilled all things which pertain to the Christian religion: then I pray that we both together may depart from this city, and hasten into a far region, wherever the Holy Spirit shall have led us, lest my father defile my spotless conscience by his tears. And when in the most prudent youth the things which he himself had arranged had been consummated, after a few days, a prayer to Christ being sent before, both go forth from the city: and going down to a ship, they entered into the borders of the Scythians, and came to the city of the Almyrisenses, c where there was none who could recognize them or their fatherland.
VII.
[10] Therefore when the most blessed Men had accomplished this holy flight, The father's the parents of holy Astion began to seek him through various places, and, running hither and thither, to call out his name with exceeding grief. For his father cried out, saying: Sweetest son, and my only pledge, dearest Astion, what has been done to you, or what wild beast suddenly devoured you, so that I could not find even a little of your remains? O staff of my old age, and light of my bowels, where I should now seek you further I know not, and into what region I should send my servants for your sake I am ignorant. For you were the most precious pearl of this city; you among your fellow-citizens walked like a most beautiful dove; you shone like a ray of the sun among all; you glittered like the most splendid moon among the common people; you were wiser among the wise. And what more?
Through your honey-flowing words, you provoked all to the desire of your love. This indeed the father.
[11] and the mother's affection toward him in his absence. But the mother also, rending her garments, and beating her breast with her hands, wept in this manner, saying: Who separated you from me, or who seduced you? Or what mad bird snatched you from my bosom, O sweetest son Astion, I know not. But, as I suspect, perhaps that God of the Christians sent one of his own, and perverted your heart, and estranged you from us. And now woe to me, wretched and alone, because an infinite sadness and an intolerable grief has seized me, and the labor of so many years is found empty. The crown of my head has fallen. The fruit of my womb has withered, and I sit as a desolate city. I was until today a mother through you, my son, and a queen, and now, losing you, I have neither the glory of a queen nor the joy of a mother. But you also, sweetest child, were a tree, and are cut down; a pearl, and by the Galileans d were stolen; a precious gem, and are placed in obscurity; like a lamp, and are extinguished; you were a column, and are cast down; a royal statue, and are overthrown. And what more? You were a man, and in a moment's hour, as I suspect, you suddenly died. And now on your account, my son, I am become mad, so that I understand neither my life nor my name. Speaking these and suchlike words, his father and mother could in no way relieve themselves from the greatest grief.
ANNOTATED.
CHAPTER II.
The miracles of the Saints; Astion is afflicted with a grievous thought; but is freed by his confession.
VIII.
Therefore when in the aforesaid city the holy men of God had found dwellings suited to themselves, in it they offered thanksgivings to God alone. And because it is written, St. Epictetus a mute, deaf, and withered youth, a city set on a mountain cannot be hid, nor can the divine grace lie hidden under a bushel: again the heavenly power began to work through holy Epictetus more signs and wonders in the region of the Scythians than those which it had wrought in the parts of the East. For one of the days a certain woman coming to him offered him her son, of nearly 15 years, being mute and deaf and withered: and casting him at the feet of holy Epictetus, she spoke to him thus, saying: Whence you have come I know not, or of what region you are I am ignorant. But this only I believe, that if you will, you can grant to the sick the healing of health: because your habit and religion declare you to be a disciple of that Nazarene. For we have heard how many signs and wonders others of your number have wrought in his name. Therefore, since you are held one of his disciples, come to the aid of our infirmities. Preach to us of his wonders, expound of his nation, or the mystery of his divinity, that we too may merit to be made his servants through you.
[13] Hearing this, the Priest of the Lord spoke to the woman thus, saying: If you will believe, woman, in him whom I preach, God, he heals the boy of 15 years offered to him, and no fault of unbelief thereafter shall settle in your mind, but you shall believe with your whole heart that he himself is the creator of heaven and earth, of the sea also and the springs of waters, and of all things that are in them, it shall be as you have asked. For he is not far from every one of us, since in him we are, and live, and are moved. Saying these things, he bids the paralyzed boy be raised: and his eyes lifted to heaven, he thus prayed the Lord for him, saying: Almighty God, who are immeasurable and invisible, unspeakable also and incomprehensible, salvation of the Christians, physician of the sick, governor of sailors, harbor of those in peril, light of the blind, foot of the lame, way of the wandering: look, I beseech you, Lord, upon this your servant, and loose the bond of his tongue to the praise of your name. Open also his ears to hear your heavenly Sacraments.
[14] Heal all his crushed members, both soul and body also, like that paralytic whom, after thirty and eight years, your venerable coming endowed with entire health, that those who did not know your name may acknowledge it, he spits thrice into his eyes. and may believe that you are the only and true God, who reign and remain together with the Father and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. The prayer being finished, he spat thrice into the mouth of the child, and questioning him, said: Son, in what God ought we to believe, in idols, which are made by men, or in Jesus Christ crucified, who today has deigned to heal you? But he cried out with a great voice, saying: In Jesus Christ we ought to believe, O most blessed one, who always and even to the present day works such benefits among men. And when the multitude of the Almyrisenses beheld this miracle, they gave glory to God: and more than a thousand souls on that day believed in the Lord Savior.
[15] Not only therefore holy Epictetus, but also most blessed Astion wrought very many miracles in the name of the Lord. St. Astion cures a demoniac by the sign of the Cross In short, much grace was conferred on them against all infirmities: but also the greatest power was granted them against demons. Therefore one of the days, while he went to draw water at the Danube, there met him a man who was vexed by a demon. And drawing near him, and praying for him sufficiently, he made the saving sign on his forehead, and traced it over all his members. Who at the same hour came out from him. But the devil, fleeing, said: Your faith, O Astion, and purity of mind, has received from the Savior a great power against our race. And saying these things, he nowhere appeared.
[16] Likewise at another time he saw a man who, having fallen from a great height, he heals one half-dead from a fall; was half-dead and being led by his parents into his own house. And when he beheld them lamenting exceedingly over the sudden mishap, moved with pious pity, he withdrew into a certain hidden place: and standing, he thus prayed our Lord for him, saying: Christ God, who through blessed Paul the Apostle called back Eutychus, falling from the window, from the gates of death to life; and who to Æneas, lying for 80 years a on his pallet, granted through holy Peter firmness of limbs, and gave entire health to one lame from his mother's womb: now also I beseech you, Lord, look upon this man, who through the working of the devil has fallen from so great a height: give him entire health, and make him to be of the number of your flocks, because you are our shepherd, the true Lord, who in your holy Gospel spoke, saying: I am the good shepherd, and I know my sheep, and mine know me. As the Father knows me, and I acknowledge the Father: and I lay down my life for my sheep.
[17] and converts him with his parents to the faith. The prayer finished, approaching the man, he thus spoke to him, saying: In the name of Jesus Christ arise, and walk. And taking his right hand, he raised him: and forthwith his ankle-bones and soles were made firm, and he leaped up and walked. And coming together with his parents even to the dwelling of the Saints, he cried out with a great voice, saying: One God of Epictetus and Astion, truly one God of the Christians: therefore I depart not hence, unless today I be made a Christian with my parents. Then the Priest of the Lord, taking the man, with all who were present, at the same hour made them catechumens, and after a few days handed over to them the Sacrament of baptism.
XI.
[17] At another time also, while the most blessed Astion himself had gone to draw water from the river, [Astion, having gone out without the old man's order, is afflicted with a base thought,] without the command or commendation of the old man, a certain base thought suddenly invaded his mind on the way as he went. And when for three days this so great a man could not thrust it from his breast, he became exceedingly sad, and his countenance for this remained greatly troubled. Whom the venerable Elder beholding, said to him: What is this, son, that I behold you thus sad, and see you wasted with an unwonted grief? For this sadness, which now seems to hold you, is not that which the saints are wont to have on their face, or penitents for their common salvation: but I think this is that deadly sadness which slew either the apostate Judas, or Achitophel the counselor of Absalom. Then he: Three days ago, when your venerableness was speaking with those men of the heavenly mystery, shame forbidding, I, unknown to you, went to the river to draw water. But as I went on the way, a certain base and quite foul thought, and, as I think, through the devil, ascended into my mind. And now therefore, behold, already for three days, as much as I am able, with tears and the prayer of the Scriptures I labor to expel it, and in no way am I able to overcome it. Then holy Epictetus, showing him his terrible countenance, and in a manner indignant against the demon, thus spoke to him, saying: And why without my judgment did you go out from the door of the little cell, or without the prayer of Christ's priest did you go to the river? Or do you not know that the commendation of the Superior is always to the younger an impregnable wall and a breastplate of faith, for overcoming the devil?
[18] And saying these things, he bids him prostrate himself together with him in prayer before the Lord. and is freed by his confession, And when long and much they had prayed the Savior's mercy, and the prayer being finished had risen from the ground, blessed Astion saw a certain black boy with a fiery torch coming forth from his bosom, and saying such things to himself: Your confession, Astion, has today crushed my great strength, and your one prayer has rendered me unarmed in all things, and desolate. Therefore, having gone forth hence, I will enter into the heart of Latronianus b the commander, and will stir him up against you quickly, and through various kinds of tortures he will weigh you out, because you have entered, like certain robbers or malefactors, into his province, and, turning away many men from the worship of his gods
through your sorceries, you associate them with your God. And saying these things, the demon appeared no more.
ANNOTATED.
CHAPTER III.
The apprehension of the holy Martyrs; the profession of faith; the tortures; the conversion of Vigilantius; the martyrdom.
XII.
[19] Therefore while the holy servants of God passed their time in spiritual exercises of this kind, The Saints apprehended by Latronianus the commander, and served our Savior Jesus Christ unanimously in psalms and prayers; and while divine grace wrought many wonders through them not only in men, but also in cattle, suddenly Latronianus the commander came into the city of the Almyrisenses. And when for three days he had inspected the public works and imperial services which were there: on the fourth day certain of his staff reported to him concerning the most blessed Men, telling him both that they were malefactors and magicians, and that they were already turning away many by their sorceries from the sacrifices of the gods. When he had heard this, he immediately commands some of the examiners to go after sunset to the dwelling of the Saints: and having apprehended them, bound with iron, to lead them into the ward of the prison. When therefore the most blessed Men, apprehended, were being led into the bond-house a, they sang psalms, saying: Our God is a refuge and strength, a helper in tribulations, which have found us exceedingly. And again: The Lord of hosts is with us, our defender the God of Jacob. And again: Many are the tribulations of the just, and not of the wicked: but yet from all these the Lord will deliver them. The Lord keeps all their bones, not one of them shall be broken. And when they had entered into the prison, they passed the whole night after their wonted manner, in psalms and prayers. But after the solemnity of the vigils was fulfilled, in this manner holy Epictetus spoke to blessed Astion, saying: If, O sweetest son, the judge shall interrogate us tomorrow, saying: what family, or what are your names, or from what province are you, and whence have you come hither? Let us answer him nothing at all: neither let us indicate to him our family or our names: nor let us confess to him the fatherland whence we are sprung: except that we say only this, that we are Christians, and this is our name, this our family, this our fatherland: and we are nothing else than worshipers of the true God. And again: If after this confession he shall order torments to be applied to us, let us say nothing else, set in the torments, but, Lord Jesus, may your will always be done in us.
XIII.
[20] Therefore on another day, at the first dawn, Latronianus the commander bids a tribunal be prepared in the middle of the city: and commands the heralds, they appear before the tribunal; that with exceeding clamor they invite the multitude of the people to so nefarious and horrid a spectacle. And when now the third hour of the day was come, Latronianus proceeds like a raging beast. And the people expecting on every side, sitting before the tribunal, he bids the Saints be brought into his sight. And when, brought forth, they stood before him, presently, as he saw them, he grew wholly stiff with exceeding dread: for he could not gaze upon the Saints, because, like the sun, from the exceeding grace which they bore, their faces shone. For holy Epictetus was of nearly sixty years, tall of stature, with a long beard, and adorned with the splendor of hoary age. Likewise also the most blessed Astion the monk was himself tall of stature: but also exceedingly beautiful and delicate, and as it were of thirty-five years of age. And when the space of one hour had passed, Latronianus the commander interrogated them, saying: What are your names, what family, or from what province are you sprung, explain to us in the sight of this multitude.
[21] The Saints answering said: We are Christians, [Interrogated, they answer that they are Christians: they are beaten and tortured.] and born of Christian parents b, and we are sprung from the fatherland of the Christians. Latronianus the commander said: I wished meanwhile to hear your names. For that you are of that accursed perfidy, both I know, and all the bystanders. To this the holy Martyrs said: We are Christians, and we acknowledge and adore Jesus Christ our Lord, in whose power all things are held, and we abominate all your idols, the Scripture saying: Let them become like them who make them, and also all who trust in them. Hearing this, the commander was exceedingly angry: and commands that, stripped, they be strongly scourged. And when the Martyrs were being beaten by the ministers of Christ, lifting the gaze of their eyes to heaven, they said thus: Lord Jesus, our master, your will be done in us. But when long and much they were beaten, and his savagery had nothing prevailed against the worshipers of God, Latronianus, thus angered against them, spoke thus, saying: Where is that wonderful defender of yours, whom without ceasing you have invoked to your aid? Let him therefore come now, and, if he can, snatch you from my hands. The holy Martyrs said: We are Christians, O tyrant: let the will of our God be done in us. When Latronianus had heard this, he ordered them to be lifted upon the rack, and strongly raked with iron claws. And when they were raked, again they said: We are Christians, O tyrant Latronianus: let the will of our God be done in us. Then thereupon the tyrant ordered that burning lamps, while they still hung on the rack, be applied to their sides. And when they bore this kind of torment also magnanimously, they said: We are Christians, O tyrant: let the will of God be done in us. And when now the seventh hour was come, Latronianus ordered them to be taken down from the rack, and led into the ward of the prison.
XIV.
[22] But one of the examiners, named Vigilantius, hearing this little verse the holy Martyrs, set in torments, repeat frequently and often, Vigilantius, one of the examiners, becomes a Christian. that is, We are Christians, O tyrant Latronianus: let the will of our God be done in us: thinking that it had in it some virtue of a magnificent incantation: because they said that those meditating on it could in no way feel pain: began to ruminate this same little verse with unceasing meditation: within the house and in the streets, sleeping and rising, and at all times to chant it. And when for three days he ceased not continually chanting, on the fourth day at last he began to proclaim with a public voice, saying: I am a Christian, O tyrant Latronianus: let the will of our God be done in us. And coming to the most blessed martyrs in the ward of the prison, he merited to receive from them the seal of life: and believing with all his household in God the Savior, he himself afterward buried the holy bodies of the Blessed with the greatest honor.
XV.
[23] Therefore after the fifth day at last, Latronianus the commander, sitting again before the tribunal, The Martyrs most grievously tortured, ordered holy Epictetus the presbyter, and Astion the monk, to be led into his sight. And when they were led by the ministers of demons, they sang psalms, saying: In you we shall winnow our enemies, Lord, and in your name we shall spurn those who rise up against us. For we hope not in our bow, and a human sword shall by no means be able to save us: but your right hand, and your arm, and the light of your countenance: because you have been well pleased in us. And when before the seat of the most profane commander the Martyrs of Christ had stood, Latronianus the commander said to them: Do you yield to me, and sacrifice to the gods, or do you still persist in your madness? Holy Epictetus answered: Often you have interrogated us, frequently you have flattered us, and many times you have promised us very many gifts and the greatest honors: and yet you could hear nothing else at all from us, except that we are Christians: and behold, now we cease not to repeat this very thing. But when Latronianus had heard all these words, he gave a roar like a lion: and crying out with a great voice, he spoke thus to his soldiers, saying: Quickly, O ministers of this most splendid eminence, bring hither salt and vinegar, and rub it upon their former lacerations, and at the same time put pitch and fat into a bronze cauldron, and when it shall have begun to boil strongly, put them into it. And the Saints, hearing this, said: We are Christians, O tyrant: let the will of God be done in us.
[24] they remain unharmed, and for 30 days without food. And when they had borne this kind of torment magnanimously for the name of Christ, and had been in nothing at all harmed, the most savage tyrant commands that they cast them out thence, and lead them again into the ward of the prison: Lest perhaps, he says, their constancy seem both to breed ignominy for us, and boldness for the Christians. And so he ordered that for 30 days no one should enter to them, nor food or drink be brought by anyone. But the athletes of Christ were daily refreshed from the fullness of the divine word, and from that bread which came down from heaven, and unceasingly sang psalms, saying: May God have mercy on us, and bless us: may he make his countenance shine upon us, and have mercy on us: that we may know your way on earth, your salvation among all nations.
XVI.
[25] Therefore when in the city of the Almyrisenses the holy Martyrs bore these torments for the name of Christ, Astion's parents, learning of their son's martyrdom, a certain stranger c on a certain day, seeing the most blessed Astion standing before the judge's tribunal, and recognizing who and of what family he was, hastily sailing went down into the parts of the East: and coming into the city whence he was sprung, he reported to his father and mother all these things which had befallen him, saying that he was undergoing martyrdom with a certain old Christian, Epictetus by name. Likewise he most diligently informed them of the name of the city in which they were. But they, hearing these things, presently cast themselves at the knees of him reporting these things: and strongly began to ask him that he would tell them the things which were true. But he, with an oath, affirmed these things to be true. Then his father began to say: If I, unhappy, shall be found worthy to see the face of my son, whatever it be that he shall command me and teach me, this without any delay I will do.
[26] Likewise also the mother said: I, wretched and humiliated in all things, they set out to him, with the purpose of embracing the Christian faith. if I shall be found worthy to behold him still in this body, will leave both my house and all my substance, and will cleave to him alone, because above all these things he alone is held dearer and sweeter to me. And if he shall command me to become a Christian, neither will I refuse to do this, and with him afterward, if he will, I am ready to endure torments, and gladly to receive death. And saying these things, they left all their substance and riches under agents and procurators. And going forth with three servants from their house, they immediately went aboard a ship, and began to sail, that they might come into the land of the Scythians, and into the city of the Almyrisenses. Of which province
the Pontiff then and prelate of the holy churches of God was the most blessed Euangelicus d.
XVII.
[27] Therefore, the number of thirty days being completed, the tyrant ordered that the holy Martyrs be brought forth before him. The holy Martyrs again tortured, Who, when with cheerful spirit and splendid countenance they had stood before him, Latronianus the commander thus spoke to them, saying: Often I have interrogated you concerning the name of your names, or your family, or whence you are sprung: and never have you told me the truth. Now therefore, since I neither know your fatherland, nor recognize your family, but neither could I learn your names, this I have considered within myself, saying: Because you seem to be nothing else than bodily demons, who are known to be without name or family: and therefore according to what you deserve, by this name will I call you. And he added to say to them: Tell me, O bodily demons: if you do not sacrifice to the immortal gods, I will cause today that your heads be cut off. The Martyrs of Christ said: We are Christians, and in the name of Christ we put to flight from the bodies they beset the demons whom you adore and worship as gods. Would that the worst demon did not dwell in you. Hearing this, that madman, and horrible, was exceedingly enraged: and ordered his ministers that with stones they should batter the mouths of the Saints. Then he commanded that they bring ashen rods, and thus with them beat them so long, until they should breathe out their spirit. But the most blessed Athletes of Christ, thus suffering, said nothing else, save: Lord our God, your will be done in us. But when long and much they were beaten, and always cheerful and magnanimous persevered in the confession of the Lord: that minister of the devil, seeing that his madness had in no way prevailed against their constancy, ordered the ministers of crimes to lead them outside the city, and to cut off their heads with the sword. And when they were led, they sang psalms, saying: Praise the name of the Lord, praise the Lord, you servants: for the will of our God is done in us in all things.
XVIII.
[28] But when they had come to the place where they were to be struck, standing toward the East, with hands outspread, and eyes lifted to heaven, they thus prayed the Lord, saying: and condemned to the sword, Blessed are you, Lord God of our fathers, and praiseworthy, and exalted above all forever: because not human, but your will has in all things been done in us. For you are he who teach those who believe in you to do your will, and to announce your wonders at all time, because your Holy Spirit governs each one in good according to the purpose of his heart, and according to his own will. For you are he who always governed Abraham according to your will, sanctified Isaac, and wrestled with Jacob, imposing on him the new name Israel: who kept Joseph chaste from the persuasions and blandishments of the Egyptian woman, and likewise preserved Susanna spotless from the pollution of those who lay in wait: who purified the hearts of your holy prophets, and enlightened the minds of the most blessed Apostles through the gift of the Holy Spirit, saying to them: Receive the Holy Spirit: who crowned your athletes through your grace, and always granted victory to those fighting for your name: who led us most humble and sinful servants of yours to this fatherland, that we might announce in it, and preach the doctrine of your Gospel to those who dwell in it: who have been our governor and master, and good provider in all things: who even to this hour according to your will have always governed us:
[29] they pray to God. We beseech you, Lord, that you deign to send us your holy Angels, who may free us and defend us from the power of our adversaries: and lead us victors and triumphant through your grace even to the throne of your majesty. But also keep the men of this region or city in your fear, protect them in your mercy, guard them in your goodness, govern them according to your will: bless their small ones with the great, and for the honor which they have shown us for your holy name, render to them a reward in eternal blessedness. Grant us also confidence, that as often as we shall entreat your divine majesty, you may fulfill our petitions in good. And now we beseech you, Lord, receive us in your everlasting hands, and lead us into the heavenly Jerusalem, which is the mother of all the Saints, of which you yourself are the light, and the spouse: the founder also and maker, that together with the Angels and Archangels, the Fathers, Patriarchs, Prophets, Apostles, Martyrs, Confessors, we may continually praise and glorify the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
XIX.
[30] And when the bystanders had answered, Amen: holy Epictetus began to ask the executioners, Astion, sent before to martyrdom by Epictetus as a precaution, that before himself they should first strike blessed Astion. But when he said: Because it befits you first, O most blessed father, to merit this saving and proper propitiation, holy Epictetus answered: The old cunning of the serpent, he says, is subtle enough and full of wiles, son: and therefore what I now bid be done is held for your salvation and my rest. For today through divine grace I have kept you a chaste and spotless gift for seventeen years, and now do you wish that in the point of one hour I should lose the labor of so many years? Not so. For what I desire to do, my son, I do through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. For thus Abraham offered his son Isaac in holocaust; Jephthah presented his daughter to the Lord in sacrifice; Peter also sent Stephen before him into the heavenly things. And although I cannot be unbelieving of the goodness of God, because he can keep you also without my presence in all things, as even to this day he has kept you spotless: yet you ought to acknowledge that the good shepherd always lays down his life for his sheep. Therefore what I do, I do for me and for you, son.
[31] Do not therefore henceforth doubt of my fellowship. For I believe that already St. Michael with the Angels, he is beheaded; then Epictetus also. and Abel with the Prophets, Peter also with the Apostles, Stephen with the Martyrs, Daniel with the Confessors, will come to meet you, son, who may now receive you in their bosoms, and lead you even to the throne of Christ our Savior with hymns and spiritual canticles. Hearing these things and things ampler than these, the most blessed Astion answered, saying: The will of God and yours be done, O priest of God, and venerable father. And making the sign of the cross on his forehead, he thus prayed to the Lord, saying: Since you are my protector, Lord, into your hands I commend my spirit. And saying these things, at once his head is cut off by the executioner. When this had been done, holy Epictetus, beholding it, gave glory to God. And casting himself upon his little body, he began to ask of the executioners, that even as he lay upon the corpse of the holy Martyr, so they should strike him also. And when this had been fulfilled, all who were present, Christians alike and gentiles, beholding, concerning the good master Epictetus, and the perfect obedience of the disciple, with tears gave thanks to God.
ANNOTATED.
CHAPTER IV.
The glory of the holy bodies after death; the burial; the apparition; the instruction of St. Astion's parents in the faith and their conversion to Christ.
XX.
And while they gave glory and honor to God, behold suddenly the bodies of the holy Martyrs were seen white as snow: The splendor of the bodies, healings from their touch, the burial; and from the exceeding splendor they seemed to be as it were rays of the sun. All who seemed to be held by any infirmity, as soon as they touched their corpses in faith, or kissed them with veneration, immediately all anxiety or pain was put to flight from them. But about sunset Vigilantius, coming with all his household and with other Christians, secretly took the bodies of the holy Martyrs: and drenching them with myrrh and most precious spices, in a fitting and most suitable place with hymns and psalms, and with great devotion, buried them. In which place many signs and wonders to the praise of the name of Christ are celebrated even to the present day. But Latronianus, night coming on, is invaded by a most wicked demon, The governor or commander Latronianus punished. and rising at the first dawn, came into the praetorium, and set there, began to bring forth very many words of madness and vanity: then, snatching a sword, to pursue and wound each of the foremost of his staff: but upon others to leap like a rabid dog, and tearing the garments of others, to run hither and thither. Beholding and seeing this, that he was mad and insane, stripping him, they began to pummel him strongly with fists and blows: and then, his hands and feet being bound, they cast him into a very small dwelling. Who after two days, suffocated by the demon, violently breathed out his spirit.
XXI.
[33] Therefore when the third day of the passion of the holy Martyrs had dawned: [St. Astion, appearing to Vigilantius, foretells that his parents will be present,] and Vigilantius had come to their sepulcher for the sake of prayer, suddenly blessed Astion appeared to him, and says to him: My parents, to seek me, from our fatherland today are about to come hither. I ask you therefore, dearest brother, hasten to go down to the port, and receive them into your house, and in all things console them, because on my account they are macerated with strong sadness: but also at the last cause them to be admonished concerning the faith of our Savior, and his various mighty works. Hearing these things and more of these, Vigilantius gave glory to God: and at once with haste went down to the river. And behold, about the third hour he sees a small boat suddenly put in at the port. And when the passengers a had come forth from the boat, they began solicitously to inquire of the men standing there, whether any of them had ever heard there, or seen, a youth having the name Astion.
[34] whom Vigilantius receives, And when many said many things concerning him,
Vigilantius came up, and said: I truly have seen and known him. But meanwhile come into my house, and rest a little, because you are greatly wearied in the boat, and afterward, if you will, I will lead you to him, when it shall be opportune, without any delay. But they, falling down at his knees, began strongly to clasp his soles, kissing and beseeching, that, if it were possible for him, before they took food, he would lead them to him. And Vigilantius to this: Do first meanwhile the things which I ask, that I too may fulfill your petition and will. And when they had entered his house, and had sat down at the table, the mother of holy Astion began thus to say to Vigilantius: If you will show me that place, O sweetest brother, where now my only Astion abides, today I will place a golden crown upon your head. Likewise also his father said: If through you, O young man, I may merit to see him today, I will cover you with garments woven of gold, and will bestow on you half of my goods. To this Vigilantius answered: He, three days ago, having gone forth hence, walked into a far region, and commended to me half of his substance together with his house, with a certain little document, saying: If anyone shall come, sent by my father to seek me, bring him into this little house of mine, and say to him: Thus says Astion the monk: Wait for me here, until I return to you in safety. And if you shall wish to be heir of my substance, hasten to fulfill all those things which are written in this book, and be happy, doubting nothing.
[35] And the mother: What, she says, is that region called, Of the heavenly life whither my sweetest and only Astion has gone? Vigilantius answered: The region of the robust, or of strong men. And the mother: Are there any men dwelling there? Vigilantius answered: Many and very noble are held there, whose possession is called paradise; whose tabernacles are built of light; whose life is God, and whose conversation is immortal; whose garments are sprinkled with blood, and on their head crowns fashioned of purest gold, with various gems. But also a most powerful and dreadful King is in that region, whose name is called God of gods, and Lord of lords: whose messengers are called Angels of justice; whose garment is one for all, and their touch is likened to burning fire. But also the senate of this Emperor is held very illustrious: and the middle part are named Prophets, but the others are proclaimed Apostles. But also the city of that King is very glorious, and its name is proclaimed to the worshipers of Christ: whose wall is built of purest gold, having twelve gates, and on each single pearls hang, and the senators sit unceasingly at each. And the first gate indeed is called Peter's, the second Paul's, the third Andrew's, the fourth John's, the fifth James's, the sixth Philip's, the seventh Bartholomew's, the eighth Thomas's, the ninth Matthew's, the tenth Thaddaeus's, the eleventh Simon's, the twelfth Matthias's. But also a wondrous temple is in it, having a holy of holies, and a golden altar; before whose sight a certain wondrous man stands, holding a psaltery of ten strings, and continually exhorts those dwelling there to the praise of that King, saying: Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise him all his Angels, praise him all his Powers. And this man's name is proclaimed David, the son of Jesse. But also the streets of this city are paved with purest gold: whose river pours forth eternal life, whose fruit-bearing trees each month render their fruits, and their leaves come forth for the medicine of souls: whose light is unspeakable, and the gates are never shut, because there is never night there, nor are there any shadows: but always joy and perpetual gladness continually abides there.
[36] she imbues them with knowledge; And the woman answered to this: And have you not understood, dearest brother, by whom my Astion, called, went there, lest he be caught in some fault, or lest one of the counts, or of the senators who dwell there, summoned him, and perhaps, on account of his exceeding beauty, adopted him to himself as a son? And Vigilantius: By the prince himself, he says, of that region, with much honor and retinue, being called there he went. For I indeed then could not see the ministers themselves: yet, as he himself reported to me, they were of very beautiful and splendid countenance, bearing golden arms and hyacinthine garments. And because in this our region he faithfully with his whole soul fulfilled the things which had been enjoined on him by him, for this cause he said that he had been summoned thither through his ministers, that he might bestow on him a principality, namely over ten cities. And the mother: Do you think, therefore, set now in so great glory there, he has memory of us? And Vigilantius: He indeed has memory of you exceedingly in mind, and greatly desires to have you beside him always, if only you shall be willing to fulfill those things which are written in that book which he left me. And the mother to this: Come then, and quickly present to us the deposit. And saying these things, they rise together from the table.
XXII.
[37] Then Vigilantius, taking them, led them into the cell of the holy Martyrs: the chief things from the sacred writings and showing them the Lord's Cross and the sacrosanct Gospel of Christ, said to them: These are the things which Astion your son left me. If therefore you shall do the mystery of this divine power, and the things which are written in this codex, assuredly you shall see him, and with him shall be forever in that region. Hearing this, his father took the Gospel of Christ in his hands, and opening it came to that place where the Lord Jesus spoke to his disciples, saying: Amen, amen I say to you, that you who have followed me, in the regeneration, when the Son of man shall sit on the seat of his majesty, you also shall sit upon twelve seats, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who shall leave house, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and shall possess eternal life. But many that are first shall be last, and the last first. And the father: Who is, he says, this Lord Jesus, and who are they that have followed him? But also who are those who are bidden to leave father or mother, wife and children, for his name's sake: whom he says shall receive eternal life in the future blessedness? We beseech you, dearest brother, that if you know anything of these things which are true, you would not be slow to explain to us.
[38] But Vigilantius, opening his mouth, and beginning from that Scripture, the mysteries of the Christian faith preached to them the Lord Jesus Christ; how from the origin of the world all things were made through him, and how he made man to his image and likeness, and placed him in the paradise of delights: and how he took one rib from his side, and fashioned it into a woman: but also how, on account of the serpent, he expelled Adam from the paradise of delights into this earth of mortals; and how Eve, because she chose to obey the serpent rather than the Lord her God, was condemned to anxieties and pains in childbearing: but also how the holy prophets, coming before the first advent of the Son of God, preached that he was to come, and were not received: and how our Lord God Jesus Christ, who is the only-begotten of the Father, the Word and Wisdom, namely the power and splendor of glory, deigned in the last days to be born into the world of the Holy Spirit and Mary ever-virgin: and how he made those who followed him to be his disciples, and sending them to preach the word of salvation to the nations, imposed on the Apostles their name: but also that he made partakers of his kingdom those who despised the vanity of this world, and loved him alone above the love of their kindred.
[39] And when Vigilantius had wisely discoursed to them these things and things ampler than these, he teaches them. again they came to that place where it is written: And Jesus said to the disciples: Amen, amen I say to you, that everyone who shall confess me before men, I also will confess him before my Father who is in heaven: but he who shall deny me before men, I also will deny him before my Father who is in heaven. Do not think, therefore, that I came to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I came to separate a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law: and a man's enemies shall be those of his own household. He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me. And he who does not take up his cross, and follow me, is not worthy of me. And he who finds his life shall lose it. And he who shall lose his life for me and my Gospel shall find it. And again: But when they shall deliver you up before kings and governors, do not think how or what you shall speak. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you. But brother shall deliver up brother to death, and the father the son: and children shall rise up against parents, and shall put them to death: and you shall be hated by all for my name's sake. But he who shall persevere to the end, he shall be saved. And again coming to the last part of the holy Gospel, he began to read again according to John, saying: Father, those whom you have given me, I will that where I am, they also may be with me, that they may see my brightness, which you have given me: because you have loved me before the foundation of the world. And again: That all may be one, as you Father in me, and I in you: that they also may be one in us, that the world may believe that you have sent me. And I have given them the brightness which you have given me, that they may be one as we also are one. I in them, and you in me, that they may be perfected in one: and the world may know that you have sent me: you have loved them, as you have also loved me.
XXIII.
[40] When the father had read these things and things ampler than these, he said to Vigilantius: I beseech, he explains the Gospel; dearest brother, explain to us again more diligently the things which we have just read: because we understand nothing at all in these words. Vigilantius answered: Those whom our Lord Jesus says: Because those who shall confess me before men, I also will confess them before
my Father who is in heaven: but those who shall deny me before men, I also will deny them before my Father who is in heaven: we are they who believe in him, and hope in his holy name. If therefore the time of persecution shall come, and the princes of this world shall say to us: Deny your God, and adore with us the idols, who are our great gods, who also made all things: if we shall not consent to them, or shall not do the things which they command; but for his name's sake shall endure the threats and torments of tyrants: forthwith he also, in that his happy region, before the Father, and before his holy Angels, will confess us: that is, will constitute us his friends, and exceedingly dear to him.
[41] he relates Astion's martyrdom Of whose number is now that only and exceedingly holy Astion of yours. For a very few days ago, Latronianus the commander of this province, while he compelled him to deny Jesus Christ, that true one whom we call the heavenly Emperor, that he should consent to his will, and render service to demons: he, in no way yielding to obey his commands, strong in his faith, and exceedingly magnanimous against the evils that were heaped upon him, with a certain other venerable old Christian, Epictetus by name, persisted to the end immovable in his holy confession. Beholding this, that heavenly Emperor of his, and greatly admiring his benevolence and sincere love toward him, sending his ministers, that is, the saving Angels, took him with great honor into that city where he himself abides, that he might bestow on him everlasting rewards because he had manfully contended against his adversaries. And therefore both to your Astion, and to those like him, are fitted the mysteries which you have read: That all, he says, may be one, as you Father in me, and I in you: and they also may be one in us, that the world may believe that you have sent me: and I have given them the brightness which you have given me: that they may be one, as we also are one. Therefore whoever shall have merited to be of the number of your Astion, O honorable father, are called Martyrs.
XXIV.
[42] And the mother to this: Is he, she says, dead, and you will not make it manifest to us? and discoursing upon him, Vigilantius answered: We are not dead, who pass our life in this mortal flesh, and in this vain world seem to exist without knowledge of our maker. For the true life is there, and the true food and drink is there, and dignity without end, for those who have merited to receive it: there it is, where immortality always reigns, and perpetual joys abide. Then the mother: I wished, she says, to see him now standing in that glory. Do you think he will have recognition of me, because I was once his mother? Or perhaps, set there in so great honor, as you say, he will now disdain to look upon me, because I have lost the beauty of my face in mourning him? And Vigilantius: If therefore you shall do the things which are written in this book, which holy Epictetus and Astion left me, and shall believe with your whole heart in Jesus Christ, his king, in whom this man also believed, you will be able to see him. But if you shall not be willing to believe, it is impossible for you to see him, or that he name his mother at any time, because you were unbelieving in the commandments of his Father. And the mother: Behold, she says, this is his father. Vigilantius answered: His true Father is he who is also the Lord, with whom he now abides, who also bestowed on him such good things in the future blessedness. But this one is mortal, and has mortal sons: and while he is thought to stand, he suddenly falls: while he says he lives, he suddenly dies, because neither does this one acknowledge that true Father whom he acknowledged: of whom it is written: Our Father who are in heaven, hallowed be your name.
XXV.
[43] Therefore when for one week they disputed among themselves, and told the wonders of Christ to one another, and gladly heard them, the Lord's day coming on, He has Astion's parents instructed in catechesis by Bonosus the presbyter. both together believed in Christ. Whom Vigilantius, taking, led to a certain holy presbyter, named Bonosus, who, avoiding the atrocity of the persecution, dwelt secretly in a certain hidden place. Who, praying for them sufficiently, and catechizing them, at the same hour made them catechumens. Therefore when they had gone forth thence, they began to say to Vigilantius: Behold, we have fulfilled the things which are contained in that book which you gave us: come now, and show us that treasure which our Astion, as you yourself affirmed, commended to you. And Vigilantius: Follow me, I will show it to you without any delay. But meanwhile I have it hidden, and I know not whether I can now bring it forth thence. Therefore, if it please you, let us go by night to the place, and until light let us remain there working, perhaps we shall be able to find it, because I hid it deep enough. And when the sun had declined, Vigilantius, taking them, goes forth with them outside the city.
[44] And coming to the sepulcher of the Saints, he admonishes them While they pray in the place of the Martyrs, SS. Astion and Epictetus appear; to keep watch with him the whole night in prayers. And when now the dawn was rising, and the day beginning to grow light, behold they suddenly see an immense light shining round about them, and an exceeding sweetness of odor to breathe forth, and the holy Martyrs, who had already fallen asleep, standing beside them in the body, and praising the Lord with them. Then holy Astion, rushing into the embraces of his mother, began to kiss her, saying: You have come well from the parts of the East, O disciple of Christ, and my mother Marcellina. Likewise also most blessed Epictetus, taking the head of her husband, kissed him, saying: Rejoice in the Lord, O sweetest brother Alexander, because you have been held worthy to be counted in the number of the faithful, and to merit perennial blessedness. But also to Vigilantius they said: Rejoice you also in the Lord, O sweetest brother Vigilantius, because you have been made worthy that in you may be fulfilled what is written: That he who shall make a sinner to be converted from the error of his way, shall save his soul from death, and shall cover a multitude of sins.
XXVI.
[45] Then holy Astion began thus to say to his mother: whose goods he asks to be distributed to the poor; O my sweetest and blessed lady mother, all those things which are written in the sacrosanct Gospel of Christ our Lord are true and firm. Hasten therefore to fulfill them without any delay: that you may merit to attain the things which are written there. Therefore the portion of your substance falling to me, for my rest b and your salvation divide and distribute to the poor: that so you may merit to come to us adorned with the crown of justice and with good works. And the mother: Is it well, she says, with you from your King, or from his household, sweetest son? Astion answered: So well do I fare, that how I should set it forth to you I know not: for our Lord and God adopted me, from a servant, as his son through his grace: in his city he granted me a dwelling: in his palace he made me to serve as a soldier: among the senators he bestowed on me the greatest dignity: the pleasantness of paradise he handed over to me for delights. But also his ministers have deigned to hold me as of their own, and love me. For I go with them each day to visit the sick, to raise the fallen, to give light to the blind, to save those in peril at sea, to overcome the barbarous nations warring on land: to console the sorrowful, to defend the powerless, and to put demons to flight from the bodies they beset, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. But also daily they charge me concerning you, saying: Admonish your father and mother, that they may come to these places.
[46] the state of the Blessed being at the same time set forth to them, And the mother: Do they then recognize us, my son? Holy Astion answered, and said: They love and recognize you exceedingly, lady mother: only if it is your will to recognize them, that you may be able to come to that blessedness without any doubting. And the mother, for exceeding joy beating her breast, said: Do you think that sometime, unhappy and wretched, I shall come there? And most blessed Astion answered: If you shall believe perfectly in Jesus Christ, our Lord and God, as Vigilantius believed, and shall distribute all your goods to the needy, without doubt you shall both live and exult with me in that everlasting blessedness in which I too dwell. And when with these and suchlike words the athletes of Christ had been instructed, they departed from them.
XXVII.
[47] Therefore when the fortieth day of their falling-asleep had dawned, they are baptized; and Euangelicus the pontiff of Christ had come into the city of the Almyrisenses, Vigilantius, taking them together with the holy presbyter Bonosus, led them to him, and setting forth to him in order all things which had been done, they asked that he would consecrate them to Christ in the number of the faithful. But he, rejoicing exceedingly in the Lord, taking them and praying for them sufficiently, handed over the sacrament of Baptism. And exulting with them for eight days, he returned into another city which is nearby. And when the priest of the Lord had returned thence, Alexander and Marcellina began thus to say to Vigilantius: Many are your benefits toward us, O most beloved and exceedingly lovable brother, because through your saving doctrine we have merited to escape the yoke of the devil, and to come to the knowledge of Christ our Savior.
[48] For you are exceedingly glorious in wisdom in the holy church, and, thanks being given to Vigilantius, they give their goods to the poor. illustrious in the grace of doctrine, having perfect love toward the religion of the holy Gospel, and exceeding love in the reception of strangers, unspeakable benevolence toward the defense of the powerless, or the visitation of the sick: fervent with the heat of faith toward the destruction of idols, or the love of the holy Martyrs; and according to the mystery of your name, you are watchful in all good works for the love of God. Therefore nothing else is to be proclaimed of you, save that you are held one of the intimate friends of God. And saying these things, both him and the holy and venerable presbyter Bonosus leading with them to their own city, cheerful in spirit, and perfect in the Lord, they returned: and distributing all their goods to the needy, they glorified God the Father almighty, who deigned to lead them from darkness to the light of his knowledge.
[49] [The holy Martyrs Epictetus and Astion, where, on what day, under what emperor they suffered.] But the holy Saints and athletes of Christ, Epictetus the presbyter and Astion the monk, endured martyrdom in the city of the Almyrisenses,
on the eighth day of the month of July, in the times of Diocletian the tyrant, under Latronianus the commander. But according to us, Jesus Christ our Savior reigning in the heavens: to whom befits glory and dominion together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.