we desire to fulfill his will, at least in that way, yet we take refuge in silence, which is free from danger, knowing full well A that we are counted worthy to share in the memorials of the saints only when we imitate and emulate their virtues; not by celebrating their deeds in speeches, but by embracing their character in our souls so that we never allow them to slip away or be forgotten. For it is not festivals celebrated inconsiderately and by custom, but religious piety, the same manner of life, and similarity of behavior that will demonstrate that we are their true disciples. You venerate the memorials of the martyrs; venerate also their purpose: for we truly share in the memorials of the saints when we follow after their manner of life. For the illumination of the knowledge of the glory of the Gospel of Jesus Christ did not shine upon them alone. [II Cor. iv, 4, 6.] Neither did God bestow grace only upon those. The precepts are common, the law of conduct is common; the one who distributes the rewards of labors to those who struggle is one, and there is one prize of truth, which may God grant us all to be worthy of, through the prayers and intercessions B of the saints whose memory we celebrate, and by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be glory and power forever and ever. Amen.
BY THE SAME EULOGY FOR THE GREAT MARTYR THEODORE
BY THE SAME ORATION IN PRAISE OF THE HOLY AND GREAT MARTYR THEODORE
(Translated by the same Sifanus.)You who are the people of Christ, the holy flock, the royal priesthood, who have flocked together in crowds from everywhere, both from the cities and from the countryside, whence did you receive the signal for the journey, and how were you led here to this sacred place? Who has imposed upon you such a serious and seemingly predetermined necessity for coming here? And that too in winter time, C when there is peace from war, and the soldier puts away his armor, and the sailor places his rudder above the smoke, and the farmer rests, tending to his plowing oxen at the manger? Or is it evident that the holy martyr has sounded the trumpet from the ranks of the military, and has stirred up many from different regions, and has called them to the place and seat of his own rest—not to organize for the equipment of war,
A but to gather them for the sweet peace that is especially becoming to Christians? For he, as we believe, even in the past year calmed the barbarian storm and checked and restrained the terrible and savage war of the Scythians—brandishing before them, as they were already seen and approaching, not a triple-crested helmet B or a sword well-sharpened and gleaming in the sun, but the expeller of evils and all-powerful cross of Christ, for whose sake he himself also suffered and acquired this glory. And now, turning your mind to it, consider, you who are ministers of this pure worship and lovers of the martyrs, what a great thing a righteous man is, and how many are the rewards of which he is accounted worthy (I speak of those rewards which are bestowed in the world and among us; for of the invisible ones, no one is capable of calculating their magnificence); and having determined the fruit of piety, emulate the resolve of those who are thus preferred. Desire those rewards which Christ distributes to the athletes according to their merit. And for the moment, if you please, letting be the enjoyment of future goods—which a good hope reserves for the just when the Judge of our lives shall arrive—let us look at the present state of the saints, how most beautiful and magnificent it is. For the soul, having departed, rests in its own proper place, and liberated from the body, lives together with its fellows; but the venerable and unspotted body, the instrument of that soul, which by its own vices and affections did not harm the incorruptibility of the one inhabiting it, having been shrouded with great honor and care, lies venerably in a sacred place, just like a precious treasure C preserved for the time of the regeneration, having much that is incomparable to other bodies, which have been dissolved by the common and ordinary death—and this, too, in the same material of nature. For other remains are even abominable to most people, and no one willingly passes by a grave, or if it unexpectedly shows an opening, one, being filled with every disgust at the deformity of the things lying within, and grieving heavily at the condition of human nature, runs past it. But if one has come to a place similar to this, where today our assembly is held, where the memorial of a righteous man and his holy relics are, first he is delighted by the magnificence of the things he sees, while he beholds the house as a temple of God, brilliantly adorned by the greatness of the structure and the beauty of the decoration, where the carpenter has shaped the wood into the representation of living figures, and the stone-mason has polished the slabs to the smoothness of silver. D The painter has also introduced the flowers of his art in the image he has depicted: the heroic deeds of the martyr, the struggles, the agonies, the savage forms of the tyrants, their insults, that fire-feeding furnace, the most blessed consummation of the athlete, the impression of the human form of the Awarder of the prize, Christ; having wrought everything for us through colors as if in a book that speaks, he has clearly described the struggles of the martyr, and has made the temple as brilliant as a meadow; for writing knows how to speak on a wall even while silent, and to do the greatest good;
the arranger of the mosaic stones similarly produced a work of history on the floor which is trodden by feet. B
Since, therefore, he has delighted the eyes with these artfully prepared works which are exposed to the senses, the observer desires to approach the burial chamber itself, believing that the touch of it is a sanctification and a blessing. If anyone allows even the dust which covers the surface of the resting place to be carried off, the dust is received as a gift, and the earth is treasured as a relic. For those who have experienced it and have been filled with such a desire know how greatly to be desired and prayed for, and what a gift of the highest prayer it is, to touch the relics themselves, if ever such good fortune allows it. For they embrace it as if it were a body living and blooming, applying their eyes, their mouth, their ears, and all the tools of the senses, and then, pouring out tears of piety and affection upon the martyr—as though he were whole and visible—they bring their petition for his intercession, praying to him as a soldier of God, and invoking him as one who receives their gifts when he wills. From all these things, O pious people, learn that *precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints*. For the body of all men is indeed one and the same, having its constitution from the same mass; but that which has died a simple death is cast away like anything worthless, while that which has been made graceful by the affection of martyrdom is so lovely, pleasant, and desired and sought after by many, as the preceding discourse has demonstrated. C Therefore, through those things which are apparent, let us believe in those things which escape sight; from the experience of those things which are seen in the world, let us believe in the promise of future things. For many who prefer their belly and vain glory and this worldly chaff to all things, think that there is nothing in the future, but consider that all things are terminated with the end of life. But you who think this way, learn the great from the small: discern the archetypal forms from the shadows. Which of the kings is honored with such honor? Which of those who have appeared to excel among men is celebrated with such a memory? Which of the emperors who have captured fortified cities and enslaved countless nations is so renowned and celebrated by fame as this poor soldier, a recently enlisted recruit, whom Paul armed, whom angels anointed for the struggle, and whom Christ crowned as victor? But rather, since I have come near in my discourse D to the struggles and labors of the martyr, come, let us leave aside common matters and institute a discourse peculiar to the saint; for to each person his own is pleasing and acceptable.
The fatherland, therefore, of this noble and strenuous man is the region that looks toward the sunrise; for he, too, is noble like Job, from the parts of the East, and sharing that fatherland with him, he was not lacking in the imitation of his character and nature. But now he is a martyr common to all the world, a citizen under the sun; and having been taken from there to the ranks of soldiers...
and his winter quarters being ordered here by those in command, he passed into our region. A When war was suddenly stirred up—not by a barbarian incursion, but by a Satanic law and a god-fighting decree (for every Christian was hunted down by the impious document and led to death)—then, indeed, that thrice-blessed man, being well-known for his piety and carrying his faith in Christ everywhere, having all but written his confession upon his forehead, was no longer a recruit in courage, nor inexperienced in war and battle; but noble in soul, he made his endurance strong against dangers, neither yielding, nor trembling, nor putting forward any timid argument.
For when that wicked tribunal sat, and the governor and the chiliarch came together to the same place, just as Herod and Pilate once did, they brought the servant of the Crucified to a judgment similar to that of his Master. B "And tell us," they say, "whence this boldness and audacity is born in you, that you insult the imperial law, and do not submit, trembling, to the commands of the lord, nor worship according to the pleasure of those who hold power?" For those around Maximian were then holding the empire. He, with a firm countenance and an undaunted mind, gave a pointed and sharp response to what was said: "I know no gods (for they do not exist in truth); but you, deceived, honor as gods the false and deceitful demons, calling them by the name of God. But to me, God is Christ, the only-begotten Son of God. Therefore, for the sake of piety and the confession of Him, let him who wounds cut; let him who lashes tear; let him who burns bring the flame; and let him who is offended by these my words remove my tongue; for the body owes patience to its Creator for every single member." C The tyrants were defeated by these words; they could not withstand the first assault of the brave man, seeing the youth exulting towards his passion, and drawing death to himself as if it were some sweet drink.
But as they waited a little while, at a loss and deliberating what was to be done, one of the soldiers in command, who took himself to be clever and urbane, mocking the martyr's answer at the same time, said, "Is there, then, O Theodore, a Son to your God? And does He beget as a man, subject to the passions of the flesh?" "My God," he said, "did not beget according to the passions of the flesh; but I confess a Son, and I say that the birth is one that befits God. But you, O wretched and ignorant man, as far as sense and reason are concerned, do you not blush and hang your head in shame, who even confess a female god, and adore the same as a mother of twelve children—a sort of D highly fertile demon, like hares or sows, easily conceiving and bringing forth?"
When the saint had thus returned a twofold derision to the idolater, the tyrants, putting on the guise of humanity and clemency, said, "Let a little time be granted to the madman for reflection; perhaps, according to
A their own counsel, he may change for the better." For the senseless called sanity madness, and religious devotion they called alienation of mind and frenzy, just as when drunken men reproach sober people with their own affliction. But the pious man and soldier of Christ turned the time granted to him to manful action. What action was this? It is time for you to receive the narrative with joy. There was a temple in the metropolis of Amasea to the one celebrated in myths as the Mother of the Gods, which those who were then in error had built out of vanity somewhere there near the banks of the river. The valiant man, seizing a favorable moment and a propitious breeze during the time of security granted to him, set it on fire and burned it down, giving to the impious and wicked men in deed the answer that they were surely waiting for after their deliberation. B When the matter became quickly known to all (for the fire had been kindled in the middle of the city in a most conspicuous place), he did not conceal his undertaking, nor did he labor to keep it hidden, but was clearly manifest, and indeed exulting greatly in his achievement and rejoicing exceedingly at the tumult of the ungodly, by which they were troubled, grieving for the temple and the idol. Indeed, it was reported to the magistrates that he himself had committed the arson; and again [there was] a trial more fearful than the former, as was to be expected, since so great a source of provocation had occurred. And they ascended the judicial tribunal. Theodore, emboldened, C stood in the midst of the magistrate, possessing courage in the posture of one on trial, and by the speed of his confession forestalling the questioning. Since he was dauntless and yielded to none of the grievous and harsh punishments that were displayed to him with threats, they changed to the opposite course, and speaking in a friendly manner, tried to seduce the righteous man with promises. "Know," they said, "that if you are willing to obey our counsel, we will immediately make you famous from being unknown, and honorable from being inglorious; and we promise you the dignity of the high priesthood." But when he heard the title of the high priesthood, the thrice-blessed one had a long laugh and said: "I judge the priests of the idols to be wretched, and as ministers of a vain deed I pity them; D but I pity and abominate the high priests even more; for among the evil, he who is greater and holds the first rank is more wretched, just as among the unjust, the more unjust; as among murderers, he who exceeds others in cruelty; as among the lascivious, he who is more wanton and shameless. Therefore, put an end from now on to your pernicious promises; for you do not, alas, perceive or understand that you are promising me the head and sum of evils! For to one who has decided to live piously and uprightly, it is better to be a castaway in the house of God than to dwell in the tabernacles of sinners. I even pity those emperors of yours, whose lawless law you unceasingly read, because, having the power of the empire—a sufficient dignity among men—they have arrogated to themselves the title of high priest, and have donned the mourning and dark purple from that source, in imitation of those wretched high priests, bearing about a gloomy garment upon a bright dignity. And there are times when, by approaching a foul altar, they become, instead of emperors,
cooks who slaughter birds and investigate the entrails of wretched beasts; and, like some butchers, they stain their clothing with the gore of blood. B
After these words of the just man, the magistrates no longer displayed even that feigned and assumed kindness, but calling him most impious toward the gods, and furthermore insulting and blasphemous toward the emperors, they first hung him upon a rack prepared for torturing men and tore his flesh. But he, while the executioners were working vigorously, remained steadfast and unyielding, and sang a verse from the Psalter amidst his tortures: "I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall ever be in my mouth." While they were hewing away his flesh, he chanted, as if it were someone else undergoing the punishment. After this, a prison followed, and again a miracle took place in that place concerning the saint; for at night the voice of a multitude singing psalms was heard, and torches appearing, so that in the night-vigil a brightness was seen by those outside, to such a degree that the jailer, troubled by the strange and wonderful sight and sound, rushed into the cell and found no one except the martyr resting and the other prisoners sleeping. But since, as many things were done and attempted against him, he remained hardened in his confession and piety, the condemning sentence was brought against him, and being ordered to be finished by fire, he himself departed on the beautiful and blessed journey to God, but left for us the memorial of his struggle as a lesson, gathering peoples, instructing the Church, driving away and putting to flight demons, bringing down peaceful angels, asking from God the things that are profitable for us, making this place an infirmary for various diseases, a harbor for those tossed by the tempests of afflictions, a rich and abundant treasury for the poor, a peaceful lodging for travelers, a famous place for those who are celebrating a feast. For even though we observe this day in annual festivals, yet the multitude of those arriving in haste never ceases, and the public road leading here preserves the likeness of ants, with some ascending and others yielding to those who are coming.
We, therefore, O blessed one, having attained the annual revolution of the year through the kindness of the Creator, D have gathered for you the feast, the holy assembly of those who love the martyrs, worshiping the common Lord, and having completed the remembrance of your victory in your struggles; but do you, come now to us, wherever you may be, as the overseer of the feast (for we are calling upon you in return as you have called us); and whether you dwell in the high ether, or traverse some heavenly arch, or in choirs
A of angels are standing by the Master, with the powers and authorities, serving as a faithful slave—seek a little respite from these duties, and come to those who honor you, as an invisible friend. Acknowledge and visit the festivals that are being celebrated, so that you may double your thanksgiving toward God, who for one passion and one pious confession has bestowed upon you such great rewards; and may you be gladdened by your blood and the anguish of the fire. For as many peoples as you had then as spectators of your punishment, so many you now have as ministers of your honor. We stand in need of many benefits; intercede and pray for your country before the common King and Lord—for a martyr’s country is also the place of his passion, and his citizens as well are his brothers and kin, who both possess him B and protect and adorn and honor him. We fear afflictions, we expect dangers; the wicked Scythians, who are bringing forth war against us, are not far off. As a soldier, fight on our behalf; as a martyr, use your freedom of speech for your fellow servants. Even though you have transcended this life, you know the feelings and the needs and the necessities of the human condition. Ask for peace, so that these public assemblies may not cease, so that the raging and lawless barbarian may not celebrate his orgies against our temples or altars, so that the profane and impious one may not trample upon what is holy. For we attribute to you the benefit even of the fact that we have been kept safe and sound; but we also ask for the safeguard and security of the time to come. But if there be need of even greater intercession C and prayer, gather the choir of your brother martyrs, and with them all make supplication. May the prayers of many righteous men wash away the sins of the multitudes and of the nations. Remind Peter, arouse Paul, and likewise John the Theologian and the beloved disciple, so that they may be anxious for the Churches which they established, for which they bore chains, for which they endured dangers and deaths. Let not the cult of idols raise its head against us; let not heresies, like thorns, spring up in the vineyard; let not the tares that have sprouted choke the wheat. Let no rock, lacking the fatness of the true dew, stand against us, and rendering the power of the word devoid of the strength of a root; but by the power of your intercession and of those with you, O man D to be admired, and eminent and excellent among the martyrs, may the commonwealth of the Christians be rendered a field of crops—a field which may endure until the end in the rich and fertile soil of the faith in Christ, always bearing the fruit of eternal life, which comes through Christ Jesus our Lord. With whom, to the Father together with the Holy Spirit, be glory, power, and honor, now and always and unto the ages of ages. Amen.