if you speak the truth, God is our witness; but if you lie, you shall pay the penalty. And the saint said: "Come unto us, for God is in our midst, and He shall judge between us." And as these things were being spoken by the holy Stephen, the earth trembled, and the heavens thundered, and lightnings flashed, and fear fell upon all who stood by. The tyrant, departing thence and gathering another judge, a ruler and general named Ulpianus, commanded them to be led to the judicial examination. But the judge said unto them: "See, children, how your youth is perishing in such deception. It is still the hour for you to turn back and live." And the holy Stephen answering, said: "We live and shall live unto the ages with our Christ; but you, if you do not turn back, shall die, not only in the flesh, but in the soul you shall be punished with eternal torment." Then the judge commanded them to be beaten heavily. Thereafter, he ordered them to be cast into prison; and therein, having been placed in iron fetters, they were kept in a manner befitting aged and ailing men. After this, when they were again brought to the judgment seat, the judge again attempted to persuade them to deny Christ. And as the holy Stephen said, "I do not set my life at any price," he commanded the soldiers to cut them down with swords. The number of the saints, who fell upon the swords, was one thousand three hundred. A Whom God, receiving into a place of light, Stephen himself, the protagonist of the contest, was kept alive in prison, that he might be tormented daily; for since the judge saw him most unchanging in his resolve, he determined that this should be his punishment. Being kept there, the saint was tortured with many and various torments. In this, Maximus, who ruled Africa as governor, heard that there were certain Christians such as these, who were drawing crowds of men unto themselves, and were remaining in this religion. He wrote, therefore, to the judge of Apamea to bring the Christians to him. The judge, having sent an embassy to him, made known that there was only one leader of this multitude, whose name was Stephen, a wild man and enemy of God, and he was being held bound in prison. Maximus wrote for him to be brought to him. Having been brought, therefore, to him, the saint there again underwent debates and torments; but against all, he stood bravely. From the class to which he belonged B and had been trained, Maximus knew ways to torture someone. He commands, therefore, dry wood to be tied to his arms, and his head to be placed downward and his feet upward and so to be hung; then for fire to be kindled underneath. In this torment, the saint, remaining securely suspended for three days, suffered no harm at all. Then, having been untied, they tied a very large stone to his neck and threw him into the sea. But when he was cast into the water, immediately an angel of the Lord appeared to him, and having delivered him from the danger, placed him forth onto the land, whole. Seeing this, the general of Maximus was astonished, and approaching the saint, said: "Teach me, man of God, who is thy God, that He so preserves thee." And the saint said: "He is the God who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them, who created and reshaped us, unto whom the angels minister, and whom all creation worships." And the general said: "And how might I be able to approach Him?" And the saint answered: "Believe with all thy heart in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, and thou shalt be baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and thou shalt be saved, thou and thy house." C
The Writings of Symeon Metaphrastes
And we saw the monument opened, and light shone round about in the habitaculo. Of Proclus, Patriarch of Constantinople, Encomium for the Holy Protomartyr Stephen.
Those who hasten to pursue the didactic office toward others. Of Leontius, Bishop of Neapolis in Cyprus, Life of Abba Symeon, called for Christ’s sake the Fool; in sixty-three chapters, also setting forth matters concerning the venerable John.
Those who write the encomia to the divine and blessed Fathers. Of John Zonaras, for Sophronius of Jerusalem.
Those who desire to be accounted worthy of the same gifts as the memories of the saints. D Narrative of the miracle of Saint George, concerning a boy taken into captivity and liberated beyond hope, with Leo Phocas then prefect of the armies. It is written by one present and seeing. These things, therefore, we also have written down, which we saw with our eyes and heard with our ears, to the glory and praise of God, so that this miraculous event, which took place in our generation, might not be covered over by the passage of time in the depths of forgetfulness and ignorance.
The Lord reigned, let the earth rejoice. Of John, Metropolitan of Euchaita, upon the memory of the great trophy-bearer, celebrated after the third day of Pascha.
Our Lord Jesus Christ the Savior of all. Of Nicetas the Rhetor, a narrative discourse concerning the contest and finding and translation of the relics of the holy protomartyr Stephen.
Our Lord Jesus Christ the Father of all who hope. Of Michael Psellus, a discourse upon the translation of the precious relic of the holy protomartyr Stephen, delivered extemporaneously.
This discourse, which for us has best limned the life of the holy woman after a good custom. Of the Emperor Manuel Palaiologos, an oration. That sin is the worst of all things: that one ought not to despair either of oneself or of another, and concerning the providence and philanthropy of God. It is read after the reading of the life of the holy Mary of Egypt.
The discourse concerning the miracles of the Myroblete Demetrius. Of John Stauracius, Chartophylax of Thessalonica, a discourse upon the miracles of the great myroblete Demetrius.
The great apostle Paul, the expounder of the great mysteries. Of John, monk and presbyter of Euboea, a discourse upon the Conception of the holy Theotokos.
The sensible sun rising above the earth. Of Nicetas Rhetor Paphlagon, Encomium for the great Nicholas the Myroblete and wonderworker.
The old life of men, remaining condemned to death. Of Basil, Bishop of Seleucia, a discourse for Thomas the Apostle.
The goal is one. Of Gregory of Nyssa, upon the life and miracles of Gregory the Wonderworker.
Our goal is one, and that of the laborers before us. Of Leontius, Bishop of Neapolis of the Cypriot island, upon the remaining parts of the life of John, Archbishop of Alexandria the Almsgiver.
The Only-Begotten Son and Word of God. Of Cyril, monk and presbyter of Scythopolis, upon the life of our Father among the saints Euthymius, to Abba George the abbot, in fifty-nine chapters.
When spring arrives, the elements of the body. Of John, Bishop of Euboea, a historical discourse upon the holy birth of Christ.
[103] The morning to us is most shining, a precinct of piety and of brilliant miracles. Of Michael the Archimandrite, upon the life and miracles of our holy Father Nicholas.
As many of the cities as wish to offer thanks to the emperors. Of Demetrius Cydones, a discourse upon the Annunciation of the All-Holy Theotokos.
As for what is in the present discourse. Of Theodore Metochites, Genikos Logothetes, an encomium for Gregory the Theologian.
As many as by the emptying of the Word, having been stripped of the veil of truth. Of Andrew of Crete, a discourse upon the Transfiguration of the Lord.
When those who love drinking find a wealth of wine. Of Gregory of Nyssa, a discourse upon the Salutation of the All-Holy Theotokos Mary.
He who exhorts one to praise the great discourse of the thunder. Of Nicetas the rhetor, encomium for the holy apostle and evangelist John.
A "Christ the God who sprang from virgin loins." Discourse on the Annunciation.
"Nor would there be any point anywhere for anything worse to have been fashioned by God." Discourse concerning the economy toward our race and the providence of the Savior.
"Nothing is more precious than virtue, nothing more beneficial." For this is not only of the irrational [creation]... Discourse on the life and martyrdom of the holy Anysia in Thessalonica.
"Nothing could be judged sweeter or more full of joy than the present." On the conception of the holy Anna.
"No one is weak when Paul is contending." Encomium for the holy apostle Paul.
"Nothing so prepares one to rejoice." Discourse on St. Demetrius.
"Nothing truly among men possesses stability." On human life and those who have fallen asleep.
"Nothing, it seems, is stronger than love." Discourse on the four-day-dead Lazarus.
"It was not, then, that he alone was incomprehensible." A narrative collected from various histories concerning the image of Christ our God sent to Abgar, and transferred from Edessa to Constantinople.
"They are not foreign to our present festival," nor alien to the city of the descendants. Encomium for St. Matrona on the island of Chios.
"It was not, therefore, for the ancients alone, but also for those of the present that Pontus needed to be adorned with narratives." Life of our holy Father Dorotheus the Younger, that is, of the one in Chiliokomon.
"Not a matter of civic debate." Discourse on the miracle that occurred at Blachernae.
"The time between is not long." For this is the sixth month. Discourse on the Annunciation of the All-Holy Theotokos.
"Truly a heavenly and divine tongue was required." Encomium for St. Dionysius the Areopagite.
"The heaven and the earth are today adorned with the rays of grace." Discourse on the conception of the All-Holy Theotokos Mary.
"Earth and heavens with the rays of grace." Discourse on the conception of the All-Panholy Theotokos.
"Not only serious matters are chosen." On the great Sunday feast of St. Agatha, and on her disciples.
"He who owes a debt always hymns his benefactor." On the Dormition of the Virgin. On the Archistrategos Michael.
B "For a long time sufficiently, as it were in brief, concerning virginity in those things concerning purity." On Simeon, and on Anna, on the day of the Meeting, and on the holy Theotokos.
"I long formerly to praise the exploits of the great martyr Lucillian." On the holy hieromartyr Lucillian, and those with him.
"Formerly, then, the rod of Moses of the Israelites." Discourse on the third Sunday of the Fasts, and on the Veneration of the Cross.
"Formerly Simeon carries in his arms the Master." Discourse on the Meeting.
"Again the apostolic festival flashes forth, and again I [speak] to those initiated." Encomium for the holy apostle and evangelist Mark.
"Again the mystery of the feast, and again my people is a mystical dancer." Discourse on the Exaltation of the precious Cross.
"Again the loud-voiced cry to us." On the Beheading of the Forerunner.
C "Again to us has shone a dual pair that cannot be sundered, again for us a pair that cannot be yoked separately has blossomed." Homily on the holy Peter and Paul.
"Again John the Great, the voice of the Forerunner of the Word." On the beheading of the head of the Forerunner.
"Again John, golden-tongued, and again for us an illustrious feast." On the three holy hierarchs Basil, Chrysostom, and Gregory.
"Again I wish to spread my mind toward Bethlehem." Discourse on the holy infants, those slaughtered in Bethlehem, and on Rachel.
"Again a festival for the pious, and again another mystery." Commentary on the Meeting of the Savior.
"Again the cross is raised, again creation rejoices." Discourse on the Exaltation of the precious and life-giving cross.
D "Again glad tidings, again announcements of freedom." Discourse on the Annunciation of the All-Panholy Theotokos.
"That all men should not be uninitiated in good things." Concerning the life of St. Syncletica.
"All the ancient historiographers, concerning those things from their predecessors." Life and conduct, and miracles of our holy Father John Chrysostom.
"Of every work and word, and thought, let him be the guide—"
A ...and concerning that which is in the principle of times. Whence he himself drew his narration in the beginning, he recounts thus: "Many of the holy Fathers have been eulogists of her, yet no one of them has rightly and acceptably indicated anything concerning her course of life, and the times, or her upbringing, or her end. But even those who did attempt this and spoke of certain parts did not cut a straight path, but became accusers of themselves, such as Jacob the Hebrew, and Aphrodisianus the Persian, and certain others, who spoke only concerning her birth, and immediately fell silent. As for her falling asleep, John of Thessalonica, having composed a much-talked-of discourse, obscured himself. And another John, who lays claim to the name of Theologian, took upon himself the reproach of lying. But Andrew of Jerusalem, bishop of Crete, having said a few things, and having cut a straight path, brought his narration to the order of a panegyric. We, however, having examined many things, and having collected those that are credible and certain and true from the ecclesiastical history of Eusebius, called Pamphilus, and from the remaining writers and teachers, will set forth the things concerning her in simple words to those who desire them, and we indicate on the forehead the name of each from whom we have received anything, so that it may not seem to some that we are slandering, as if we had added anything of our own, or—should we take anything even from the apocryphal or heretical—let no one blame us. For as the great Basil says, testimonies from enemies are more credible. But the wonderful Cyril, archbishop of Alexandria, also did this very thing, regarding the genealogy from Abraham to David for Joseph, who was betrothed to the all-blameless Mother of God, Mary, and the rest."
Of the Bishop of Thessalonica, a hymn to God and to the all-glorious prize-winner Demetrius, in a partial narration of his miracles.
On the arrival of the feast of the Nativity of Christ. By Eusebius of Alexandria, a discourse on the Nativity of Christ.
A ...a wonderful festival, for it also comprises that which is beyond... By Gregory, archdeacon and referendary of the Great Church of Constantinople, a discourse that the wonderful does not fall under the laws of panegyrics; and that three patriarchs examined that it is an imprint of Christ, which was brought from Edessa after nine hundred and nineteen years by the zeal of the emperor in the year 6952.
B ...narration of wondrous things is difficult to accept, but not to those of our divine community.
By Constantine Acropolites, the great logothete, a martyrdom for the holy martyr Neophytos.
...the memorial of the martyr Demetrius is present.
By Gregory, deacon and referendary, an encomium for the martyr Demetrius.
...among us, the good things are not rare, the discourse of
John, metropolitan of the Euchaitae, on the memory of the holy martyr Theodore, that is, the Recruit (Terones).
...a virginal festival today—our tongue
by Proclus, patriarch of Constantinople, an encomium to the all-holy Theotokos.
C ...all the testimonies and festivals have a marvelous brilliance.
By Proclus, patriarch of Constantinople, an encomium for the holy Virgin and Theotokos.
[106] ...every feast and action of our Lord Jesus Christ.
By Ephrem the Syrian, a discourse on the Cross.
...every celebration and festival of the martyrs of Christ.
By Michael the monk, an encomium for the all-glorious apostle of Christ, Philip.
...every saving feast.
By the emperor Leo, a discourse on the Transfiguration of the Savior.
...Paul the apostle was, in his race, a Hebrew.
By Theodore Scutariotes, on the life of the holy apostle Paul.
D ...it leaps, and old age, as it were, braced by the efforts of zeal.
By Andrew of Crete, a discourse on the beheading of the Forerunner.
...to obey those who lead—from the apostolic exhortation, O Theophilus.
By Gregory, presbyter of Caesarea in Cappadocia, a discourse on the 318 holy Fathers, and on Constantine the most pious emperor.
...concerning this [woman], however, concerning this lover of martyrs, we have known nothing certain.
By John, metropolitan of the Euchaitae, a discourse on the memory of the holy martyr Eusebia who was in Euchaita.
...concerning the truly and properly Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, many of the old teachers having gone through...
By Epiphanius, monk and presbyter, on the life of the holy Theotokos and her life...
A Let faith in Euthymius come first. "The only-begotten Son and Word of God." On the life of our Father among the saints, Euthymius, to the abbot George, in 59 chapters. Many and various festivals brighten human life. On the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ. Many and great [are the words] concerning your incorporeal and magnificent angelic power. A narrative of the very great miracles of the holy Archangels. Many have already, many times, O beloved, set forth diverse teachings for us. On John the Baptist. Many of the saints in different regions. On the life of Theodore, abbot of the monastery of the Studites. Many times have others exhorted those who excel in virtue and wisdom. On the holy Empress Theophano. Many times have they tested the experience of the precious pearls with greater scrutiny. A discourse on the Entry of the Theotokos into the Temple. Many great men admire her virginity. On the Theotokos, and on Anna, and on Simeon, and on the Meeting of the Lord. Well-trained in many and various weapons. On the Cross and the Transfiguration of the Savior. Though there are many great things, it is not easy to understand them. A discourse on the holy Great Martyr Demetrius. A matter of the greatest benefit lies before us. An epitaph on the holy Father and confessor Nicetas. A [108] Today there lies before us for veneration and spiritual feasting. On the veneration of the holy Theotokos and on the dedication of her holy Shrine in the Chalkoprateia. The matter is set before men and is according to nature. Nothing, then, is less than what I proposed to add to the written noble deeds of the men of old, as well as things accomplished in our own times, for the benefit of those who hear and for the conversion of those who claim that such things can no longer be accomplished as they were in the olden times; so that all might know that neither the difficulties of the times, nor the habit of a forbidden life becomes an obstacle to the completion of excellent works. Christ crowned the sacrifice for Procopius, having seen him as a bull. A panegyric on the martyr Procopius. Our discourse flows back to a most sublime vantage point. On the [text]: "There stood by the Cross of Jesus his mother," and on the God-bodied burial of the Lord. Formerly, in the rejoicing of holy people. A discourse on the Elevation of the Cross. Formerly, the visitation of the All-Holy Spirit would be celebrated among men. A discourse on the Sunday of All Saints. They urge my tongue toward praise. A panegyric for the martyr George. Typifying and prefiguring, the blessed Moses. A discourse on the third Sunday of the Fast, that of the Veneration of the Cross. Prophetically, us and today. On Simeon. Formerly, from virginal wombs, the Sun of Righteousness arose. A discourse on the Holy Theophany. Formerly, the living spring of true theology for us. On the holy and all-praised Apostle James. Frequent for us, but profitable for the Church, are the spiritual theaters. On the holy Pentecost. [109] A For rhetors and sophists, the whole zeal. Epitaph on Plato, his own spiritual father. [Σ] A trumpet has gathered us to the apostolic festival. A panegyric on the holy Apostle Andrew. "Blow," he says, "at the new moon of the trumpet, in the auspicious day of the feast." On the period of the holy Apostle and Evangelist John. Today, O best of children, I shall speak a word. A discourse on the Annunciation of the all-pure Theotokos.
A Today our Lord Jesus Christ on the Cross. A discourse on the holy sufferings of our Lord Jesus Christ. The scope and goal for those of us striving toward [this]. On the miracles of the chief commander Michael. A wise and incomprehensible thing, and profitable to the inhabited world. On the life and miracles of our holy Father Gregory of the Church of Akragas. A more urgent time, O friends. A discourse on the Palms. The feast of the Cross is set before us today. A discourse on the precious and life-giving Cross. We celebrate the festival of the Cross, and all the Church. A discourse on the Exaltation of the precious and life-giving Cross. The festival of the Cross, and who would not exult? An encomium on the Exaltation of the precious and life-giving Cross, and on the holy Resurrection. The feast of the Cross is set before us today. Gregory the Great calls us, O men. An encomium on the life of our holy Father Gregory of Nazianzus. They say that such a writer, Gregory, was a disciple of the Theologian. The luxuriant fragrance of joy calls all of us to its own feast. A discourse on the Nativity of our all-holy Theotokos. Symbols of the Lord's Resurrection in bodily feasting. A discourse on the holy Pascha. You, O good servant of the all-good God. New Metaphrastes, on the holy Theodore the Recruit. 110 Symeon the Great, the great wonder of the inhabited world. Life of Symeon the Stylite. Congenial to the world and contemporary, and with those in it who are superior from above. A discourse on the day of the holy and great Friday concerning the Crucifixion of the Lord. Being about to relate the heroic deeds of the great and glorious martyr. A memoir, that is, an explanation of the holy and glorious great-martyr Artemius, collected from the ecclesiastical history of Philostorgius and others. These are the sufferings of the martyrs Julian, Basilissa, and the rest. The holy martyrs the eternal [ones], B those who saw and believed are blessed, but more blessed are those who have not seen and have believed. We, however, since we saw, record the deeds of the martyrs with our own eyes. Whence we believe that a small portion of blessedness will be ours. The soul-profiting and God-pleasing heroic deeds of the holy Fathers. On the life of our holy Father Ioannicius. To the wondrous and most glorious All-Holy One. A prologue to the Dormition of the all-holy Theotokos. The history of the contest of those who lived before, for our edification and profit. And this was heard by us all and spoken of. And one of those who heard says to his father. Having received the command of our holiness. A historical discourse on the Finding of the precious and life-giving Cross. In the Resurrection, the mortal was swallowed up. A discourse on the Ascension of the Savior. Yesterday, the Comforter was not making a festival while remaining. On the Sunday of Pentecost. The honor shown to the good from among fellow-servants of someone great. An encomium on Symeon the God-receiver. Your piety, O lover of noble things, to admire with me. An encomium on the holy and wonder-working Cosmas and Damian. On the previous Sunday [regarding] this orthodox Church. On the consummation of the holy glorious Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary. 111 I consider it to be of equal absurdity to speak what is not fitting. Regarding the inscription of the apostolic acts. An encomium from various discourses of Chrysostom, on the holy apostle Paul. The gospels of the present day. On the holy myrrh-bearing women, and Joseph of Arimathea, and concerning the Resurrection of the Lord, and the universal resurrection of the earth-born that is to come through Him. Why should we be silent about the miracle placed before us? A discourse on the veneration of the precious Cross. On Mid-Lent. What of Timothy? For this, after the Apostles C D
A of Nicetas the rhetor and philosopher, on the Apostle Timothy. How beautiful is the order of the Church; how delightful are those things which are in her; of Nicetas the rhetor, on the holy, glorious, and all-praised twelve Apostles. How bright and clear is the grace of the day; of Nicetas, Bishop of Paphlagonia, a panegyric on the holy Great Martyr Theodore. What is this again on earth that the great Gabriel wishes for us; a discourse on the Annunciation of the all-praised Theotokos. What is more delightful than the spectacle now seen, or what brighter than the present day; a discourse from the time when the sacred body of Chrysostom was brought from exile into the Queen of Cities. What is more delightful or sweeter to those who love God; a discourse on the mystical supper and on the washing of feet on Holy and Great Thursday. What is this today, a great silence on the earth; a discourse on the God-bodied burial of the Lord, and on Joseph of Arimathea. What is this today, beloved; of the studious and sharp Anastasius of Sinai, a discourse on those who have fallen asleep in the Lord. Who would lead me to the height of the mysteries of Jesus; a discourse on the Transfiguration of the Savior. Who is this, rising as a lily; a discourse on the Entry of the Theotokos. Who shall give to the prophetic tongs to be opened; a discourse on the beheading of the honorable head of the Forerunner. What is this sound of those celebrating; a discourse on the universal feast of Orthodoxy. What is this delightful sound; of those celebrating, on the holy, glorious, and chief among the Apostles, Peter and Paul. What is this bright assembly; of Germanus, Patriarch of Constantinople, on the deposition of the precious Girdle of the Theotokos. To the most holy and most God-fearing bishops in every city and country. B An apocalypse concerning the relics of the Protomartyr Stephen. To those who have kept the image of God undefiled and uncorrupted, the life of our holy Father John of Damascus. To those who love the Lord, the time of the feast is never wanting, on the man born blind and on Peter. To those who love the Lord, the time of the feast is never wanting, on the holy Mid-Pentecost. Of Leo the Priest of Constantinople. The form of the book; on the life of the blessed Macrina, his own sister. That which is firm and secure in the faith; of Theodotus, Bishop of Ancyra, on the creed of the 318 holy Fathers in Nicaea. What is she who has brought forth the noble one; the life of John, the abbot of Mount Sinai. Premeditating to praise the great Symeon in life and in word; a laudatory discourse on Symeon the Metaphrast. Zeal moves the word; a panegyric on the archangels and all the heavenly powers. The word of the Cross, to those who are perishing, is from the divine Apostle; a discourse on the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ. "I opened my mouth and drew in breath," says David. And I today with him; a panegyric on the commanders of the angels, Michael and Gabriel. Concerning the descent of our Lord Jesus Christ, a discourse on the incarnation of the Lord and why He was incarnate. The blessed Paul being in Rome for the word of the Lord; concerning the life of the holy Xanthippe, Polyxena, and Rebecca. Let us praise our teachers; of Philotheus, Patriarch of Constantinople, on the holy three Fathers: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom. To those who are initiates of piety, it is fitting not only to embrace the grace; a discourse on Palms. Three things urge me to a three-named movement; a panegyric on the three holy hierarchs: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom. Third counted from Peter, the chief of the Apostles, as president of the Roman Church; a contemporary. To John of Damascus for the panegyrics; a discourse on St. John of Damascus. At that time the days were fulfilled; on the Circumcision of the Lord. C Of the miracles and gifts and graces given to us by God; concerning the Apocalypse of the Archangel Michael. Material perception finds pleasure in those things which it is natural for it to perceive; a discourse in the form of a panegyrical commemoration on the great Apostle James, the son of Zebedee.