ON THE HOLY MARTYRS SERENUS, THEODORUS, PASTAPHUS, TYTIRUS, DIONYSIA, PASSIMUS, PHESICUS, DISTA, AMBENIUS, ARIUSUS, DIOSCORUS, ORION, TURBANUS, CAPITULINUS, LIKEWISE ORION, SIMERUS, PLUTARCHUS, HIRENEUS, HERACLIUS, HERON, POTAMINUS, MARCELLUS, BASILIDES, LEONIDES, PANOSUS, PECE, SIDISTUS, PAMBONUS, ORIOSUS, PANUBERUS, TILINUS, NONNICA, SINIDUS, MEMMIUS, JULIUS, LEONIDES, PLUTARCHUS II, SERENUS, POTAMIENA THE VIRGIN, MARCELLA THE MOTHER, RAIS OR HERAIS. AT ALEXANDRIA IN EGYPT.
IN THE YEAR 202.
A notice of the names from the Martyrologies, the Acta of some from Eusebius.
Serenus, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Theodorus, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Pastaphus, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Tytirus, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Dionysia, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Parsimus, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Phesicus, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Dista, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Ambenius, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Ariusus, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Dioscorus, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Orion, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Turbanus, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Capitulinus, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Orion II, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Simerus, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Plutarchus, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Hirenæus, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Heraclius, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Heron, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Potaminus, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Marcellus, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Basilides, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Leonides, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Panosus, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Pece, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Sidistus, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Pambonus, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Oriosus, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Panuberus, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Tilinus, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Nonnica, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Sinidus, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Memmius, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Julius, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Leonides II, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Plutarchus II, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Serenus, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Potamiena, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Marcella, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Rais or Herais, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
BY THE AUTHOR G. H.
Eusebius Pamphili begins the sixth book of the Ecclesiastical History, from the persecution made under the Emperor Severus at Alexandria, and soon, in chapter 2, from the instruction of Origen, Very many suffered under Severus at Alexandria and in chapter 3 from his preaching, and the various Martyrs strengthened by him; where toward the end he writes, that many of the Gentiles, most excellent both in every kind of learning, and in philosophy, submitted themselves to his teaching: and that they, when they had received the faith of Christ sincerely and with intimate affection of mind from him, in the time of that persecution became so renowned, that some of them, having been seized, were perfected by martyrdom. Then in chapters 4 and 5, nine of them he chooses, whose martyrdom described by him we give below, and toward the end he adds that several others also of the Alexandrian citizens passed suddenly to the faith of Christ.
[2] The names of these Martyrs four ancient copies of the Hieronymian Martyrology often indicated by us supply: The standard-bearers are Serenus and Theodorus. of whom the standard-bearer Serenus, also with letters transposed Senerus, is mentioned. The second, Theodorus, also written Tardorus, and the same is reported in the first place in the old codex of the Queen of Sweden, published by Holstenius in these words: At Alexandria the birthday of S. Theodorus, with twenty-seven others; we give somewhat more. In the Mss. Barberini, Arras, Tournai of Liessies, and Trier of S. Maximinus, these two are thus set forth: At Alexandria the birthday of SS. Serenus and Theodorus; but mention of Theodorus alone is made in the Ms. of Rhinow.
[3] There follow the names of Pastaphus, Tytirus, Dionysinia, Passimus, Phesicus; who with some variety are, Postaphus, or Pastophus, Tyrus, Donysima, or Dosimia, Others 38, Pasimius, Pleficus or Sicus. In the next decury are the names of Dista, Ambemus, Ariusus, Dioscorus, Orion, Turbanus, Capitulinus; likewise Orion, Simirus, Plutarchus. Of these is omitted the name Ariusus, and from the word Ambemus, is made Ambeniari and Ambeniani: and finally in place of Simirus, is written Gimirus, Simerus. There follow Hiereneus, wrongly held in the Corbeian copy as a Bishop; from whom another is S. Irenæus, Bishop of Lyons, reported in all the copies also on this day. Then Heraclides and Heron, reported by Eusebius below, who by others are mostly called Heraclius and Herorus: Potaminus, Marcellus, for whom also Marcella is had; but she will soon be reported. Basilides also inscribed in the Eusebian history, and in the Roman Martyrology reported on the 30th day of June. Then Leonides, also written Leonodes: and then these three, Panasus, Pece, Sedistus, reported in the Epternach copy alone, of which Pece seems to be a woman, whose genitive is Peces. There follow Pambonus, or Pambunus; Oriosus, or Orosus; Panuberus, Tilina, or Tilinus: then Nonnica and Spiridus, reported in three copies; for whom in the Epternach copy, at Nicaea, Finidus, as if this one were not joined to the others. In the Mss. Augsburg of S. Udalric and the Parisian of Labbe are joined the names of Serenus, and Senidus; and so we keep them. Yet whoever shall think Nonnica should be excluded, we do not wish for her to draw the rope of contention. There was interposed in all the copies of the Hieronymian Martyrology, S. Irenæus, Bishop of Lyons, with six or seven companion Martyrs, of whom separately we treat: and then there followed the names to be referred hither, of Leonides, Plutarchus, Serenus, Potamiena, and Marcella; of whose martyrdom we shall soon treat from Eusebius. In the Ms. of Reichenau of those reported a few names are thus set forth: At Alexandria, of Theodorus, Pastasus, Titirus, Pasus, Misa; where for the penultimate by others Passimus is had: and for Misa, perhaps Dista is said.
[4] Others celebrate some of the Martyrs reported by Eusebius more at length, some reported by Usuardus and from the relation of Rufinus thus does Usuardus commemorate them: At Alexandria the holy Martyrs Plutarchus, Serenus, Heraclides, Heron, Potamiena, Marcella, with three others: among whom especially shone forth Potamiena the Virgin, who first, sweating through immense and innumerable combats for her virginity, then also for martyrdom having endured exquisite and unheard-of torments, at the last was consumed by fire. In Ado, Notker, and the spurious Bede and others, after the name of Marcella is interposed the memory of a catechumen, Hera by name, in Ado and others who attained the baptism of martyrdom. Baronius for the present Roman Martyrology established this eulogy for them: At Alexandria, in the same persecution of Severus, the holy Martyrs, and the Roman Martyrology, Plutarchus, Serenus, Heraclides the catechumen, Heron the neophyte, and another Serenus, Rais the catechumen, Potamiena and Marcella her Mother; among whom especially shone Potamiena the Virgin, who first sweating through immense and innumerable combats for her virginity, then also exquisite and unheard-of torments for the faith having endured, at the last together with her mother was consumed by fire. Ætra, Rais, or Herais being adjoined. This [is] there, and she who above in Ado and Notker was called Hera, by some: Ætra and Rais or Herais is named, with Eusebius in Christophorson, and Nicephorus Callistus, book 5, chapter 7. But to Henry Valesius, from the Mss. Royal and another Parisian, she is called Herais, whom, missing in the old copies of the Hieronymian Martyrology, to the rest we have appended at the end of the title.
THE ACTA OF THE MARTYRDOM.
From book VI of Eusebius.
Serenus, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Theodorus, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Pastaphus, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Tytirus, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Dionysia, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Parsimus, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Phesicus, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Dista, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Ambenius, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Ariusus, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Dioscorus, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Orion, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Turbanus, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Capitulinus, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Orion II, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Simerus, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Plutarchus, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Hirenæus, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Heraclius, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Heron, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Potaminus, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Marcellus, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Basilides, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Leonides, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Panosus, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Pece, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Sidistus, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Pambonus, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Oriosus, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Panuberus, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Tilinus, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Nonnica, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Sinidus, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Memmius, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Julius, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Leonides II, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Plutarchus II, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Serenus, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Potamiena, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Marcella, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
Rais or Herais, Martyr at Alexandria in Egypt (S.)
BY THE AUTHOR G. H.
Chapter 1., Chapter 2.
[1] Moreover, when Severus had stirred up persecution against the Churches, throughout all the Churches everywhere indeed, illustrious martyrdoms were wrought by the athletes contending for piety. The persecution being stirred up at Alexandria But especially at Alexandria they grew frequent, when from all Egypt and the Thebaid the choicest champions thither, as into the most ample stadium of God, were led; and, having endured with unconquered spirit torments and deaths of every kind, received immortal crowns from God… Therefore Severus passing the tenth year of his Empire … the most ardent conflagration of persecution blazed, in the 10th year of the Emperor Severus, and innumerable persons are crowned with martyrdom…
Chapter 3.
[2] But meanwhile, when no one remained at Alexandria, who should give attention to delivering the rudiments of our faith, converted by Origen all on account of fear of the persecution driven out and put to flight; certain of the Gentiles came to Origen, still free for and attached to the school, to hear the word of God from him. Among whom he testifies that the first was Plutarchus, SS. Plutarchus who, after a life honestly passed through, with sacred martyrdom also was crowned. The second, Heraclus, brother of the same Plutarchus, and Heraclus who, when he himself also had given very many proofs of a philosophical life and a stricter discipline before him, was deemed worthy of the Episcopate of the city. He was moreover passing the eighteenth year of his age then, when he was set over the instruction of catechumens. In which office he made the greatest progress, in the time of those persecutions, which, Aquila holding the prefecture, befell at Alexandria. Then indeed among all the faithful he attained the greatest celebrity of name, by him the Martyrs were aided on account of the offices of assiduous benevolence and humanity, which to all the holy Martyrs of God, alike known and unknown, he most promptly exhibited. For not only was he their companion thus far, while they were in chains, or while up to the final sentence they were interrogated; but after the sentence was passed also, when the most holy Martyrs were led away to punishment, he himself, endowed with incredible confidence, and provoking the very dangers, stood by: so that very often boldly he approached, and were comforted: and the Martyrs with the utmost freedom he saluted with a kiss… But many, when they had received the faith of Christ sincerely and with intimate affection of mind from him, in the time of that persecution became renowned; so much so that some of them, having been seized, were perfected by martyrdom.
Chapter 4.
[3] The first of these was he, whom a little above we mentioned, Plutarchus. Who, when to death he was led; Plutarchus by Origen, again this Origen of whom we speak, while to Plutarchus up to the very end of his life he adhered inseparably, was little short of being killed by his fellow-citizens: inasmuch as he had been the author of that death. But divine providence then also preserved him. After Plutarchus, the second of Origen's disciples a Martyr was Serenus, who the faith which he had received, Serenus, tried by fire and approved, exhibited. The third of the same school a Martyr arose, Heraclides, Heraclides, and then the fourth, Heron: Heron, both struck with the axe; the former while still a catechumen, but the other a neophyte. Besides these the fifth, another Serenus, of the same audience, an athlete of Christian piety, a victor was proclaimed, Serenus, of the same surname as that former one: who, when he had most bravely borne very many torments, at last is said to have been beheaded. But also from the number of the women, Herais, a certain one still a catechumen, Herais, having attained baptism by fire, departed from this light.
Chapter 5.
[4] The seventh among these may be reckoned Basilides, he who led that most celebrated Potamiena to punishment. Potamiena the Virgin, Of which woman indeed the fame, among the inhabitants of those regions, is even now widely spread: for she, for the chastity of her body, and for preserving her virginity in which especially she excelled, underwent innumerable combats against lovers (for besides the beauty of her mind, a wonderful comeliness also of her whole body in her flourished), endured innumerable things also for the faith of Christ, and at last, after most bitter and even in the very telling horrible torments, together with her mother Marcella, was consumed by fire. Moreover Aquila, with Marcella her mother (for that was the name of the Judge) when he had tortured her in her whole body, at the last is said to have threatened her, that he would deliver her to gladiators to be violated. But she, when for a little while she had within herself pondered the matter, being asked what counsel she would take, is said to have given such a response: which seemed to the Gentiles to be impious. Forthwith therefore, condemned by the sentence of the Judge, Basilides, protected by Basilides one of the apparitors, led her away to punishment. And when the crowd tried to molest her, and with obscene words to mock her; Basilides indeed those who did insult to the Virgin, frightening off, drove away, and many indications of mercy and humanity toward her exhibited. But she, the kindness of the man toward her gladly embracing, bestows prayers on him, bade him be of good cheer; for she after her death would obtain his salvation from the Lord, and the benefits conferred on her she would shortly requite. When she had said these things, consumed by fire: with boiling pitch through the various members of her body, from the lowest feet to the very top of the head, slowly and little by little poured around, she is recorded to have borne death with steadfast mind. And of this kind indeed was the combat that the most noble Virgin fought out.
[5] Basilides made a Christian, But shortly afterward Basilides, when for I know not what cause by his fellow-soldiers to an oath he was driven, affirmed it to be unlawful for him, at all to swear: for that he was a Christian, and this openly to profess. They at first indeed thought the man was jesting: but when he constantly asseverated it; he was brought to the Judge; before whom, having professed the constancy of his faith, he is cast into chains. And when certain in the Lord Brethren had gone to him, and the cause of that sudden and unexpected conversion asked; he is said to have said, that Potamiena, on the third day after her martyrdom, and crowned by the appearing Potamiena, standing by him at night, placed a crown upon his head; and said, that for his sake she had prayed the Lord, and what she had asked had obtained; nor would he long after migrate to the heavenly ones. After this, the seal of the Lord being received from the Brethren, the Martyr dies. the next day, having gloriously confessed Christ, he was beheaded. Several others also, of the Alexandrian citizens, at the same time to the faith of Christ to have suddenly passed are recorded: whom namely Potamiena, appearing in dreams, to do this had provoked. But of these thus far.