Corcodemus

ON SAINT CORCODEMUS

DEACON, AT AUXERRE IN GAUL.

CENT. III

Corcodemus the Deacon, at Auxerre in Gaul (S.)

G. H.

The Acts of S. Amator, Bishop of Auxerre, we illustrated above on the Kalends of May, where also of the Basilica erected to his honor we treated. In this was a famous veneration of S. Corcodemus the Archdeacon, Sacred cult. whose memory is inserted on this day in the ancient apographs of the Hieronymian Martyrology, and the most ancient Epternach with these words: At Auxerre the translation and deposition of Corcodemus the Deacon. Which somewhat more fully are indicated in the MS. Corbie printed at Paris in this manner: At Auxerre the deposition and translation of the body of S. Corcodemus the Deacon and Confessor in the basilica of S. Amator. The same are read in the Blume and Lucca apographs, but in that one the name Corcodonus, and in the other, the first syllable omitted, Codomus is written. Usuard thus contracted these: At Auxerre S. Curcodemus the Deacon; there is added in the Martyrology of Cologne and Lübeck printed in the year 1490, and Confessor. The like everywhere are read in very many MSS. but the name is variously expressed, Corcodomus, Corcodemus, Curcodemus, Curcodomus, Corcodonus, Corcodonius, Corcodinus, Cocordanus, Corobbomus. His cult also is assigned in the ancient Breviaries of the Church of Auxerre.

[2] In the MS. Ado of the Church of the Morini, and the Liège one of the monastery of S. Laurence, Eulogy from the MS. Ado is added that eulogy: At Auxerre the deposition and translation of the body of S. Corcodomus, the Deacon and Confessor: Who when he was of the holy Roman Church the Archsubdeacon, by B. Sixtus the Pope was ordained Deacon, and with S. Peregrinus the Bishop into Gaul to preach the word of God sent. Having completed therefore most faithfully the office of his ministry, after the martyrdom of the most blessed Peregrinus the Bishop, in peace he rested. Very many of these things are taken from the Life of S. Peregrinus the Bishop, on the day XVI of this month of May to be illustrated, from which these few we transcribe. Sixtus the Pope, servant of God Peregrinus the Presbyter, and the Life of S. Peregrinus. a citizen indeed Roman, ordained Bishop, but Marsus the Presbyter, Corcodemus the Archsubdeacon he constituted to be Levite, and Jovianus to the burden of Subdeacon assigned … For these supreme worshippers of God the most blessed Pope Sixtus with all confidence even to the sea port leading, the word of God more specially he enjoined them even unto death confidently to preach.

[3] That the body of S. Corcodemus was translated to the basilica of S. Amator, is certain also from the Life of S. Mamertinus the Presbyter, by us elucidated on the day XX of April, and is confirmed by Constantius the Presbyter in the Life of S. Germanus Bishop of Auxerre, and of S. Mamertinus, whom resting upon the sepulchre, by him written about the year CCCCLXXX, on the day XXXI of July to be given: in which these things S. Mamertinus of himself narrates: I came to the cemetery, in which they said was the little body of S. Amator the Bishop … and a small cell is shown to my eyes, in which there was one sarcophagus. I enter: upon that I cast myself, the sarcophagus, not knowing who in that rested in the sepulchre … In the dead of night watching I beheld a young man in whitened garments: who emitted Levite of Christ. These heard the most blessed man Corcodemus from the sepulchre, upon which I had lain, answered: I know who you are, and your voice I hear, say, what do you wish of me, brother Florentinus. Rise, he says, swiftly. B. Peregrinus the Bishop with the other brethren, for the nocturnal vigils to be celebrated, in the church are gathered: therefore you too S. Amator admonishes, seems to have taken into his protection. that you come and be present at the holy assembly. Then B. Corcodemus said: Return quickly, sweetest brother, to the holy and most blessed Bishop, carrying back my messages. This therefore night I cannot from this tabernacle go forth, because hospitality I have afforded to a certain pilgrim. For I know what here is the besieging crowd of whelps, and preparing snares for the guest, that, I gone out, the wretch it may devour and tear apart; and if I have gone out, venomous into him teeth it will fix. Me of His vigils God defrauds not, because there are with me brethren Subdeacons two, that is, Alexander and Jovianus, as well as Jovinianus the Lector. Therefore I beseech you, that to the holy Bishops these things which to you I have spoken you refer, and from them obtain me pardon … After these things again I contemplated, how the most reverend Deacon held my right hand and said: Come with us, guest, to the Masses. As we went therefore, I saw five standing before the threshold of the altar, in most beautiful clad stoles: and I saw myself asking the most blessed Corcodemus, who were those, who before the altar assisted. And he said to me: He who in the midst stands, is S. Peregrinus the Bishop and Martyr, and to the holy Bishops of Auxerre to have led, with whom from the city of Rome I too was sent by the command of Pope Sixtus. Those two, who to the right side adhere, are Amator and Marcellianus the Bishops; who to the left, are Elladius and Valerianus most holy, who the most blessed Peregrinus by degrees succeeded. Thus there. From these are venerated also this month S. Marcellianus on the thirteenth day, Elladius on the eighth, and Valerianus on the sixth. But Sixtus is Pope II, by whom SS. Peregrinus and Corcodemus were sent: but how long this one after the martyrdom of Peregrinus lived, is not clear.

[4] Galesinius adjoins companions with these words: At Auxerre of the blessed Martyrs Curcodomus the Deacon, Antony, Wrongly to him companions martyrs adjoined. Cælestinus and others. Galesinius is described by Saussay, with a marvelous eulogy added, which there can be seen, nor worthy of relation. Cælestinus is the leader of the Martyrs of Africa, on this day celebrated. Antony with Nestorius and Mictonius on this day suffered. But Curcodomus alone at Auxerre in peace rested, on the testimony of Ado above related, whom Galesinius cites with his MS. but very much corrupted.

ON S. PELAGIA THE VIRGIN

MARTYR AT TARSUS IN CILICIA.

UNDER DIOCLETIAN

Pelagia the Virgin, Martyr at Tarsus in Cilicia (S.)

BY THE AUTHOR D. P.

While Diocletian Consul for the fourth time and Maximian for the third raged against the Christians, that is in the year of Christ CCXC, that much blood was shed at Tarsus in Cilicia, she suffered at Tarsus, as several others at the end of the 3rd century, under the most cruel and at the same time most avaricious Judge Simplicius, who by selling the bodies of the Martyrs even made gain, is certain from the Acts of S. Boniface, to be given on May XIV. These Acts since Cardinal Baronius praises, as consigned to certain Consuls, it is wonderful, that the martyrdom narrated under them he refers to the year CCCV, when those, the Empire laid down, deposed had handed the torch of persecution to Galerius Maximian already. But he goes on to the same year also to refer the Passion of S. Pelagia the Virgin: of whom nevertheless in the Martyrology on this day he says, that, under Diocletian in Thus indeed had it not only Sirletus in the Menology, the Menaea, and the Synaxaria as much printed as MS. but also the Acts, which in Lipomanus and Surius to be read he alleges.

[2] then translated to Constantinople But just as the body of S. Boniface redeemed by his companions was carried back to Rome, and of the other twenty then also having suffered by the African merchants were brought to Hippo; so also the Relics of S. Pelagia to have fallen to the Byzantine traders, who deposited them in that which across the gulf is a suburb, we could suspect, were not the Acts to say, they were by the Bishop laid up outside the city, in a place as if divinely prepared, which thence from holding there assemblies was called the Mount of Congregation: whence it follows that the translation was made much later. However it be, it seems certain that some part at least was translated: because among the Greeks the chief place in the present day's Offices S. Pelagia for no other cause now has, than that her assembly is celebrated in her martyrium, which is at Pera, near the holy Martyr Conon, which, she is venerated chiefly on this May 4, I say, her feast is kept in her confession, constructed at Pera, near S. Martyr Conon: just as has the MS. Clermont, for the uses of some Constantinopolitan church described: but, which we wonder, on May 5, since the metrical Ephemeris expressly says, About the fourth Pelagia in the ox burned of brass Under the fourth in the brazen bull Pelagia burns. On the same day her Office to be kept prescribes the Typicon, and in the Menaea are placed all the propers of her only, especially the Canon of an unnamed author, under this acrostic, To Pelagia the praise fittingly I weave For Pelagia's praise a fitting hymn I weave.

[3] In this Canon, frequent to the name, as from Pelagus derived, on account of frequent miracles, allusion occurs; likewise to baptism, through which she emerged to the port of life: but notable beyond the rest is the first and third strophe of Ode IX, in which both the working of miracles is affirmed, and the patronage is invoked. The first thus has: Speech cannot utter your praises, Pelagia: for a Sea of miracles you send forth, by the grace and power

of your Spouse: whom even now ask, that all singing the hymn to you may be saved. The second is of this kind. Ask your Spouse that to the world peace He bestow, Pelagia the Martyr, and for the whole Church she is invoked. divinely wise, the Church amid temptations saving, and with grace illumining those who venerate you. There is interposed by custom between the sixth and seventh ode a eulogy or summary of the Passion, before which is sung a distich, A sea of contest Pelagia swims, In the dock now her flesh giving of the furnace. Pelagia swims in the sea of passion, Into the dockyard of the furnace casting her body. The eulogy itself thus sets forth the matter.

[4] She was of Tarsus in the times of Diocletian: but hearing of the faith of Christ, an epitome of the Acts. and desiring to learn what it was, through a dream she saw a Bishop baptizing. Dismissed therefore by her mother under the pretext of visiting her nurse, she went to him: who by divine inspirations moved baptized her. Which understanding her spouse, the son of the Emperor, wholly raging from love, laid violent hands upon himself. But Diocletian summoning the Virgin, and not being able to draw her away from the faith of Christ, ordered a brazen bull to be made glowing, and into it cast the Saint, in which both the end of her life and the crown of confession she received.

[5] these are had from Greek MSS. The Acts, of which this is the compendium; finding the Greek in a Codex from the monastery of Grottaferrata brought to the Library of the Vatican William Sirletus, at the request of Aloysius Lipomanus together with others rendered into Latin: whose interpretation we adapted to another Greek copy of the same Acts, transcribed by us in the same library from the Codex Palatine. But those are not only by verbosity but also by Greek faith, from vulgar tradition rather, than from certain and faithful documents described, written long after the matter was done at Constantinople. and with circumstances beyond the appearance of truth sometimes exaggerated adorned at Constantinople (as I at least esteem) after many ages, when perhaps her Confession restored began to shine with new miracles. Certainly (to dissemble Diocletian himself present at the martyrdom of the Virgin at Tarsus, which ought by a more certain witness to be proved) by no means is it to be borne, that it is said the Saint to the son of Diocletian was betrothed, who is known to have begotten none ever, not without errors. and of these in default Constantius, the father of Constantine, as a son-in-law he chose for himself, and Cæsar called, and finally constituted in his place Emperor.

[6] That therefore under Diocletian Pelagia is said to have suffered, not so certain from these Acts is made, that not easily to Maximian Galerius, together with Constantius reigning, the time of the martyrdom not quite certain. times deferred I would suffer her martyrdom, if any authority should persuade to depart from the rigor of the words; since it is known, that Diocletian's persecution by Galerius continued, is often under the name of the first author reckoned, even after he yielded the Empire. As long however as nothing else is offered than the bare conjecture of Baronius; to adhere I prefer to the native and first obvious sense of the words. Meanwhile by the name of Diocletian the Governor let be understood either Simplicius, or any other Judge sent by the Emperor to Tarsus, under whom the matter was done.

SUSPECT ACTS

From the Greek MS. Palatine of the Vatican Library.

Collated with the edition of Lipomanus from another MS.

Pelagia the Virgin, Martyr at Tarsus in Cilicia (S.)

FROM GREEK MSS.

[1] When there had lately been by Diocletian the Emperor through the whole world of the Christians men, fearing the fury of the Emperor, to the mountains themselves fled. But those who were in faith more stable, and God more than men feared, remained in the holy churches, God Himself praying, that, undergoing the contest for Christ, victors they might be made. At that time a blessed and religious Bishop, who Clino ^a was called, baptized many; and each one, who the prize of the supernal vocation to pursue wished, by his exhortations more and more excited. But his fame through all the East was celebrated. Afterward also to Tarsus the city of Cilicia that Bishop betook himself, in which city he baptized many. many at Tarsus baptized by Clino the Bishop. But on the third day after the coming of that blessed man into that city, heard the Emperor whatever that Bishop did, and that many from his gods turning away, to their own God he was joining: and so the gates of the city he ordered to be shut, and that man to be apprehended. But the blessed Bishop Clino, by divine revelation admonished, went out of that city, no one seeing him. And when through the whole city sought, he had not been found, the Emperor angered with all those, whom the Bishop Clino had baptized, ordered them in prison to be shut up: for they were many, whom the Lord one by one had received.

[2] But a certain Virgin by name Pelagia, in the fear of God exceedingly excelling, whose beauty according to its dignity to explain we cannot, since in that city she dwelt, which above is said, heard of the Bishop's flight, and him to see desired. That virgin's beauty and comely appearance when Diocletian's son [b] had heard, he sent Protectors ^c and many soldiers, who to the virgin should persuade, that she to him in matrimony should give herself. But blessed Pelagia, when she had fortified herself with the sign of Christ, Pelagia refusing the nuptials, them from herself repelling: Betrothed, she says, I am to the Son of God. They returned, and what they had heard, to the Emperor's son they reported: who the greatest fury against her conceived. But then indeed he kept silent, his wrath reserving to another time. But holy Pelagia to her mother entering: I wish, she says, mother, my nurse to visit: for her a long time I have not seen. Doubtless wished that holy virgin, through the occasion of the nurse, to the Bishop that divine man to approach: for she had heard from certain ones, in what place he then lived. But her mother by the instinct of an evil demon did not grant, what the daughter had asked: but altogether prohibited her to depart, saying: You cannot now, O daughter, thither go, but another time more opportunely to go you will be able.

[3] But the Lord at the time of night the blessed Bishop Clino's appearance by divine revelation to Pelagia showed: him in dreams seen by her whose aspect she admired and the exceeding glory of his face, But when she saw herself prohibited by her mother, that to the nurse she should go, secretly her servants to the prison she sent to those, whom by that Bishop baptized the Emperor had ordered to be confined, that from them about the Bishop Clino's form she might be made more certain: that she might know, whether true it had been, what by night through a vision she had contemplated. When therefore the boys had come, and the Bishop's form and character had announced, she knew all to agree with that form, which through the nocturnal vision she had learned. And so holy Pelagia with great joy affected: Of Thy, she says, Lord, good things a messenger is that man: I pray Thee, that of Thy mysteries unworthy me Thou make not. And when this she had prayed, to her mother she entered, and to her said: I ask you now, lady and my mother, that you grant me, what you promised when you said, in an opportune time me to my nurse to go. Behold the time now is at hand: come, send me to her.

[4] When her words the mother had heard, under pretext of visiting the nurse she goes, with herself she was thinking doubting, lest, if the daughter she should prohibit to go; from grief she into a sickness should fall. At once therefore rising, royal purple, with precious and various gems distinguished, and all the ornaments thither to be brought she ordered, just as if to the son of Diocletian she were betrothed: and her so clad, with of boys and many soldiers in my words your nurse salute. When therefore on a litter exceedingly glad and exulting. But when by miles about ten they had advanced, one of the soldiers, who together went, Longinus by name, saw someone coming under a certain mountain's trees. Whom when from the habit and comely appearance of his face he had recognized, to his fellow-soldier turned: Julian, he says, brother, do you know this man before us coming? This is that man of God Clino, that, I say, worker of miracles through all the East, whose fame even to the Emperor came, and on account of whom of the Christians the persecution was stirred up. But those soldiers Longinus and Julian were of the number of those, who Christ served.

[5] But certain of the Eunuchs when they had heard, what the soldiers said, and by him met announced to their lady. Who when she had heard, the matter she knew: and the litter to be stopped ordered, from which descending, on foot to that holy man she went to meet, the soldiers and boys commanding quietly to bear themselves, nor to the man to be troublesome, but to withdraw, and under the shade of those trees to contain themselves, until she with that man of God should speak: for there were among those very many of Christ's mysteries inexperienced, and on that account she did not suffer them the mysteries of God to hear. When therefore all had withdrawn, the holy virgin Pelagia that divine man of God addressing said, Hail, servant of Christ. Who at her sight struck, answered: With you be of my Christ the peace, young maiden. Then she: Blessed, she says, be God, who in that image of yours to me has been revealed, because He sent you to me, that you may save my soul from destruction. Now therefore by God, whom you serve, you I pray, that truly to me you say, who you are, and what is your name, and what your condition. To whom the blessed Bishop said: I, what to me chief and than all things more precious is, a Christian am, of the rational sheep of Christ the shepherd, who Clino am called. Then she, when she had esteemed him the shepherd of those flocks which are sacrificed, to him said: I pray you, Lord, that hearing me you be not annoyed. Many are the sheep in the house of my father, and so, if it please, come, and them pasture, and I to you a great reward will give.

[6] Then the Bishop: I am not the shepherd of flocks, which you suppose, but of the rational sheep of Christ, that is, of men, who eternal life to obtain hope. And what then, says holy Pelagia, she asks to be instructed and baptized. to your lambs do you give, that eternal life to have they can? But the blessed Clino: To them I announce the knowledge of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Come, says she, my Lord Father, say, what is more necessary for those, who wish to be with your God. Give, I beg, me this. To whom of Christ's sheep the shepherd answered: I announce to you baptism unto the remission of sins, and unto life eternal: than this itself nothing more necessary. Which when she had heard Pelagia, and at the blessed Bishop Clino's knees she had cast herself down: Have mercy, she says, on me Lord, and give me that gift: for from the time when with me you have spoken, the very light of God in my heart shone forth: And so to Satan and his angels and his engines, that is, to the idols lacking life, I renounce. Those I hitherto have worshipped ^f, from these mercy seeking, from whom profit

does not proceed, but destruction and everlasting death. Now therefore God I pray, that I, though unworthy, to His son may be betrothed, who the hidden parts of my heart has illumined: for He is the sun of justice.

[7] When so admirable a prayer of the virgin the blessed Bishop Clino had heard, marveling at her, his hands to heaven he raised, and said: God and Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ, who sittest above the heavens, and a fountain stirred up at his prayers and this virgin to Thy knowledge hast called, send to her the holy and luminous baptism of Thy beloved Son Our Lord Jesus Christ. When so he prayed to God, suddenly a fountain of living water before them gushed forth: and when the blessed Bishop saw himself quickly by God heard, at once praising Him: Great art Thou, he says, our God, Father, and Son, and Holy Spirit, because Thou hast given an inheritance to the sons of men, baptism unto everlasting life. And now Lord, Thou, who knowest the hearts of men, knowest the humility of Thy servant, that I fear this virgin so with baptism to wash: but Thou, who art powerful in all things, provide what ought to be done. When so he had prayed to God, Pelagia said: Lord and father, heard is in this your prayer: for behold God has sent a light, as you prayed: for I see two soldiers above the fountain standing, and in their hands a linen cloth so splendid having, that this fountain's waters, like the sun, gleam: do not therefore fear with baptism me to wash. The blessed Bishop when Pelagia these things saying he had heard, to God glory rendered, and to the fountain approached, that the waters themselves he might purify, and holy make: who when he prayed to God, it was made that he too the Angels above the fountain standing saw in that figure, in which Pelagia them had seen.

[8] When therefore the Angels he had seen, a voice to God thus he raised: Glory to Thee be, King of all things, who hast made Thy Angels spirits, baptized and refreshed with communion, and Thy ministers whom Thou Thyself to me hast offered, to Thee I may offer a victim living unto memory and an odor of sweetness. Make also her worthy, who in the flock of Thy elect may be numbered, that in the day of Thy kingdom, she too with those five wise virgins into the chamber of Thy Christ, her lamp burning having, may enter. When the prayers he had completed, exulting in the Spirit holy, at those things which he had seen wonderfully done, the virgin herself in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit illumined. Who when by baptism renewed she had been, communion from Christ's table ^g to her he imparted. Afterward holy Pelagia the Bishop adored, and his footsteps kissing; Lord, she says, and Father blessed, pray to God for me, that by the Holy Spirit strong I may be made. To whom the blessed Bishop said: God that, to whom you have given the pledge of your soul, He send you help from His holy habitation, and give you that the adversary you overcome.

[9] From this prayer of the holy Bishop when the virgin through the Holy Spirit much gladness had received, she gives him her precious garments, the Bishop thus addressed: Father, by God that I pray you, who through yourself to me salvation gave, despise me not, nor what from you I shall ask, deny me. Since from your holy hands that of the Lord and eternal King's purple I received, hereafter corruptible and earthly this garment and the rest all these to have it is not lawful. You therefore these take, and into a far-off region carry, where they can be sold, and their prices take, and to the needy distribute: for to me from this time these very things are execrable. Then the Bishop Clino: To me indeed, he says, it would not be lawful that to do: but lest to you it be troublesome, since me by God you have adjured, I will take these. Then Pelagia: I have heard, when you said, Our Lord to have said, no one can two Lords serve. When the virgin's prudence the blessed Bishop admired, and for her to God had prayed, he blessed her, and her dismissing, that to her own she should return: Go, he says, in peace: ^h for awaited her her boys.

[10] But the holy one with joy affected in the Spirit holy, God's glory praised, that worthy made she had been who heavenly goods should receive: and returning to her boys, she converts her servants companions of the way to Christ, who her had followed, saw them in darkness and gloom held: for blindness to them had happened, and on that account walk they could not. Pelagia when those very ones, as bound to be held she had perceived, knew by the devil's art and snares it done: and so both to herself and to the boys the sign of the Cross applied, and at once that temptation from them was removed. But they began from her to ask, where was that man, who light to her had afforded; and a woman very beautiful, whom between her and that man standing by them seen they said, on the head itself two diadems, and over them of the Cross the sign holding. Pelagia these hearing: Be silent, she says. But can you also approach, whither also I have approached, to the good, I say, that hope and kingdom everlasting? Answered those youths: Why could we not also we, our mistress, in Him believe, who can from punishments everlasting us snatch, and in the highest heaven life give? Pelagia therefore, when she had made that the idols they abjure, which to that day they had worshipped, such made them that of heavenly erudition partakers they could be made.

[11] Then when into the litter she had ascended, she went to her nurse; who (as she had been wont) to meet her came, and holy Pelagia's countenance glad and far more beautiful saw, than before she had seen: she saw also in her many other things changed. Before with sumptuous garments she was adorned, recognized by the nurse a Christian, but then in a modest habit clad she was; before of lofty mind she had been, then submissively and humbly herself she bore; before proud, then with abject garment her body covered; before with various and delicate foods delighted, then ⁱ with prayers and fasting. When these things the nurse understood, her a Christian made to be she perceived: and when she had recalled, in how many ways Diocletian the Emperor tortured those, who of this kind he could not, that Christ they deny, this with herself she thought: If to this one counsel I give, that she be not a Christian, as by the Emperor's edict is commanded, she in no wise will obey me: for a partaker made she is of that grace, which the Christians profess, when they say one only to be God. And began the nurse herself thus Pelagia to address: Daughter, as your exceeding beauty and honest form's admiration you brought to Diocletian the Emperor and his son, and to all the nobles and the whole army, to those finally Kings ^l who far hence are absent; so with true beauty endowed, may you please the Son of God, to whom yourself a spouse you have given: for to the eternal Emperor, as you bear yourself, she is sent back to her mother; you have believed: He afford you strength and patience against the adversaries, and victorious rewards to your contest repay. Return moreover with peace, since into my house you to admit I dare not, lest perhaps this hear he, who you a spouse woos, and with all my race and family me destroy. Indeed this for my sake I do not, since if to perils I delivered myself, the God, in whom you have believed.

[12] When these things had heard Pelagia, with countenance lowered from her nurse she departed: and when to her mother she returned, and near she was, the mother to meet her came, as she had been wont. whose fury withdrawing herself from But when her garment changed she had seen, of that matter the cause she did not ask, but a great clamor with wailing and howling she emitted. But Pelagia laughed she indeed, but nothing answered. But the mother with fury smitten, lay half-dead, and without voice long remained. Afterward when she had collected her mind, and to herself returned had, she rose, and nothing saying to the daughter nor what done had been by her seeking out, hastened to the soldiers' multitude from the Emperor to be sought. And sent with her the Emperor ^m of armed horsemen and footmen a crowd, commanding them, that in all those things, which she wished, her they should obey. She came with the soldiers: but her daughter she did not find, since she meanwhile had withdrawn. They went out therefore thence, and all roads and paths going round, all places they searched even unto miles forty, tracking down ⁿ him who such injury to her daughter had brought: for had heard her mother from the boys, that to a certain Bishop she had betaken herself: and on that account to those soldiers, who sent had been, she had commanded, that if the Bishop they found, him bound to her they should lead.

[13] The soldiers therefore going away, and far-off places searching, no one found. But holy Pelagia with her servants, who in Christ had believed, sat across the river ^o; and she indeed the soldiers saw; but they, who her sought, no one to see could: in vain she is sought, wherefore her mind exulted in the Lord, and smiling on the youths, who with her were; Do you see, she says, how the Lord Jesus dear holds all to Him coming, and their hope in Him placing? And so the soldiers in vain laboring to her mother returned: to whom when they had said, neither the man, who to the daughter injury (as it became her) had brought, nor the daughter herself by them found; she these hearing, with grievous grief was affected. But Pelagia together with those, whom with her she had, came to the mother, and to her said: Why with madness and rage art thou smitten? Why wilt thou not recover thy senses? Hast thou not feared to send those, who to thee should lead the holy man, who worships of all nature breathing and of all power the Lord? afterward the same generously she reproves. Art thou not ashamed war against God Himself to undertake? from whom if His servant the Bishop shall ask, an Angel He Himself will send, and in a moment of time the whole army by thee sent will dissipate, since God Himself the Bishop worships: wherefore also by Him he is heard. Answering her mother: And who then, she says, is this, of whom these things thou sayest? The King, says the daughter, of those reigning, to whom also myself I have given, my former spouse abhorring. Then her mother the daughter a Christian made truly knew, and adding: Come, she says, say: And who is of the Christians the God, to whom thyself thou hast given? Then the daughter, Why, she says, curiously dost thou inquire of that divinity, which by words explained cannot be? Know for He Himself to be the Lord of heaven and earth, of the mountains and the hills, who also the firmament created, the abysses established, a bound to the sea set, lest it leap over and the continent land devastate. Dost thou ask of God

mine? This is He, who the brazen gates crushed, and the bars of iron broke, and the dead unto life restored.

[14] and when her spouse had slain himself, These when her mother had heard, at once to Diocletian's son she sent, saying: Behold thy spouse, to the Christians' God is joined. He this hearing, took it ill, and recalled, how before his father Diocletian the Christians took, and in many ways them tortured. Withdrawing therefore, with himself thus [p] he spoke: Because the young maiden this the God of the Christians has desired, she will not be able henceforth Him to leave, and to me a wife to be: after this therefore I shall wonder at the Christians themselves for their God delivering, and Him not denying: and so lest her and myself to torments subjected I see, just I deem for her cause myself to slay. A sword therefore taken, ready he was himself to slay, since Pelagia's desire on account of her admirable beauty to bear he could not: wherefore mourning thus he said: Woe to the beauty, of which I am deprived; woe to the breasts, in which I rested not; woe to the mouth, whose kisses to enjoy is not lawful for me. These lamenting, nor his fury sustaining, upon the sword he fell, and dead was.

[15] But Pelagia's mother, when she had heard her daughter's spouse for her cause to himself death to have brought, the daughter seized, brought to the tyrant, and to Diocletian led, lest her with the whole family the Emperor should destroy. Into the palace therefore entered, in the midst she stood: Diocletian indeed when the mother together with the daughter standing he had seen: What then, he says, is this, that thou hast done? Pelagia's mother to him answered: Behold my daughter I have brought, for whose cause thy son himself slew. Now therefore her punishing, thy son's slaying avenge. Diocletian when Pelagia more beautiful he had seen, than all wives and concubines his were, did not think the son's slaying to avenge, but in what manner her he might bring, that the Christians' faith she should deny, and his wife be made. At once therefore he ordered his satellites, who at hand were, before that virgin to bring an infinite force of gold: for he wished with much of his gold's abundance Christ's spouse and the holy maiden of God to take. And when to her mother returned from the daughter separated, and with diabolical joy affected.

[16] But Diocletian ordered Pelagia in the morning to be led before his army, her promises she despises, that her to the faith's denial he might impel, and as wife take. And so her before all thus he addressed: One this from thee I ask, that Christ thou deny, and with me in matrimony be coupled, and the whole Empire of mine possess. Which if thou shalt do, the son, whom from thee I shall receive, after me shall reign; and if to my will thou shalt obey, of my head the diadem on thy head I will impose. To this Pelagia: Raging thou indeed rashly these things hast spoken: but know to thy will me not about to obey, nor to thee of use to be in these things which thou sayest, nor of thy head the diadem on my head to be imposed: for I know three diadems in the highest heavens prepared and already adorned for me to be. The first diadem will be for the faith, by which myself to the Lord I gave: the other will be of the kingdom of heaven the diadem, since it I await; the third for me is set for the hardships and torments, among men by me to be received, for whose cause heavenly grace will receive me with God. That therefore know, that to thy will compliance I shall not show, nor my God I shall deny. These heard, Diocletian the Emperor ordered the soldiers, who were present, a brazen ox, wood, bitumen and swine's fat to bring, and that ox under fire to kindle. When therefore the brazen ox, as by the Emperor commanded they had been, so they had kindled, by whose command when the brazen ox was kindled; that its aspect, like fire, from afar shone, (but distant was that ox from the Emperor fifty ells) the young maiden into the midst they brought: whom when the Presbyters [q] and Christians had seen, for her to God they prayed, that strength and patience to her the Lord should supply.

[17] But the Emperor: Put off, he says, young maiden, the garments, with which thou art clad. she rebuking the demon acting in the tyrant, But Pelagia when she had seen ready to be those, who her should strip, with a great voice and clamor the Emperor calling: Remember, she says, thy wives and concubines, them also, like me, with flesh to be clad. The Emperor when these things he had heard, and the madness of love bear could not, ordered all the more as soon as possible her to be stripped. But she when herself with the Cross's sign she had fortified, and of her own accord herself had stripped, her garments in the sight of the Emperor cast away, and said: Perhaps thou art that crafty serpent in the tree wrapped, and into Eve creeping: thou her corrupted, and through her Adam also himself didst take, wherefore each was from Paradise cast out. Thou art that crafty one, who once into the heart of Cain didst insinuate thyself, and into his mind envy didst sow, that a virgin and consanguineous brother he should slay. Thou art, who in thine own lust and petulance trusting, before God didst stand, and didst demand that just man Job, whom thou mightest tempt: whose also sons thou didst slay, and all his faculties didst destroy. But the enemies of Christ shall fail consumed by the sword: of whose number thou also since thou art, to nothing utterly shalt be brought and shalt disappear forever: for thou hast struck against the very name of Jesus, to whom myself I have given. These the holy that virgin said to the Emperor, with which also the assisting devil she convicted.

[18] of her own accord into the Jupiter she casts herself, Then the devil himself destitute of counsel fled away, and who from the truth more alien is, from a far-off place thus was crying: O how great is of the Christians me assailing the violence! But the maiden Pelagia, by the Holy Spirit strengthened, ran, and the brazen ox seized: and at once of her hands the flesh as wax was liquefied: but nothing at all feeling, her head [r] into the belly of the ox she cast, and herself within the ox placed: and at once from her face, belly and sides, and the whole body, when she wholly into the ox had entered, the flesh like oil flowed out: and through the whole city at that hour the odor's sweetness, as of some ointment, was poured. And when still thus she praised: Glory to Thee be, Lord only-begotten Son of the most high God, by whose coming it was made, that those who before had been deceived, to Thy hands should return, and, conquered and trodden down the enemy's power, in Thee perfect should come forth. Thus the maiden Pelagia in the Lord was consummated.

[19] Then to two soldiers near the ox standing the Emperor: See, he says, whether still lives Pelagia. One of the soldiers Theonicus, the other Julian was called. by whose example two others confess Christ, These when the victorious maiden in the Lord consummated they had seen, said to Diocletian: Not dead is the maiden, but a martyr made, since the most beautiful confession she has confessed, and her Lord not denied. The Emperor when those these answering he had heard, ordered them to be bound, and into prison to be cast: and other soldiers sent, who should see, whether truly the maiden dead was. They when her dead had seen, reported to the Emperor, that dead she was. Then Diocletian raging, with a great voice cried out, and with his hands his purple garment rending, said: O of the Christians the souls! Behold how they unto death even persevere God not denying, nor to the will of us yielding. Are they then by my power stronger? Shall I on my enemies not be sated? When these things he had said, he forbade holy Pelagia's relics with burial to be honored: but to be cast he ordered into a mountain, Linatus by name. But there descended four lions, and around Pelagia's bones sat down, from beasts and birds them guarding.

[20] But there appeared the Holy Spirit to the blessed Bishop Clino, Lions guard the Relics, who Pelagia in the catechism had instructed, and to him said: I announce to you a wished-for message. Today the maiden Pelagia martyrdom has sustained, just as thou for her to God hadst prayed. Rise therefore, her in oblation to God offer, because constant and firm her confession was. He indicated moreover to him also the place, where the holy martyr Pelagia lay: whither went the blessed Bishop Clino. And when he had seen the place of blessed Pelagia, he saw also the lions four to her sitting near: who when that Bishop blessed they had beheld, to meet him advanced, and him with bowed bodies adored. But the blessed Bishop, at that matter rejoicing and exulting, holy Pelagia's relics took up and into the mountain's higher part carried. And when by stadia about ten he had advanced, to that mountain's summit he ascended: until they are worthily buried. which when as marble polished to be he had seen, he hired those who stones should cut: and an altar built, and holy Pelagia's relics there laid up; and that mountain he called, the mountain [s] of congregation, and holy Pelagia's name thus inscribed: The holy virgin Pelagia, who to God herself offered, and to the end even for the truth contended, as to the body pertains, here rests; but her soul in the heavens reigns with the Angels. Thus the martyrdom completed the holy martyr of Christ Pelagia, to the Father and Son and Holy Spirit's glory, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

ANNOTATIONS.

b Already I have said Diocletian a son not to have had: perhaps these things may be true of Simplicius or of another judging for Diocletian's son, just as for his name Diocletian's name is used.

from Cedrenus, Zonaras, and others. In the Acts of S. Philemon and companions on March 8 are read four Protectors, by Diocletian sent to Alexandria to lead away thence S. Arianus, Governor of Egypt, of the Christian faith from a professor a persecutor made, made themselves also Martyrs. The Gloss of Basil in Meursius πριμοσκουτάριοι, ὑπερασπίσται, οἱ νῦν λεγόμενοι προτίκτορες, namely from protecting called, of the Royal body the bodyguards.

pleasing is the briefer phrase of the Palatine MS.; for not in a temple was the matter done, but on the way: where the divine Pearl (for so they called the sacred Particle) with himself to have had the Bishop could, as often on a journey the Christians, on the testimony of S. Ambrose in his brother S. Satyrus.

either better are absent in the Palatine MS., or a longer with the nurse suppose a stay, and that fitly enough; that the living together of several days made certain that, which to suspect at the beginning the humbler dress had bidden.

p Thus Sirletus, much better than in the Palatine MS., where the youth is said thus to have spoken to his father, which with the following did not cohere.

q As though openly to him they had stood by, nothing fearing the tribunal of the tyrant.

r In Greek εἰς τὸ σῶμα: Sirletus seems to have read, εἰς τὸ στόμα, into the mouth. If the mouth of the furnace be understood, not ill: for that ox was brazen a true and huge of brass furnace, with prefixed above the ox's head into some appearance of an animal conformed, as most clearly it describes Codinus in the book on origins; and this furnace its own had a door, in that part which to the breast of the ox was likened. Moreover more pleasing is what the Synaxaria say the Saint into the ox to have been put, not entered.

s In the peace of the church after some years, Constantine now alone and peacefully reigning, done this to have been may be believed, not indeed immediately after the Martyrdom.

ON SS. OLBIANUS BISHOP OF THE ANEANS

AND DISCIPLES, MARTYRS IN ASIA.

UNDER MAXIMIAN

Olbianus, Bishop of the Aneans, Martyr in Asia (S.)

The Disciples, Martyrs in Asia (SS.)

BY THE AUTHOR G. H.

The Menology of Basil Porphyrogenitus the Emperor mentions these Saints with these words: On the same day IV of May the contest of the most sacred Martyr Olbianus and of his disciples. Eulogy from the Menology of Basil the Emperor Saint Olbianus the Martyr of Christ suffered under Maximian the Emperor, and Ælianus Governor of Asia. When moreover a certain priest of idols, by name Agrippinus, sacrifices to Juno offered; apprehended Olbianus, was ordered also himself to sacrifice, and on the altars incense to burn. But he with many arguments and pious discourses the Christian faith exalted and praised, and on the contrary the superstitious cult of idols depressed and condemned. Wherefore with fiery awls first his viscera and loins are burned, then with iron rods beaten into prison he is thrust. But afterward from prison brought out, and again ordered Christ to abjure and to idols to sacrifice, when constantly he had spurned it, together with his disciples to the fire he was condemned: and accordingly cast Martyrdom he consummated. Thus far the said Menology.

[2] The eulogy in the old Synaxarion MS. Greek of the College of Clermont of the Society of Jesus at Paris, is of this kind. another from the Synaxarion of Clermont. This man was under Maximian the Emperor and the Governor of Asia Julius Sextus Ælianus. When Agrippinus and Clementius the petty-priests of Juno the sacred rites performed, ordered also Olbianus the Bishop to sacrifice. But he with many words and oppositions the Christian faith praised and extolled, and the cult of idols condemned and rejected. Wherefore with fiery spits on his back and viscera he is burned. But when neither he yielded anything, nor that to the Sun he should sacrifice could be brought; the Proconsul on his account returning and commanding, cruelly with rods he is beaten, and so at length with his disciples through fire martyrdom he underwent. That this Saint while still he lived many miracles wrought, as also in the place, where his sacred relics rest, shines with miracles, the history of his life written declares. Thus there. Other eulogies but to these similar are read on this or the following day in the Menaea MS. of Milan of the Ambrosian library, and other MSS. of Turin of the Duke of Savoy, of Dijon of Peter Francis Chifflet and a double codex of Cardinal Mazarin.

[3] Meanwhile in the printed Menaea is celebrated on the day XXIV of May with this eulogy added. and May 29 in the printed Menaea. On the same day of the holy Martyr Olbianus Bishop of the city Aneo. He was under the Empire of Maximian, the Consuls Alexander and Maximus, and led he was to Julius and Ælianus: by whom asked whether he wished to sacrifice, and he refusing, of all garment stripped, with glowing spits through the viscera he is transfixed and burned. Then brought back into prison, and to a second question brought out, when in the faith he persevered, again stripped foully he is torn, and into a pyre huge and high as a javelin cast, in it his spirit to God rendered. Thus there. Which thence to his Menology transferred Sirletus.

[4] From this last relation is dug out the Episcopal See, which here Ἀνέω, in the ancient Notitia of the East, which from a MS. Vatican stands edited in the Sacred Geography of Charles of S. Paul, is called Ἄνεα and Ἔνεα, situated in the Province of Asia, under the Metropolitan of Ephesus, Anea his Episcopal See on the western coast of Caria opposite Samos the island. Of that city the Bishop Modestus subscribed the Council of Ephesus Oecumenical. The time is assigned in all the eulogies the Empire of Maximian, but who in the last encomium are added the Consuls Alexander and Maximus, are not to be reckoned Roman, and universal of the Empire, but particular of the city Anea or of the province under which it was. The Governor of Asia in the first relation is called Ælianus, the time of the martyrdom. in the second Julius Sextus Ælianus; in the third is said S. Olbianus led to Julius and Ælianus, and their condition is silent. Which of them is righter to judge we could, if there existed the history of the Life of S. Olbianus written, The Life is desired and by the author of the Clermont Synaxarion cited, which would that someday it emerge into light! still for somewhere yet to survive to hope makes the age of the Synaxaria not the greatest, while of it as known they speak. Nay the Ephemeris metrical which used the compiler of the Chifflet Synaxarion, while his name it reports, where the other which we give it names Pelagius, signifies to some in chief honor this Saint to have been. Thus moreover it has Olbianus sent down on the fourth the divine-burning fire the etymon of the name. On the fourth Olbianus the fervid fire transmitted. The same in the same place is praised with this distich. Incorruptible wealth Olbianus having hoped, For Thy love wholly he was burned, O Word. Wealth immortal while he hopes Olbianus, With love wholly for Thee burns, Christ. The allusion is to the signification of the Greek word ὄλβος riches, wealth, beatitude, whence ὄλβιος blessed, opulent, and hence Olbianus: for which to the Romans in Latin seems to be said Ulpianus, among the old authors of the Civil Law most renowned; just as Orbanus sometimes is to the Greeks, which to the Latins Urbanus.

ON SS. APHRODISIUS, MELDAS, MACROBIUS, VALERIANUS, LEONTIUS, ANTONINUS,

AND THE LX COMPANION MARTYRS AT SCYTHOPOLIS.

Aphrodisius, Martyr, at Scythopolis in Palestine (S.)

Meldas, Martyr, at Scythopolis in Palestine (S.)

Macrobius, Martyr, at Scythopolis in Palestine (S.)

Valerianus, Martyr, at Scythopolis in Palestine (S.)

Leontius, Martyr, at Scythopolis in Palestine (S.)

Antoninus, at Scythopolis in Palestine (S.)

The LX Companions, Martyrs, at Scythopolis in Palestine

G. H.

Scythopolis, an ancient city of Palestine, on the shore of the lake of Genesaret to the south, near the outlet of the Jordan river, in Galilee, to Tiberias and Bethsaida neighboring, these Martyrs to Christ brought forth, in the MS. Greek Synaxarion of the College of Clermont of the Society of Jesus at Paris thus reported. On the same day IV of May the contest of the holy Martyrs Aphrodisius, Meldas, Macrobius, Valerianus, Leontius, Martyrdom, Antoninus and of a multitude of Saints, with these at Scythopolis martyrdom having suffered. Whose festivity is celebrated in the venerable Apostle-shrine of the holy and with excellent praise to be proclaimed James the brother of the Lord, established within the august edifice of the most holy immaculate Lady of ours the Mother of God and ever Virgin Mary in Chalcoprateia. the cult at Constantinople: Thus there. Built that temple Theodosius the Younger, and by an earthquake cast down it rebuilt Justin, from a Curopalates created Emperor, and besides to it immovable possessions bestowed, as teaches George Codinus on the Origins of Constantinople page 43 in the Louvre edition.

[2] The same of these Martyrs are narrated in the MS. Menaea of Chifflet: and is indicated in the adjoined verses that they partly by the sword slain died, partly through fire triumphed: the very verses these are. Who is this his neck stretching to the sword? The kind of Martyrdom Aphrodisius, Aphrodisius, he says. Who is that to the sword his neck extending, you ask? Aphrodisius answers, Aphrodisius I am called. Leontius and of the contest two companions, Like lions to the sword they ran. Leontius and of the contest two companions, As lions to the sword they ran. Meldas and Valerianus understand. To the other two of another kind a martyrdom, with fire consummated, thus to be ascribed seems: Above the heads of the Martyrs raised two, An athletic for them the fire as a roof was. The heads of two Martyrs above raised, An athletic roof the flame for them was.

[3] Perhaps neither simply by fire were they consummated: but above them in the manner of a vault miraculously gathered flames, The Acts lost as once in the Babylonian furnace for the three boys, to them not so much was for a torment as for a wrestling-ground, under whose ceiling they contended, secure from the injuries of the air, to which are exposed those fighting under the open sky. More and more certain things we should know, if there existed Acts, which to have existed once some to believe undoubtedly make the already alleged verses, with the argument thence taken composed. Of the same the Martyrdom is celebrated on the following day V of May in the MS. Menaea of Milan of the Ambrosian library and of Turin of the Duke of Savoy. Memory May 5 In the latter of these codices for Meldas, Valerianus and Antoninus are read, the names Medas, once also Melthas, Adrian and Antony, and the Companions of Scythopolis are indicated sixty.