Cohort of Soldier Martyrs

ON THE WHOLE COHORT OF SOLDIERS

CROWNED BY MARTYRDOM.

The whole cohort of the holy soldiers, crowned by martyrdom.

G. H.

Often soldiers were eager in professing the faith of Christ, and confirmed it with blood shed. Of these some are related in the MSS. Menaea, which at Dijon with Peter Francis Chifletius are preserved, and thus are indicated on this day VIII May. Τῇ ἀυτῇ ἡμέρᾳ Ὁλόκληρος σπεῖρα στρατιωτῶν ξίφει τελειοῦνται. On the same day a whole chorus of soldiers, who struck with the sword ended their life. Then is added this distich, alluding to the Praetorian cohort of Pilate, of which the Evangelists make mention, Matthew chap. 27, Mark chap. 15, and John chap. 18.

Χριστοφέρουσα σπεῖρα τέμνεται ξιφει,

Χρισοκτόνουσαν σπεῖραν οὐ μιμουμένη.

The Christ-bearing cohort is cut down by sword,

Not following that one which to death gave Christ.