Encomium to the Holy Ten Martyrs of Crete
(Commemorated on December 23rd)
By St. Andrew, Archbishop of Crete
(Commemorated on December 23rd)
By St. Andrew, Archbishop of Crete
To the holy and victorious Ten Martyrs, when, in a time of harsh winter, he returned from a sea voyage and composed this discourse.
1. Did you, perhaps, long for my return, my friends and brethren and children? I sensed that some were praying to see me again on this kathedra and to be with you on this radiant feast day — this day of the Martyrs and of Christ, the great and only and first sovereign of all, who presides over this glorious celebration — and that others were asking and inquiring, saying things like these: "Where is the father? Where is the shepherd? Where is the one who makes our feasts more radiant and who by his presence brightens the commemorations of the Saints, who especially nourishes us with his words by unfolding the Holy Scriptures, and who basically cries out: ‘My children, it is the last hour, and we must draw near to God with understanding, and all the more as we see the Day approaching,’ as the divine trumpet, Paul the God-bearer, proclaims?
Where, then, is the one who explains the divine and sacred writings to us and intensifies the tone of our zeal by his own example? Has he perhaps, having gone far from his homeland, been lost? Or did some longing remind him of his loving care for his flock, and did that longing overcome the hardships of the road and call him back? Or finally, did some divine power bring him back again — indeed, to the Saints, whom he always honors with great care and fervent zeal? And behold, now with greater eagerness than his strength allows, he has taken care and hastened to this spiritual festival. And quite reasonably so, for it happened that he carried with him the sacred reliquary of their venerable relics, which he bears everywhere he goes, since it makes his journeys very easy; having it as a fellow traveler, he proceeds in safety.”
These, I think, were the thoughts of many during my absence, for thus grateful children behave toward a loving father; and this was their longing — to see me with their own eyes bodily present and to hear my voice teaching them. This, then, you now see coming to pass. I myself am among you with the living word, embracing this sacred assembly here, and as a gift from my absence I offer this discourse both to you and to the Martyrs of Christ. Receive it as though it had not come from a distant journey; and whatever offerings the Martyrs would gladly accept from me, receive them with gentleness, so that you may depart joyfully from the feast, adorned with flowers and having gathered from here rich fruits.
2. Today, then, the feast and festival of the Saints has arrived for us, graciously summoning the whole ancestral assembly. Let all the martyr-loving people of Crete be present with me, rejoicing spiritually with the Ten Martyrs and offering this feast as a prelude to the Nativity of Christ — as precious gifts presented to Christ who is born, superior in content to those of the Magi, since those were material, whereas these are spiritual and worthy of the greatness of Jesus.
Let these gifts be manifest: right faith, active hope in the promised goods that await the worthy, and again love — loud-voiced and fiery — of genuine intimacy with God and of ascent, to which gold and myrrh and frankincense contribute nothing for those who perceive such things by the senses. Do you see with what gifts the birthday festival of the Master is adorned? Do you see to what great height the praise of the Martyrs has lifted us? Therefore, did you not receive warmly what was said, and did you not feel very great gratitude toward the Athletes, who by their festival prepared us for the Nativity of Christ, as though by their all-radiant presence they opened the portals of the royal feast?
Let today’s festival, then, take precedence among the other martyr feasts, since it serves as a prelude to the Lord’s Theophany — not according to the chronological order of events, but according to the month of the ecclesiastical year, in which we celebrate the fame of the Martyrs before the Nativity of Christ.
3. But it is time to repay our debt to the Martyrs and to show clearly by word who they were, from where each came, what calling he received, from what part of the region he originated, and how they were gathered in the same place. Whoever wishes may take into his hands the writings composed about them and learn in detail from them their names and lives, their rank and homeland and lineage, and all that displays the noble origin of these men, for which they were held in honor and possessed firm and unshakable faith.
I do not think it necessary to add to their praises, since this discourse was not composed to recount their life in detail. Two writings are known, which exist and set forth the particulars more fully. Therefore, what is fitting to be said now — this will be said.
4. These Martyrs had an earthly homeland, Crete, but they did not all, one might say, come from the same place. They came from different cities, yet all were enrolled as citizens of one homeland — the heavenly city — since that was their true country. They were Ten, yet in truth they were One and formed the perfect number: a holy band, a sacred company, sanctified men, living the same life, bearing upon themselves the beauty of virtue; equal in worth, of the same zeal in purpose, of the same courage and stance before tyrants; armed with the panoply of faith, having nothing worldly upon them; men who offered everything to God — themselves, their bodies, and all that leads to the heavenly state.
They alone at that time, they alone in all their land, were trained in the labors of virtue, and all spoke of them, for they were steadfast and stronger than diamond, having the senses of their soul exercised in every kind of virtue so as to discern good from evil. And why should one wonder if, when they willingly set out for the contest, they had already beforehand combated the passions of the flesh and had arrayed themselves against the demons who secretly plotted our harm? They proved superior to them and overcame them in the hard-fought battle that had previously tyrannized natural law.
Thus the soldiers of piety were prepared for the great Christian contest. Thus they trained and armed themselves against the invisible spirits, entering with youthful ardor into an athletic contest of wrestling — I mean the struggle against the ruler of the air of this darkness; for, as the divine Apostle says, “their struggle was not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Having been trained beforehand under the wisdom of God — the teacher of all — in the perfection according to virtue, they were ready also for this contest.
5. While, then, they were living in this manner and were filled with zeal for the struggles of virtue, the hour of combat also arrived for them — the hour that summoned them, just like athletes, into the arena of virtue. Immediately, therefore, these unconquered ones, once they had armed themselves like seasoned warriors with the weapons of their campaign and had shaken off inner fear, rushed courageously against the enemy ranks. And as though facing some quarry, they encouraged one another, saying: “Let us enter the contest; let us advance without retreat to death for Christ, so that we may live together with Christ and reign together with Him and enjoy His rewards when we reign with Him.”
Thus the torch of eagerness was kindled within them; thus, even before the struggle, they prepared themselves for the struggle and advanced with a valiant spirit toward this contest of endurance. When, then, the impious and godless decree was proclaimed by the one who at that time exercised authority in the Roman Empire — namely, that all who bore the great name of Christian were to be arrested wherever they might be found and led to the tribunals of the persecutors — and thereafter, first of all, each of those brought forward was to be enticed with persuasion, flattery, and deceptive words; some were to be lured by promises of various things, others by large sums of money, others by offices and honors (for these are the impious devices devised to deceive the more simple-minded); and those who refused to comply with the imperial command were to be terrorized with threats and, without any pity, subjected to relentless tortures, even if they happened to hold any position of prominence.
While, therefore, darkness had spread everywhere and a nocturnal storm raged, and for the Christians matters stood on a razor’s edge, so that they dreamed of nothing but death, then these noble-minded men appeared from their homelands like radiant stars coming from another firmament. Calling themselves Christians and openly despising the hateful defilements of idolatrous madness, they said:
“Men, what great delusion has been poured out around you? Why has the flame of impiety been raised so high and is consuming the land of Crete? Why do you follow the darkness and flee from the light? Why do you ignore the true God and worship gods that do not exist? Why do you despise the Creator and deify the creature? Do you not see the heavens and their beauty, the earth and the sea, and even the air itself — how perfectly they have been fashioned? Who arranged this harmonious universe? What master craftsman fashioned it so magnificently? Do you perhaps worship as gods the demons whose idols you have set up?
Learn, then, at last — even if late — the truth, and abandon falsehood. The true God is He who created all things. He is the living and active God, who guides all things and holds everything together. Him we worship, and we require that you too worship Him. It is He who, on account of man — who, in the person of Adam, transgressed the commandment of God — sent His Only-begotten Son to call back the human race to salvation, having clothed Himself with the entire nature of the one who had fallen, except for sin alone, in order to save it entirely. His Son, who, because of His boundless love for mankind, willingly endured the shameful death for all, so that by His own sufferings He might abolish our sufferings, and by His death put death to death."
6. Such, then, were the words which, during their brief appearance, the Athletes of piety addressed to the people who happened to be present. But the crowd, being disobedient and clinging with even greater passion to idolatrous superstition, stopped up its ears. A great commotion and turmoil filled everything, and an inexplicable uproar arose among the people, as though enemies had attacked the city. All of them strove for one thing only: how to overthrow the tower of faith that the Martyrs had so firmly built. But the soldiers of Christ neither abandoned anything of their faith because of that insolence, nor did they grow fainthearted so as to lose their courage — far be the blasphemy! They remained steadfast as they were.
The idolaters, however, as if about to seize spoils, rushed upon the memorable Athletes and, having surrounded them, paraded them through the whole city, shouting, singing, making a commotion, throwing dirt and stones at them — and there was nothing among the things that cause grief which they did not do, as is to be expected of such people. For this world, which is an unrestrained mob, loves the impulse to attack the godly, just as rabid men delight in attacking those like themselves. Thus the first contest of the Saints came to an end. Immediately it was followed by prison, iron chains upon their whole bodies, daily humiliations and public parades, repeated arraignments, and the command of the governor, who ordered that the Saints be tortured — and, in a word, that everyone be permitted to do against them whatever he wished.
7. These things went on for many days. On the appointed day, however, when the prisoners were to be brought forward, and while everything had been prepared, the proconsul of the region ascended the tribunal and ordered that the Saints be brought to trial for the accusations against them. When the Martyrs of Christ were led into the center and stood before the judge’s seat — Platimaeus being the leader of that most impious and inflamed assembly — they were neither astonished by the multitude of officials nor did they yield to the threats.
Addressing them, he assumed a somewhat milder expression and said: “Why do you not obey the commands of the emperor? Out of respect for him and fear, you must sacrifice to the gods whom we honor. Do you not wish to sacrifice, although you are men who have attained such a great height of virtue and who have long been known for your good conduct, men who more than others have been practically taught to honor the gods? Be persuaded, then, by what I am about to say. I therefore advise you, men, to obey the royal decree and to sacrifice with us and to offer libations to the gods whom we both know and honor. Then you will afterwards enjoy our care, by which we shall provide you with everything, as well as the royal promises, which those gladly enjoy who choose to honor the gods and despise the religion of the Christians, since it can offer nothing to those who follow it except death and punitive tortures.”
The Martyrs replied: “And what great thing does not the great and venerable name of Christ bestow upon us? And which of the things that you consider glorious and profitable does not prove contemptible in the eyes of the servants of God? We shall not submit either to those things which you courteously promised us a short while ago and which know how to flatter the senses, nor shall we subject our manly resolve to your threats. We are not so easily swayed or fickle of mind as to be enticed by the earthly and wretched things we see and to betray the principle of our salvation. You do not promise us as many good things as you deprive us of. It is futile to try to turn our minds to transient things and to make us despise those that are to come. The former have enjoyment that is temporary, whereas the latter have enjoyment that is eternal and never comes to an end. And if these words of ours seem to you foolishness, and your idolatrous zeal has made you angry, then try to learn in practice the power of what we say to you.”
8. Such were the things they said. When the judge heard this, he immediately changed his expression and the previous hypocritical attitude he had shown toward the Saints, revealing his true inner disposition; for it is not possible for the beast to remain concealed to the end beneath the mask of pretended kindness that restrains his abrupt character. Seized by fury, he at once rose from his seat and ordered that every kind of instrument of torture be brought before the eyes of the Saints, thinking that in this way he would terrify those who were armed like towers with the panoply of fragile piety and faith in God.
In no other way had the impious been accustomed to attack the godly, unable — or rather unwilling, to speak more precisely, those most wretched men — to see clearly with the eye of the soul that they had no power to subdue those who were armed with the irresistible power of Christ; nor, indeed, does Christ will that those who have once and for all become His own should be vulnerable, those who in a certain way bear upon themselves, as an image, His Cross, by which, having been voluntarily crucified, He put to flight all opposing powers.
One may rightly marvel at the courageous and unconquerable spirit they showed in the face of the threats of the tyrannical judge’s instruments. Every kind of instrument of torture had been set before them — things whose mere sight was enough to terrify those who were led into the arena. And the discourse, as it proceeds, will show these things, as well as how great was the endurance of the Saints in the torments they suffered, and how unshakable their steadfastness in the interrogations.
Before them one could see the dreadful implements of merciless malice with which the leader of wickedness, the enemy devil, had armed the persecutors of the Saints. These included scrapers that tore the flesh, iron cutters and knives, spits and sharp tools, pans, devices for wrenching joints, catapults, great and small wheels, curved rods and racks, pits and clubs, iron beds and footwear with iron nails, fire, asphalt, pitch, sulfur, and burning tow. I omit mention of the most savage terrors of the beasts — lions together with bears and leopards — none of which was lacking in the hands of the executioners, who delivered the bodies of the Athletes to be devoured, and, in general, of all the instruments that terrify mankind.
Yet none of these things frightened or caused those brave and magnanimous men — true champions of the contest for Christ — to lose heart. Their resolve was strong and courageous and utterly fearless, and they regarded all these things as mere bogeymen for little children. They considered the threats of the impious as “the arrows of infants,” as David says, even weaker and more fragile than the fine threads of a spider’s web. And why should the brave and magnanimous not regard all these things and the like with youthful courage in this way — men who were neither astonished by anything set before them nor yielded to the threats of the torturers?
Nor even when they saw them grim and employing the most dreadful instruments of punishment did their firm resolve bend; rather, just like unbreakable and most solid sea breakwaters, they repelled the waves of the torments, caring for one thing alone: to preserve their souls like ships within the harbors of heavenly glory, losing none of the cargo they carried, and at the same time to reach, by rowing, the haven of the divine will and to rest there eternally. For what else did these magnanimous men look toward if not that recompense? They knew well what they had been taught by the word of Paul, who says that “the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”
This, then, was their contest: to attain the prize of the heavenly calling, which patience in afflictions and contempt for transient things alone knows how to bestow, even if those things are pleasant and alluring to the senses. When, therefore, according to the command, each of the instruments of punishment was set before them, that bitter tyrant said to them: “What do you say? Which one of you has such great courage? How did the boldness and arrogance of your words lead you to despise the imperial decrees and not to turn your minds to the honors enjoyed by those who obey them, and how did you disregard the wrathful punishment prepared for the disobedient? But if you wish to escape the inevitable penalty and avert the sentence that the court will impose upon you, come gladly with us to the sacred altars of the gods, offer sacrifice, and show prudent piety toward them.”
The brave men answered him: “But the images you venerate are not gods, even if they were capable of perceiving the sacrifices offered to them. And how could they perceive anything, when yesterday they were rotten wood fit for kindling a fire, even if on their outer surface they have the form of statues and are proclaimed by you to be gods? These do not even perceive as animals do, for they are lifeless; and therefore what reverence could be offered to them? Animals possess a certain innate vital power, even breath and bodily movement and sense organs, whereas in these there is absolutely no innate movement. How could they move, when there is nothing that sets them in motion? Everything that moves is moved by some force, but in these there is clearly no natural movement nor any sensation.
Plants have not been deprived of their natural growth, and each of them develops and withers: it sprouts and grows, and in time increases and bears fruit ripe for food, most sweet and pleasant not only to the sight but also to the smell; yet it has neither hearing nor voice, as some insects do. And this is quite natural. In idols, honor and insult are the same thing, and they perceive nothing — neither pleasure nor pain; they do not feel the fire that melts them, nor the iron that covers them, whether they are made of stone or wood. How, then, do you tell us to offer sacrifice to things that can see absolutely nothing of what is offered to them — nor, indeed, can they receive anything at all?”
9. The tyrant was enraged by these things and, after fixing the Saints with a grim and terrifying stare, hardening not only his face but also his voice, he then cried out loudly and ordered that the Martyrs be stripped. The order was carried out before it was even fully heard — for nothing could hinder him from doing these things — and immediately the Saints, steadfast in their faith, stood before the tribunal without their garments and, together with them, without any earthly-mindedness. It could not have been otherwise, since they, who had prepared themselves for the martyr’s contests against such arrogance of the harsh persecutor, hastened to set their own strength against his.
Because they were being pushed to touch the sacrifices and libations and the blood that lay upon the altars and to take part in those acts of worship, these sacred Men very easily and fittingly rebuked the proconsul and despised him. They said to him: “You will not persuade us to yield of our own will to your commands, for the idols you venerate are not gods, but stones and bronze and wood. We will use the same arguments again. Are these not the works of peasants and carpenters and stonecutters, inventions of human skill, by which those who foolishly fashioned them and those who placed their trust in them likened even their gods and their demons?”
These words further provoked the persecutor, who grew even more furious and, at once revealing how much savagery he carried in his soul, ordered the executioners to torture them cruelly: one, after being bound to a stake, to be flayed with iron claws; another, after being tied with ropes, to be mercilessly scourged, while fire beneath scorched his entrails; and another in yet another manner. By devising these tortures they sought to force the denial of the Martyrs; but, to put it simply, this impious brutality only strengthened their Christian resolve.
Thus one could see on that day the land seized by darkness and confusion, the sky clouding over and the city growing dim, when the illustrious Ten Men were led to trial, their faith enviable and their end glorious. The most steadfast Martyrs of Christ, confronting their sufferings, neither diminished their zeal nor did their spirit slacken because of the torments; rather, like living adamant, armed with invincible divine power, they regarded the previous tortures as nothing, while the future ones they counted as gifts from the King.
And what did they not say, and what did they not endure — such things as it is natural for Athletes to say and to suffer? One would say, “The fire is cold to me,” because of its alteration; another would say that the nails were sweet even as they wounded another’s body; a third would say, “What if I become food for beasts and their belly becomes my tomb? After a little while, even if now I am not buried in the earth and my body is not destroyed in a grave, will I not become food for worms?” And while one said this and another that and another something else, and since each expected the worst for himself, they had no need of any medicine of consolation to spare them suffering. As a result, the tyrant was astonished and marveled at the Athletes’ great endurance, ceased his rage, and did not know what to do, since the impious man had omitted none of the torments in his effort to torture the Martyrs.
After considering the matter, he decided that they should be put to death by the sword — not because any form of torture remained unused, but because none of those they had tried had crushed them. Therefore he abandoned them as well, since he had nothing new with which to punish the invincible Martyrs.
When they arrived at the place of execution and awaited the crown of martyrdom that was being woven for them by the sword, it is impossible for anyone by any words to describe the joyfulness of the Athletes. As though they were all being called together to great rewards, one would hasten before the other and bow his head to the sword, and all of them with one voice chanted that hymn and that blessed ode:
“Let our sacrifice, therefore, O Lord, be acceptable before You today, and let us be received as a whole burnt offering of rams and bulls and as tens of thousands of fat lambs. Smell the fragrance of the aroma of this our sacrifice, and let our souls ascend acceptably to Your altar — souls with which we have contended, and as Your victims we have offered our bodies. Let the blood of Your servants, O Lord, become a purification of our homeland, and the slaughter of us Ten a ransom for those who believe in You. By the flowing of our blood, let the blood of Christians cease to flow, and let the hands of the barbarians be paralyzed, so that they may not draw near with the sword to slaughter the upright in heart; but ‘let their sword enter their own heart, and let their bows be broken.’ We thank You, O Lord, because You have deemed us worthy to reach this hour. So let our sacrifice be before You today, for ‘there is no shame for those who trust in You.’ Our souls have greatly desired Your salvation, O Lord. You have made known to us the ways of life and have ‘held us by Your right hand,’ and death for Your sake we do not consider death, but ‘a cup of salvation.’”
These things and others like them each of the Martyrs prayed, and willingly they bowed their necks to the slaughter. Therefore their death was honored “before the Lord,” according to the psalmist David, and this was for them the end of their contest: to be numbered together with Christ and the angelic host, and to dwell and rejoice together with all the saints, with Peter and Paul and all who followed their way of life.
Thus, when the course was finished, they rested in what they truly loved, awaiting that reward according to which the crowns of righteousness are woven, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give both to them and to all who have loved His appearing on the earth.
10. These are the living harbors of the land of Crete. These have become towers of our homeland, founded by God — sure guardians, defenders of those who flee to them, helpers of those who pray, aids to those in need, banishers of the passions, protectors against diseases, comforters of the sick, guides of the wandering, leaders of those who return, correctors of those who sin, supporters of those who succeed, adversaries of enemies, fighters against barbarians, the safety of the faithful, the glory of cities, the joy of peoples — because “when the righteous are praised, the people rejoice.”
Their struggles were marveled at by those who became instigators of the persecution in the time of Decius, who heard of their endurance — or rather, who marveled at the steadfastness and firmness that the Saints displayed in their contest amid the tortures. Their holy and venerable relics, just like a paternal inheritance, Crete received as a legacy and truly gained for herself inviolate treasures: healings from every kind of affliction, which richly gush forth from them daily. And although these healings are constantly drawn by all, they remain eternally inexhaustible.
Rightly, therefore, our metropolis takes pride in the greatness of this good inheritance. She boasts in it more than earthly people do in the offerings of the marketplace. From them she is adorned, and from this great possession she proclaims her boast and rejoices with such and so great a joy, since she received from God as a gift such glory — by which she is not only the most renowned among many metropolises, but also the most secure and unconquered by all external enemies together who make incursions against her, a protection and a safeguard.
For these Martyrs the descendants of the Cretans rejoice together as well. With them let us too celebrate today; rather, let us celebrate their contest, and chanting athletic hymns, let us rejoice patriotically. Let us imitate them. To them let us entrust our lives. Let us praise them. Let us say to the Athletes of Christ, let us say:
“You are the light of the world. You are the salt of the earth. You are the lambs of the heavenly fold. You are the lamps that reflect the light of the First Light. You support the homeland; you care for the land that gave you birth. If we are healthy, from you we received this. If we rejoice, it is the fruit of your prayers. If something unexpected befalls us, by your help we most easily ward off the damage. And which of the good things have we not received from you? Which of the sorrowful things has threatened us and has not been clearly driven away by your help? The great boast of your contest has led the land that bore and nourished you to this height of glory, for through you it has become famous and renowned throughout the whole earth.
But why should I speak of moderate things? Thanks to you kings raise trophies; thanks to you generals and commanders become braver and nobly defeat their opponents and bring abundant spoils to the imperial realm. Thanks to you the weapons of the barbarians are captured, and in naval battles the ships of the descendants of Hagar are sunk in the sea and float upon the deep like planks.
11. But even now, may you stand more fervently among us, and in our place lift your voice on high and more powerfully beseech the Most High to stop the war that is secretly and openly being prepared against us, and to put to flight those who boast that they will subdue us, and quickly to shatter their proud arm.
And, O holy and all-blessed Ten, O phalanx that has in your midst as commander the prize-giver Christ, O triple triad completed by a single unity — this great and constant help, for our sake, ask from Christ the Crown-Giver; for our sake, intercede with Him who has the power to guard us and to save us from death. We consider nothing better than what we ask, especially now, when with greater frenzy against Christ the disgraceful offspring of Hagar have raged and continue to rage.
May the Lord resist them; may He destroy them; may He quickly reap them utterly with the cross-bearing spear of the co-emperors and kings, whose heads the Lord Himself crowned and adorned with royal glory and honors. May He who anointed them kings grant them, through our supplications, authority over all the earth and the sea, so that, living a calm and peaceful life in all piety and dignity to the end, we may be deemed worthy to be with Christ Himself, God and Savior of our souls — to whom, and through whom, and in whom be glory, honor, power, and majesty, to the all-kingly and unoriginate Father and to His holy, good, and life-giving Spirit."
Source: Translated by John Sanidopoulos.
1. Did you, perhaps, long for my return, my friends and brethren and children? I sensed that some were praying to see me again on this kathedra and to be with you on this radiant feast day — this day of the Martyrs and of Christ, the great and only and first sovereign of all, who presides over this glorious celebration — and that others were asking and inquiring, saying things like these: "Where is the father? Where is the shepherd? Where is the one who makes our feasts more radiant and who by his presence brightens the commemorations of the Saints, who especially nourishes us with his words by unfolding the Holy Scriptures, and who basically cries out: ‘My children, it is the last hour, and we must draw near to God with understanding, and all the more as we see the Day approaching,’ as the divine trumpet, Paul the God-bearer, proclaims?
Where, then, is the one who explains the divine and sacred writings to us and intensifies the tone of our zeal by his own example? Has he perhaps, having gone far from his homeland, been lost? Or did some longing remind him of his loving care for his flock, and did that longing overcome the hardships of the road and call him back? Or finally, did some divine power bring him back again — indeed, to the Saints, whom he always honors with great care and fervent zeal? And behold, now with greater eagerness than his strength allows, he has taken care and hastened to this spiritual festival. And quite reasonably so, for it happened that he carried with him the sacred reliquary of their venerable relics, which he bears everywhere he goes, since it makes his journeys very easy; having it as a fellow traveler, he proceeds in safety.”
These, I think, were the thoughts of many during my absence, for thus grateful children behave toward a loving father; and this was their longing — to see me with their own eyes bodily present and to hear my voice teaching them. This, then, you now see coming to pass. I myself am among you with the living word, embracing this sacred assembly here, and as a gift from my absence I offer this discourse both to you and to the Martyrs of Christ. Receive it as though it had not come from a distant journey; and whatever offerings the Martyrs would gladly accept from me, receive them with gentleness, so that you may depart joyfully from the feast, adorned with flowers and having gathered from here rich fruits.
2. Today, then, the feast and festival of the Saints has arrived for us, graciously summoning the whole ancestral assembly. Let all the martyr-loving people of Crete be present with me, rejoicing spiritually with the Ten Martyrs and offering this feast as a prelude to the Nativity of Christ — as precious gifts presented to Christ who is born, superior in content to those of the Magi, since those were material, whereas these are spiritual and worthy of the greatness of Jesus.
Let these gifts be manifest: right faith, active hope in the promised goods that await the worthy, and again love — loud-voiced and fiery — of genuine intimacy with God and of ascent, to which gold and myrrh and frankincense contribute nothing for those who perceive such things by the senses. Do you see with what gifts the birthday festival of the Master is adorned? Do you see to what great height the praise of the Martyrs has lifted us? Therefore, did you not receive warmly what was said, and did you not feel very great gratitude toward the Athletes, who by their festival prepared us for the Nativity of Christ, as though by their all-radiant presence they opened the portals of the royal feast?
Let today’s festival, then, take precedence among the other martyr feasts, since it serves as a prelude to the Lord’s Theophany — not according to the chronological order of events, but according to the month of the ecclesiastical year, in which we celebrate the fame of the Martyrs before the Nativity of Christ.
3. But it is time to repay our debt to the Martyrs and to show clearly by word who they were, from where each came, what calling he received, from what part of the region he originated, and how they were gathered in the same place. Whoever wishes may take into his hands the writings composed about them and learn in detail from them their names and lives, their rank and homeland and lineage, and all that displays the noble origin of these men, for which they were held in honor and possessed firm and unshakable faith.
I do not think it necessary to add to their praises, since this discourse was not composed to recount their life in detail. Two writings are known, which exist and set forth the particulars more fully. Therefore, what is fitting to be said now — this will be said.
4. These Martyrs had an earthly homeland, Crete, but they did not all, one might say, come from the same place. They came from different cities, yet all were enrolled as citizens of one homeland — the heavenly city — since that was their true country. They were Ten, yet in truth they were One and formed the perfect number: a holy band, a sacred company, sanctified men, living the same life, bearing upon themselves the beauty of virtue; equal in worth, of the same zeal in purpose, of the same courage and stance before tyrants; armed with the panoply of faith, having nothing worldly upon them; men who offered everything to God — themselves, their bodies, and all that leads to the heavenly state.
They alone at that time, they alone in all their land, were trained in the labors of virtue, and all spoke of them, for they were steadfast and stronger than diamond, having the senses of their soul exercised in every kind of virtue so as to discern good from evil. And why should one wonder if, when they willingly set out for the contest, they had already beforehand combated the passions of the flesh and had arrayed themselves against the demons who secretly plotted our harm? They proved superior to them and overcame them in the hard-fought battle that had previously tyrannized natural law.
Thus the soldiers of piety were prepared for the great Christian contest. Thus they trained and armed themselves against the invisible spirits, entering with youthful ardor into an athletic contest of wrestling — I mean the struggle against the ruler of the air of this darkness; for, as the divine Apostle says, “their struggle was not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Having been trained beforehand under the wisdom of God — the teacher of all — in the perfection according to virtue, they were ready also for this contest.
5. While, then, they were living in this manner and were filled with zeal for the struggles of virtue, the hour of combat also arrived for them — the hour that summoned them, just like athletes, into the arena of virtue. Immediately, therefore, these unconquered ones, once they had armed themselves like seasoned warriors with the weapons of their campaign and had shaken off inner fear, rushed courageously against the enemy ranks. And as though facing some quarry, they encouraged one another, saying: “Let us enter the contest; let us advance without retreat to death for Christ, so that we may live together with Christ and reign together with Him and enjoy His rewards when we reign with Him.”
Thus the torch of eagerness was kindled within them; thus, even before the struggle, they prepared themselves for the struggle and advanced with a valiant spirit toward this contest of endurance. When, then, the impious and godless decree was proclaimed by the one who at that time exercised authority in the Roman Empire — namely, that all who bore the great name of Christian were to be arrested wherever they might be found and led to the tribunals of the persecutors — and thereafter, first of all, each of those brought forward was to be enticed with persuasion, flattery, and deceptive words; some were to be lured by promises of various things, others by large sums of money, others by offices and honors (for these are the impious devices devised to deceive the more simple-minded); and those who refused to comply with the imperial command were to be terrorized with threats and, without any pity, subjected to relentless tortures, even if they happened to hold any position of prominence.
While, therefore, darkness had spread everywhere and a nocturnal storm raged, and for the Christians matters stood on a razor’s edge, so that they dreamed of nothing but death, then these noble-minded men appeared from their homelands like radiant stars coming from another firmament. Calling themselves Christians and openly despising the hateful defilements of idolatrous madness, they said:
“Men, what great delusion has been poured out around you? Why has the flame of impiety been raised so high and is consuming the land of Crete? Why do you follow the darkness and flee from the light? Why do you ignore the true God and worship gods that do not exist? Why do you despise the Creator and deify the creature? Do you not see the heavens and their beauty, the earth and the sea, and even the air itself — how perfectly they have been fashioned? Who arranged this harmonious universe? What master craftsman fashioned it so magnificently? Do you perhaps worship as gods the demons whose idols you have set up?
Learn, then, at last — even if late — the truth, and abandon falsehood. The true God is He who created all things. He is the living and active God, who guides all things and holds everything together. Him we worship, and we require that you too worship Him. It is He who, on account of man — who, in the person of Adam, transgressed the commandment of God — sent His Only-begotten Son to call back the human race to salvation, having clothed Himself with the entire nature of the one who had fallen, except for sin alone, in order to save it entirely. His Son, who, because of His boundless love for mankind, willingly endured the shameful death for all, so that by His own sufferings He might abolish our sufferings, and by His death put death to death."
6. Such, then, were the words which, during their brief appearance, the Athletes of piety addressed to the people who happened to be present. But the crowd, being disobedient and clinging with even greater passion to idolatrous superstition, stopped up its ears. A great commotion and turmoil filled everything, and an inexplicable uproar arose among the people, as though enemies had attacked the city. All of them strove for one thing only: how to overthrow the tower of faith that the Martyrs had so firmly built. But the soldiers of Christ neither abandoned anything of their faith because of that insolence, nor did they grow fainthearted so as to lose their courage — far be the blasphemy! They remained steadfast as they were.
The idolaters, however, as if about to seize spoils, rushed upon the memorable Athletes and, having surrounded them, paraded them through the whole city, shouting, singing, making a commotion, throwing dirt and stones at them — and there was nothing among the things that cause grief which they did not do, as is to be expected of such people. For this world, which is an unrestrained mob, loves the impulse to attack the godly, just as rabid men delight in attacking those like themselves. Thus the first contest of the Saints came to an end. Immediately it was followed by prison, iron chains upon their whole bodies, daily humiliations and public parades, repeated arraignments, and the command of the governor, who ordered that the Saints be tortured — and, in a word, that everyone be permitted to do against them whatever he wished.
7. These things went on for many days. On the appointed day, however, when the prisoners were to be brought forward, and while everything had been prepared, the proconsul of the region ascended the tribunal and ordered that the Saints be brought to trial for the accusations against them. When the Martyrs of Christ were led into the center and stood before the judge’s seat — Platimaeus being the leader of that most impious and inflamed assembly — they were neither astonished by the multitude of officials nor did they yield to the threats.
Addressing them, he assumed a somewhat milder expression and said: “Why do you not obey the commands of the emperor? Out of respect for him and fear, you must sacrifice to the gods whom we honor. Do you not wish to sacrifice, although you are men who have attained such a great height of virtue and who have long been known for your good conduct, men who more than others have been practically taught to honor the gods? Be persuaded, then, by what I am about to say. I therefore advise you, men, to obey the royal decree and to sacrifice with us and to offer libations to the gods whom we both know and honor. Then you will afterwards enjoy our care, by which we shall provide you with everything, as well as the royal promises, which those gladly enjoy who choose to honor the gods and despise the religion of the Christians, since it can offer nothing to those who follow it except death and punitive tortures.”
The Martyrs replied: “And what great thing does not the great and venerable name of Christ bestow upon us? And which of the things that you consider glorious and profitable does not prove contemptible in the eyes of the servants of God? We shall not submit either to those things which you courteously promised us a short while ago and which know how to flatter the senses, nor shall we subject our manly resolve to your threats. We are not so easily swayed or fickle of mind as to be enticed by the earthly and wretched things we see and to betray the principle of our salvation. You do not promise us as many good things as you deprive us of. It is futile to try to turn our minds to transient things and to make us despise those that are to come. The former have enjoyment that is temporary, whereas the latter have enjoyment that is eternal and never comes to an end. And if these words of ours seem to you foolishness, and your idolatrous zeal has made you angry, then try to learn in practice the power of what we say to you.”
8. Such were the things they said. When the judge heard this, he immediately changed his expression and the previous hypocritical attitude he had shown toward the Saints, revealing his true inner disposition; for it is not possible for the beast to remain concealed to the end beneath the mask of pretended kindness that restrains his abrupt character. Seized by fury, he at once rose from his seat and ordered that every kind of instrument of torture be brought before the eyes of the Saints, thinking that in this way he would terrify those who were armed like towers with the panoply of fragile piety and faith in God.
In no other way had the impious been accustomed to attack the godly, unable — or rather unwilling, to speak more precisely, those most wretched men — to see clearly with the eye of the soul that they had no power to subdue those who were armed with the irresistible power of Christ; nor, indeed, does Christ will that those who have once and for all become His own should be vulnerable, those who in a certain way bear upon themselves, as an image, His Cross, by which, having been voluntarily crucified, He put to flight all opposing powers.
One may rightly marvel at the courageous and unconquerable spirit they showed in the face of the threats of the tyrannical judge’s instruments. Every kind of instrument of torture had been set before them — things whose mere sight was enough to terrify those who were led into the arena. And the discourse, as it proceeds, will show these things, as well as how great was the endurance of the Saints in the torments they suffered, and how unshakable their steadfastness in the interrogations.
Before them one could see the dreadful implements of merciless malice with which the leader of wickedness, the enemy devil, had armed the persecutors of the Saints. These included scrapers that tore the flesh, iron cutters and knives, spits and sharp tools, pans, devices for wrenching joints, catapults, great and small wheels, curved rods and racks, pits and clubs, iron beds and footwear with iron nails, fire, asphalt, pitch, sulfur, and burning tow. I omit mention of the most savage terrors of the beasts — lions together with bears and leopards — none of which was lacking in the hands of the executioners, who delivered the bodies of the Athletes to be devoured, and, in general, of all the instruments that terrify mankind.
Yet none of these things frightened or caused those brave and magnanimous men — true champions of the contest for Christ — to lose heart. Their resolve was strong and courageous and utterly fearless, and they regarded all these things as mere bogeymen for little children. They considered the threats of the impious as “the arrows of infants,” as David says, even weaker and more fragile than the fine threads of a spider’s web. And why should the brave and magnanimous not regard all these things and the like with youthful courage in this way — men who were neither astonished by anything set before them nor yielded to the threats of the torturers?
Nor even when they saw them grim and employing the most dreadful instruments of punishment did their firm resolve bend; rather, just like unbreakable and most solid sea breakwaters, they repelled the waves of the torments, caring for one thing alone: to preserve their souls like ships within the harbors of heavenly glory, losing none of the cargo they carried, and at the same time to reach, by rowing, the haven of the divine will and to rest there eternally. For what else did these magnanimous men look toward if not that recompense? They knew well what they had been taught by the word of Paul, who says that “the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”
This, then, was their contest: to attain the prize of the heavenly calling, which patience in afflictions and contempt for transient things alone knows how to bestow, even if those things are pleasant and alluring to the senses. When, therefore, according to the command, each of the instruments of punishment was set before them, that bitter tyrant said to them: “What do you say? Which one of you has such great courage? How did the boldness and arrogance of your words lead you to despise the imperial decrees and not to turn your minds to the honors enjoyed by those who obey them, and how did you disregard the wrathful punishment prepared for the disobedient? But if you wish to escape the inevitable penalty and avert the sentence that the court will impose upon you, come gladly with us to the sacred altars of the gods, offer sacrifice, and show prudent piety toward them.”
The brave men answered him: “But the images you venerate are not gods, even if they were capable of perceiving the sacrifices offered to them. And how could they perceive anything, when yesterday they were rotten wood fit for kindling a fire, even if on their outer surface they have the form of statues and are proclaimed by you to be gods? These do not even perceive as animals do, for they are lifeless; and therefore what reverence could be offered to them? Animals possess a certain innate vital power, even breath and bodily movement and sense organs, whereas in these there is absolutely no innate movement. How could they move, when there is nothing that sets them in motion? Everything that moves is moved by some force, but in these there is clearly no natural movement nor any sensation.
Plants have not been deprived of their natural growth, and each of them develops and withers: it sprouts and grows, and in time increases and bears fruit ripe for food, most sweet and pleasant not only to the sight but also to the smell; yet it has neither hearing nor voice, as some insects do. And this is quite natural. In idols, honor and insult are the same thing, and they perceive nothing — neither pleasure nor pain; they do not feel the fire that melts them, nor the iron that covers them, whether they are made of stone or wood. How, then, do you tell us to offer sacrifice to things that can see absolutely nothing of what is offered to them — nor, indeed, can they receive anything at all?”
9. The tyrant was enraged by these things and, after fixing the Saints with a grim and terrifying stare, hardening not only his face but also his voice, he then cried out loudly and ordered that the Martyrs be stripped. The order was carried out before it was even fully heard — for nothing could hinder him from doing these things — and immediately the Saints, steadfast in their faith, stood before the tribunal without their garments and, together with them, without any earthly-mindedness. It could not have been otherwise, since they, who had prepared themselves for the martyr’s contests against such arrogance of the harsh persecutor, hastened to set their own strength against his.
Because they were being pushed to touch the sacrifices and libations and the blood that lay upon the altars and to take part in those acts of worship, these sacred Men very easily and fittingly rebuked the proconsul and despised him. They said to him: “You will not persuade us to yield of our own will to your commands, for the idols you venerate are not gods, but stones and bronze and wood. We will use the same arguments again. Are these not the works of peasants and carpenters and stonecutters, inventions of human skill, by which those who foolishly fashioned them and those who placed their trust in them likened even their gods and their demons?”
These words further provoked the persecutor, who grew even more furious and, at once revealing how much savagery he carried in his soul, ordered the executioners to torture them cruelly: one, after being bound to a stake, to be flayed with iron claws; another, after being tied with ropes, to be mercilessly scourged, while fire beneath scorched his entrails; and another in yet another manner. By devising these tortures they sought to force the denial of the Martyrs; but, to put it simply, this impious brutality only strengthened their Christian resolve.
Thus one could see on that day the land seized by darkness and confusion, the sky clouding over and the city growing dim, when the illustrious Ten Men were led to trial, their faith enviable and their end glorious. The most steadfast Martyrs of Christ, confronting their sufferings, neither diminished their zeal nor did their spirit slacken because of the torments; rather, like living adamant, armed with invincible divine power, they regarded the previous tortures as nothing, while the future ones they counted as gifts from the King.
And what did they not say, and what did they not endure — such things as it is natural for Athletes to say and to suffer? One would say, “The fire is cold to me,” because of its alteration; another would say that the nails were sweet even as they wounded another’s body; a third would say, “What if I become food for beasts and their belly becomes my tomb? After a little while, even if now I am not buried in the earth and my body is not destroyed in a grave, will I not become food for worms?” And while one said this and another that and another something else, and since each expected the worst for himself, they had no need of any medicine of consolation to spare them suffering. As a result, the tyrant was astonished and marveled at the Athletes’ great endurance, ceased his rage, and did not know what to do, since the impious man had omitted none of the torments in his effort to torture the Martyrs.
After considering the matter, he decided that they should be put to death by the sword — not because any form of torture remained unused, but because none of those they had tried had crushed them. Therefore he abandoned them as well, since he had nothing new with which to punish the invincible Martyrs.
When they arrived at the place of execution and awaited the crown of martyrdom that was being woven for them by the sword, it is impossible for anyone by any words to describe the joyfulness of the Athletes. As though they were all being called together to great rewards, one would hasten before the other and bow his head to the sword, and all of them with one voice chanted that hymn and that blessed ode:
“Let our sacrifice, therefore, O Lord, be acceptable before You today, and let us be received as a whole burnt offering of rams and bulls and as tens of thousands of fat lambs. Smell the fragrance of the aroma of this our sacrifice, and let our souls ascend acceptably to Your altar — souls with which we have contended, and as Your victims we have offered our bodies. Let the blood of Your servants, O Lord, become a purification of our homeland, and the slaughter of us Ten a ransom for those who believe in You. By the flowing of our blood, let the blood of Christians cease to flow, and let the hands of the barbarians be paralyzed, so that they may not draw near with the sword to slaughter the upright in heart; but ‘let their sword enter their own heart, and let their bows be broken.’ We thank You, O Lord, because You have deemed us worthy to reach this hour. So let our sacrifice be before You today, for ‘there is no shame for those who trust in You.’ Our souls have greatly desired Your salvation, O Lord. You have made known to us the ways of life and have ‘held us by Your right hand,’ and death for Your sake we do not consider death, but ‘a cup of salvation.’”
These things and others like them each of the Martyrs prayed, and willingly they bowed their necks to the slaughter. Therefore their death was honored “before the Lord,” according to the psalmist David, and this was for them the end of their contest: to be numbered together with Christ and the angelic host, and to dwell and rejoice together with all the saints, with Peter and Paul and all who followed their way of life.
Thus, when the course was finished, they rested in what they truly loved, awaiting that reward according to which the crowns of righteousness are woven, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give both to them and to all who have loved His appearing on the earth.
10. These are the living harbors of the land of Crete. These have become towers of our homeland, founded by God — sure guardians, defenders of those who flee to them, helpers of those who pray, aids to those in need, banishers of the passions, protectors against diseases, comforters of the sick, guides of the wandering, leaders of those who return, correctors of those who sin, supporters of those who succeed, adversaries of enemies, fighters against barbarians, the safety of the faithful, the glory of cities, the joy of peoples — because “when the righteous are praised, the people rejoice.”
Their struggles were marveled at by those who became instigators of the persecution in the time of Decius, who heard of their endurance — or rather, who marveled at the steadfastness and firmness that the Saints displayed in their contest amid the tortures. Their holy and venerable relics, just like a paternal inheritance, Crete received as a legacy and truly gained for herself inviolate treasures: healings from every kind of affliction, which richly gush forth from them daily. And although these healings are constantly drawn by all, they remain eternally inexhaustible.
Rightly, therefore, our metropolis takes pride in the greatness of this good inheritance. She boasts in it more than earthly people do in the offerings of the marketplace. From them she is adorned, and from this great possession she proclaims her boast and rejoices with such and so great a joy, since she received from God as a gift such glory — by which she is not only the most renowned among many metropolises, but also the most secure and unconquered by all external enemies together who make incursions against her, a protection and a safeguard.
For these Martyrs the descendants of the Cretans rejoice together as well. With them let us too celebrate today; rather, let us celebrate their contest, and chanting athletic hymns, let us rejoice patriotically. Let us imitate them. To them let us entrust our lives. Let us praise them. Let us say to the Athletes of Christ, let us say:
“You are the light of the world. You are the salt of the earth. You are the lambs of the heavenly fold. You are the lamps that reflect the light of the First Light. You support the homeland; you care for the land that gave you birth. If we are healthy, from you we received this. If we rejoice, it is the fruit of your prayers. If something unexpected befalls us, by your help we most easily ward off the damage. And which of the good things have we not received from you? Which of the sorrowful things has threatened us and has not been clearly driven away by your help? The great boast of your contest has led the land that bore and nourished you to this height of glory, for through you it has become famous and renowned throughout the whole earth.
But why should I speak of moderate things? Thanks to you kings raise trophies; thanks to you generals and commanders become braver and nobly defeat their opponents and bring abundant spoils to the imperial realm. Thanks to you the weapons of the barbarians are captured, and in naval battles the ships of the descendants of Hagar are sunk in the sea and float upon the deep like planks.
11. But even now, may you stand more fervently among us, and in our place lift your voice on high and more powerfully beseech the Most High to stop the war that is secretly and openly being prepared against us, and to put to flight those who boast that they will subdue us, and quickly to shatter their proud arm.
And, O holy and all-blessed Ten, O phalanx that has in your midst as commander the prize-giver Christ, O triple triad completed by a single unity — this great and constant help, for our sake, ask from Christ the Crown-Giver; for our sake, intercede with Him who has the power to guard us and to save us from death. We consider nothing better than what we ask, especially now, when with greater frenzy against Christ the disgraceful offspring of Hagar have raged and continue to rage.
May the Lord resist them; may He destroy them; may He quickly reap them utterly with the cross-bearing spear of the co-emperors and kings, whose heads the Lord Himself crowned and adorned with royal glory and honors. May He who anointed them kings grant them, through our supplications, authority over all the earth and the sea, so that, living a calm and peaceful life in all piety and dignity to the end, we may be deemed worthy to be with Christ Himself, God and Savior of our souls — to whom, and through whom, and in whom be glory, honor, power, and majesty, to the all-kingly and unoriginate Father and to His holy, good, and life-giving Spirit."
Source: Translated by John Sanidopoulos.
