THEFIRSTHOMILYCONCERNINGTHEFORTYMARTYRS(PartOne)

by
GREGORYOFNYSSA

[M.749&J.137]Ibelievethatpersonswhohaveundergonemanyharshexperiencescangiveusencouragementbecause
thesufferingswhichtheyandothershaveenduredareasourceofspecialjoy.Ashepherdrejoiceswhenheseeshis
abundantflockgatheredtogetheralthoughhispenislarge,heexpandsittoaccommodatealargenumberofsheep.
Similarly,PetersawathronggatheredabouttheLordandexclaimed,"Master,thecrowdsurroundsyouandpressesupon
you"(Lk8.45).WhilethedivineApostlesaysthatthecrowdispressinghim,thepeoplearenotcrushed.Howcanthis
exampleillustratemyreflections?Whowillgivemeacleartrumpet'svoicethatthismultitudemaycryoutevenlouderand
reachtheearsofthoseassembledhere?WhatcanIgainfromthesewords,andhowcanImakethemusefulforyouwhoare
nowgatheredtogether?Jobgivesusmanyillustrationsoffortitude,whiletheauthorofProverbspresentsthemintheform
ofriddles.WhatcanwesayabouttheholyApostle[Paul]?Althoughhisenigmaticwordstranscendhumanreason,[J.138]
hisepistletotheEphesiansrevealstheineffablemysteryofthecross.ThePsalmscontaintheseandothermysteriesas
indicatedbytheircommemorationandinscriptions,andareadingofthemgivesusanopportunitytounderstandtheirhidden
secrets.However,Ifeelthatweshouldnotdiscusstheirsignificancewhichappliestoanothertimeinstead,Iprefertowait
foranappropriateoccasiontorevealtheirmeaning.
Whatismyintention?Irealize[M.752]thatthemandatewhichtheLawgiverofour[human]natureinscribedonthese
divinetabletsenjoinsustorespectourparentsinsofarasthisispossible.Hesays,"Honoryourfatherandmother.Thisisthe
firstcommandmentwithapromise,inorderthatitmaybewellwithyou"(Eph6.2).Ifthislawcontainingapromiseis
importantandbenefitsthepersonwhokeepsit(honorregardingone'sparentsreferstothepersonwhofulfillsthelaw),we
shouldcloselyexamineitsaimwhichbestowsgraceuponthepersonwhofulfillsit.Whenourearthlyparentsresponsible
forourupbringingnolongerrequireassistancebecausetheyhavedepartedthislife,wearefreedfromtheobligationto
fulfillthelaw.However,thelawbidsustoexecuteourobligationbecauseneglectingitisofnoadvantage.What,then,
shouldwedooutofloveforthe[law'spromise]whenourparentsaredeadandwecannotdischargeourresponsibilities?
Thereisasolutiontothispredicament.Iamnotspeakingofsomeoneelse'sparentsyouaremyparentswhoaredeartome.
Sinceourpredecessorforeshadows[J.139]thedignitybelongingtoourparents,howdowefulfillyourlawofhonor?Ason
whoiskindandconsiderateofhisagedfathersupportshiminhisinfirmityandisalwaysreadytohelphim.Inthiswaythe
fatherseeshimselfrejuvenatedthroughhissonwhosestrengthrefreshesandrenewshisaged,tremblinghand.Furthermore,
hisweakenedfeetfindnewsupportandvigorbysuchpromptassistance.Shouldhissightfailwithtime,theoldgentleman
hasakeensightedguidetohelphimwithlife'snecessities.Youwhoarefatherstomecertainlydonotlackassistance.
Howdoweobtainthefruitofthelaw'sblessing?Whatgiftcanweofferyousinceyoulacknothing?Whatbearingdoesan
accountofyourpresentblessingshaveuponthehonorIownyou?Ishouldmentionthemnowbecausetheyadornyourlives
andarealreadypresent.Allowmetomakeafewgeneral,pertinentobservationsabouttheearth'sfertility,[M.753]bounty
andabundance.Ialsoalludetoariverwhichenvelopesaplainandformsapool.Itsoverflowingwaterisolatesinhabited
areas,floodscarefullycultivatedfieldsandbringsruinuponpopulatedcities.Otherpersonsspeakofsimilarmatterswith
arroganceandenthusiasticpraiseconcerningtheirhomeland.Amanofthisworld[J.140]whoknowshowtojudgethe
goodsofthislifeaddstotheseaccoladesandifitseemsfitting,anotherriver.Iamspeakingofpersonsrecognizedbythe
notorietyoftheirnamesandwhomakesuchriversknownthroughouttheworld.Beginningwithourregion,theyamplifyin
timetheirowncitybyconferringgloryandhonoruponthemselves.Ifweincludethefoundersofcitiesandcolonistsoradd
toouraccountthosewhohavefaredwellincombatthroughinflictingdefeatsinbattleandotherrecordeddeeds,these
examplesdonotsuitourobjective.AChristianisashamedatanythingcontrarytothefaithandrejoicesatpraisecoming
frompersonswholoveChristmuchlikethoseintheshadowofanotablepersonexultinhisvictories.Letustherefore
concentrateuponthesubjectathandandconsideryournotabledeeds.Letusbesilentaboutthisworld'sgloriesdespitetheir
numerousaccounts.Neitherheavenwhichisthemostbeautifulandgreatestobjectofcreation,theheavenlyluminaries,the
earth'sbreadth,noranythingphysicalcancomparewithGod'sinspiredwordwhichaloneisworthyofadmiration.BecauseI
amacquaintedwiththedivinecommandment,noneofthesewonderscaptivatesme.
If,astheApostle[Paul]says(1Cor7.31),heaven,earthandanythingelseintheuniversepassesaway,howcanwepraise
thefertilityoftheearthandwater?Althoughyoumayconsideryourplaceoronesimilartobesurpassing,the[divine]word
regardsthemasnothing.Therefore[J.141]letusdirectouradmirationtothatwhichismoreworthyofpraise.Insteadof
relyinguponwords,weshouldobserveyournobleattributes.Whodoesnotknowyourfruitsinceyouhaveproducedan
abundantcropofwitnessesandabountifulharvest[M.756]?Considerthisholyfieldandthesheafofmartyrs.Ifyouwish
toknowwhatImean,youdonothavetolookfar.Whatisthisplacewhichcomposessuchathrong?Whatdoesthisyearly
commemorationsaytoyou?Whatdoouraccountsbestowupontheirmemory?Theprophetsays,"Therearenospeeches
norwords"(Ps18.4).Isitonlytheirvoiceswhichloudlyannounceouradmiration?Ifyouexaminetheplace,he[the
prophet]saysthatitistheamphitheaterofthemartyrs,andifyouconsidertheday,itloudlyheraldstheircrown.Ihearthe

dayproclaimingthemartyrsandtheheavenlylightsglorifyinganothersuchpersonheavenhonorsonemartyrwhileearth
heraldsyetanother.Themartyrs'miraclesaresufficientevidenceforadorningthemthesameappliestothebeautyoftheir
crownsandtheirnoblevictoriesagainstthedevil.Sucharetheiraccountsandthesupporttheyreceivefromtheangelsthe
earthgivesitsfruittoGod,andtheLordentrustshisplanttome.Heisthesourceofthevine'sbrancheswhichresemblesa
prosperousvineyarditpropagatesotherbrancheswithoutmakingthemlosetheirvigor.Theyheraldtheblessingoftoday's
festivalwhileothersforeshadowtheplacewherethemartyrsareassembled.
ButwhatcanmystutteringvoiceandhesitationaccomplishsinceIcanhardlyexpressmyselfbeforesuchanassembly?I
prefertorecounttheirnoble[J.142]accomplishmentsbecausethebeautifuldwellingoftheforty[martyrs]revealsthatthey
areengagedinacommonstruggletheyestablishasettlementandenjoymutualhospitalityinsuchplaces.Thereforeanyone
whoenjoysaspecialgracethroughtheirmartyrs'achievementsdoesnotlackarevelationofthem.Apersondwellingin
Christreceiveshisfullness.Buthowcanthisbenefituswhenitfailstospeak[ofthemartyrs'deeds],andwhatistheir
source?Itisthegoodnessofyouthwhichweadmire,thegraceoftheelect,theirdistinguishedbeautyandthemagnificence
oftheseyoungshootswhichstandsbeforeus.Doyouseetheirthunderousvoiceandperceivetheirwordswhichguideus
whoaretossedaboutbytheseatothesafeharborofsilence?IfGod'sgraceallowsustohearofasimilarsilentrepose,he
willassistusbecauseglorybelongstohimforeverandever.Amen.

THESECONDHOMILYCONCERNINGTHEFORTYMARTYRS(PartTwo)
by
GREGORYOFNYSSA

[M.757&J.145]YesterdaythemartyrswhosummonedthepeoplearenowpresentedasgueststotheChurch.Thisisa
joyousoccasionwhoseyearlyobservancebenefitsthoseassembledforthefestival,andwemustreciprocateinsimilar

fashion.Althoughyesterday'scommemorationwasinsufficientwhenwereceived[themartyrs]asourguests,weshould
makethemfeelwelcometoday.Inotherwords,evenasmallportionleftoverfromsuchanabundantbanquetisadequate.
Whatisthemeaningofthissmallportion?Youcertainlyrecallourremarksaboutthatsweetmultitudewhichearnestly
prayedforthoseassembledtogethertobeseechtheirintercession.TheChurchisateemingmultitudewhichresemblesthe
seasurgingwiththethrongofpersonswhoarealwayshardpressed.Itresemblestheocean'sroarwhosewavesresoundas
theydashagainsttheshoresofourears.Wenowleavebehindthenoiseofthistempestwhenwerecallthemartyrs'concern
forourplight.Thisisourintentionbecauseneitherthosewhodonotsharethesestrugglesnorany[J.146]ignoblecrowd
failingtopursuehumilitycanattainthisdignity.Rather,personsbyreasonoftheirsoundphysicalconstitution,beauty,
powerandstrengtharenumberedamongthosesoldierswhohaveprecededthem.Furthermore,theirvirtuouslifeand
admirabledecorumrevealsthemasaraceperfectedandennobledbythemartyrs'grace.Ifourremarksshowthatwecan
participateintheirsweetness,weshouldfollowintheirstepsandreachthearenaofcombatundertheirguidance.
Oncetherewasacertainmilitarydetachmentwhichdefendedacityagainstabarbarianinvasion.Beforesomeofthesemen
experiencedadivineapparition,theyputgreaterfaithintheirmilitarytactics,anditwasnotbychancethatoneexploitof
theirfaithisrecounted.Awararoseagainstthebarbarianswhereeveryonewasoccupiedwithopposingtheenemy'sthreat
whichpresseduponthemlikewater.Thiswasdueeithertothesoldiers'inexperienceortothegreaterprovidenceofGod,
andwasamatterofinteresttoChristiansandunbelieversalike.Sincetheylackedafountainorspring,theywereindanger
of[M.760]capitulationthroughthirst.Thenthenobles[ofthecity]realizedthattheycouldnotresistthroughforceofarms,
andthattheywereindangerofcapitulatingtotheenemy.Leavingbehindmeninthecampwholackedfaith,theywithdrew
inimitationofthatmiraclewhichoccurredinthetimeofEliastheprophet[J.147].Byjoiningtheirvoicestogether[in
prayer],theyescapedcalamityandtheirdesperatesituation.Theyfoundstrength,andtheirprayersweretransformedinto
deeds.Whentheyperseveredatprayerontheirknees,acloudformedbyaviolentwindappearedovertheenemycamp.A
fiercerumblingsoundfelluponthem,andmanylighteningboltsproducedsuchanonrushofwaterthatitbroughtcomplete
destruction.Theirprayershadatwofoldresult:victoryoverthefoeandreliefoftheirthirst.Thisaccountenablesourband
ofsoldierstobeunitedwiththemandtheirgenerousvirtueencouragesustoimitatethem.
ThestoryofJob(Job1.7+&2.1+)teachesusthatmankind'sharmfuladversaryservedtomakehimpleasingbyproving
Job,hewasfoundsincere,justandblameless.Similarly,theadversarylookswithevilintentupon[themartyrs']gooddeeds
andstruggles.Healsotakesintoaccountthematuredemeanorpresentintheprimeoftheiryouth.Heseessoundbodies
adornedwithrestraint,thearmedchorusleadingtheminbattlearraytoGod,abeautifulsighttobehold.Theirspiritsare
exultanttheyarequickfooted,powerful,trained,andineverycircumstancetheytriumphbyreasonofthesoul'svirtue
whichisvisiblethroughtheirphysicalsplendor.He[theadversary]jealouslyfollowsthemashewandersthroughoutthe
world.Notonlydoesheseeonesincereman,butthedivine[J.148]assemblyofallthosewhoaretrue,justandreverent.He
firstattemptstopersuadethearmy'sleadertoworshipidols.IfhefailsbynotslayingthosewhoworshipChrist'sname,the
barbariansarenotvictorious.
Wehavealludedtothenobleconfessionofthosepersonswhoattainedperfectionthroughthesufferingswhichtheenemy
suddenlyyetmercifullyinflictedbythesword,fortheirironbondsheraldedthatthetimehadcome[M.761]forretaliation.
However,thesefetterswereanelegantadornmentandapleasingsighttotheChristians.Thisillustrious,chosenbandof
youngmenwhichexcelledallotherswascloselyunitedandresembledacrownorpearlnecklaceradiantineveryrespect.
Theyexemplifiedthesaintswhowereunitedinfaithandboundtoeachother.Everymansharedthelovelinessofhis
compatriot.Thewondersofheavendisplaythisharmony,forexample,duringaclearnightwhenthestars'brillianceis
distinguishedfromothersbyformingasinglecommonbeauty.TheprophetEzekielsaysthatthisvisionofthesaints
resemblestorcheswhichturntoandfro(Ezk1.130),andthatthebeautyofthis[divine]formisfondofdwellingwithin
them.Wisdomsaysthatthegreatnessandbeautyofcreaturesenablesustoformanimageofhiddenbeauty(Wisd13.5)
becausethesoul'spurityisvisible,andmanwhoisvisibleisanoblehabitationofwhatlieshidden.Howgreatisthat
lovelinesswhichbelongstotheangels[J.149]andsupernaturalbeings!Demonsaredistressedatthesight,andtheyreadily
acknowledgethisfact.Byreasonoftheirgreatness,suchmenaresoldiersofChristarmedwiththeHolySpirit,champions
offaithandtowersofthedivinecity.Theyresisteveryinflictionoftorture,fear,threatsandfoolish,shamefulridiculethey
appeartooffertheirbodiestosuchoutrages,butthesearemerelyshadows.Suchpersonswhoareinthefleshdefeatthe
fleshandhavecontemptfordeaththeydisdainallfearoftyrantsandappearmorenoble.Howlovelyarethosetrainedin
suchbodilyvictories!Howwonderfulistheirtrainingwhenappliedtocombatagainstthedevil!Theyarenotarmedwith
swords,shields,helmetsnorlegprotectionrather,theyarearmedwiththefullarmorofGodwhichthedivineApostle
[Paul],theleaderoftheChurch,illustrates:ashield,breastplate,helmetandsword(Eph6.11+).Theseweaponsareused
againsttheenemy'sforces,butdivinegracesupportsthemagainstthedevil'stroopwhichhasthepowertoinflictdeath.This
trooptakesitsstandinthetribunal,theplaceofdecisivecontest,wherebloodisshedhere[thedevil'sband]makesitthreats
andfightsagainstthosewhopatientlyresistit.
TheseadversarieswhowantustorenounceourfaithintheLordortosufferdeath[M.764]areresistedbystrongmenwho
remainfaithfuluntodeath.Althoughtheythreatenthemwithfire,castthemintopitsandinflictothertorments,theyhave
onevoiceandholyconfessionwhichChristhears.Resistanceagainstthistormentoftheenemy'sappallinginsults[J.150]

troubleshisheartandislikeastoneinDavid'shandslungattheenemy'shelmet(1Sam17.49+).Webeheadtheenemy
whenasnoblesoldierswecast,asitwere,ourconfessioninChrist.Butthe[martyrs']accountcontinuesandleavesthese
mattersbehindwhilejumpingoveranyobstacle.Itboldlyadvancestomatterswhichareunutterableandmentionsthemasif
theywerevisiblebecauseaboldconfessioninChristisencouragementandpraisefromabove.Thecitizensoftheheavenly
cityhonortheirsuccesswhichbringsjoytotheentireassemblyofheaven.Thisisthemarvelwhichtheangelsbehold
amongmenandwhichthesespectatorsofourlivessawinthatconflictbetweenthedevilandmen.Howdifferentisthis
marvelcomparedtothatfirststrugglewhentheserpentvanquishedAdam(Gen3.1+)!Onepersondidnotsustainthisevil
attackwhichsoughttodoharmthroughasoundpretextrather,everyonewasaffectedbythisassaultandfell.However,all
theseconflictsoftheenemywerereducedtonothingandwereineffective.[Thedevil]offeredhopebuttheyspurnedithe
terrorizedthembuttheyscornedithethreatenedthemwithfearbuttheyovercameit.Thereonefearwastobeseparated
fromChrist,fortobewithChristwastheironlyvaluesinceeverythingelseseemedlikelaughter,shadows,nonsenseand
fancifuldreams.
Thetextnowspeaksoftheseinvisibleattacksandmentionsthetranscendentpowerwhichbroughtsuccesstothe
contestants.Itencouragesthosewhoaredisheartenedandtalksaboutthetranscendentpowerswhichsupportthembecause
hewhoisjustguidesthemincombattoobtaincrownsofglory.Thecommanderinchiefofthedivinearmyhasprepared
rewardsforthosewhoarevictorious,and[J.151]theHolySpiritbestowsvariousgifts.Becausetheyconfessfaithinthe
Trinity,thedivinePersons,inturn,dispensegrace.WhatdoImeanbythis?Iamspeakingofthatmorehonorablegrace
pertainingtoourfirstcontestants,AdamandEve.Althoughtheyrejectedhumannaturebecauseofsin,thesecontestants
wereguidedthroughthefalltowhatwaslost.[Ourparents]weredrivenoutfromparadiseanddwelledupontheearth.They
broughtdeathuponthemselves(fortheweaponofdeathissin),while[themartyrs]rendereddeathineffective.Although
deathwasfortifiedbysin,patient[M.765]fortitudebluntedthestingofpassions.Thereforewemayrightlysay,"Where,oh
death,isyoursting?Whereisvictory,ohhell"(1Cor15.55)?Whatismoremiserableandvilethanthetree'sfruit?Itscolor
andsweettastedisgracedusanddisparagedthegraceofparadise.
Thesun'sraysdonotattractthesenoblecontestantsinstead,theyfreelyshunneditinordernottolosethetruelight.What
doesscripturesayaboutEve(Ihastilymentiontherequestmadebyourfirstparents)?"Shesawthat[thefruit]waslovelyto
beholdandpleasingtotaste"(Gen3.6).Asaresult[oftastingthefruit],theblessingofparadisewaslost.Wealsoinclude
thoseperceptibleobjectswhichwetreasureastheheavens,sun,earth,people,aswellasourcountry,mother,brothers,
friends,relativesandcolleagues.Whatcanbesweeterandmoreenjoyablethancherishingthem?Children,youknowthe
affectionyouhaveforyourparents.Youwhoarefathersknowhowyoushouldattendtoyourchildren.Youwhoadmirethe
sunknowhowagreeableitis.Youwhoearnestlyexpressbrotherlylovearecertainlyfamiliarwiththisnaturalaffection.
Youths,youknowthevalueofyourfellow[J.152]comrades.Nevertheless,alltheseareinsignificantbecauseonegood
aloneexistsandthatisChristhimself.[Themartyrs]rejectedtheminordertogainhim.Thesaintsreckonedthetimespent
inchainsasnothingtheyspurneditsincetheirdesirematuredintoperfectlove.
Personsconcernedfortheirphysicalwellbeingtrainforwrestlingandthusbecomemoreconfidentforcompetition.
Similarly,thosewhohavebeentrainedbyfettersandimprisonmentfortheirfaithhavereceivedacrown.Suchtrialsare
meansofattainingperfection,theaimoftheirendeavors.Nowisthetime.Thesearethedaysofstruggle.Weareatthe
thresholdofthePaschalfeastandthemysteryoftheholyFortyDays.Thesedaysareatimeofpropitiationandclosely
resemblethesaints'crowns.DoIappearoverbearingandtalkativebyspeakingtoyouofyourveryownmarvels?Butto
appreciatetheirvalue,letushastentothegoalforwhichthesaintsstrive.Theday[oftheirmartyrdom]wasverycold.I
certainlydonothavetoinformyouaboutthecoldsincetoday'sweathergivesyouaclearideaaboutit.Thechilleven
penetratesthewallsbothyouwhoarestrangersandnativesarefullyacquaintedwithitsseverity.Ihavealsoheardthat
anotherphenomenonoccursinyourwinters,namely,thattheconstantlyflowingriversfreezeover,andtheirwavescongeal
tostone.Thenearbylaketurns[M.768]intoland,andhorsescanrideuponitshardenedwaves.Ialsoknowthatinhabitants
ofthisareaoftenacquirewaterbymeltingit.Forexample,theytakewaterwhichbecamehardasstoneandbreakitup
muchlikeapieceofcopperoriron.Suchwastheseasonofthe[martyrs']contest[J.153]andthetimeoftheirmiracles
whenthenorthwindblewsovehemently.
When[themartyrs]publicallyconfessedtheLord'sname,theyacknowledgedthattheyhavebeencrownedandperfected
throughdeathbysuchaboldproclamation.Thetyrantdecidedthatthetheircontestwastobecarriedoutbyexposingthem
tothecold.Howineffectivewerehiswordsandutterances,andwhataninsulttotheirdignity!Heproclaimedthesentence
ofdeathbyfreezingandpunishedthembyventinghiswrath.However,thejoyoftheseyouthsinthefreezingcoldmade
lightoftheirtribulationandalleviatedthe[tyrant's]retaliation.Sufferingwasthecoursefortheseathletestheirpathwas
bothsacredandsevere,andtheirstrugglecrownedtheirconfession.Theysharedthesamezealforvictory.Nooneever
beheldsuchfervorsincetheywereofonemindasiftheyweretoremovetheirgarmentsinapublicbath.Theygavevoiceto
Job'swords,"Wehavecomeintotheworldnakedandleavethesameway"(Job1.21)."Webringnothingintotheworldand
cannottakeanythingoutofit"(1Tim6.7).Havingutteredthesecomfortingwords,theyexposedtheirbodiestothecold.
Oncethenaturalelementsrantheircourse,themartyrsattainedvictory.Their[human]natureexperiencedgrievouspain,but
theheroiccharacteroftheseathletescontendedsuccessfullyagainstit.Afterashorttimetheyquenchedtheirpain,andthe

coldvanishedwhilethestrengthoftheirsoulsincreased.[J.154]Theirbody'sbeautydarkened,withered,andtheirhealthy
colordisappeared.Theirfingersfelloffinthecold,andtheyweresoondisfiguredwhilethepenetratingcoldshatteredall
theirlimbsandphysicalsensation.Soontheirfleshbecameashenitswelledandwastornfromthebonesastheyendured
death'sanguish.Inthisfashiontheiragonywasprolongedforthreedays.Whensensation[M.769]leftthem,theyremained
inthissameplaceandachievedvictoryagainsttheenemy.
Whocanadequatelydescribetheirdignityanddivinemissiononcetheirholybodiesweretriumphantlycarriedtothefire?
Howdidgraceprotectthemfromthedevil'sassaults?Whocanspeakofthatmother,thesourceof[themartyrs']witness,
whorelinquishedwhatwassodeartoher?Althoughshewasnotdraggedaway,shewastheirinspirationandsawthattheir
humanityremainedstronginvirtuewithoutsuccumbingtopride.Ontheotherhand,abuseswerehurledagainst[the
martyrs]sincetheirvigorhaddistinguishedthem.Theirnoblebehaviornowassistedthemintheirwitnessatthepointof
deathwhentheywereimmobilizedbythecoldandwereweakenedbyshortnessofbreath.Whilestillalive,[themartyrs]
sufferedgreatpain,andwithdimandcloudyvisiontheyrecognizedtheirmother.Sheconsoledandcomfortedtheirdying,
weakhandsinordertoexhortthemintheirnoblestruggle.Canamotherbearanythinglikethis?Arenotherfeelingsmoved
asshesundershertunictoembracetheirfrozenarmsinanattempttowarmthem?Herattemptswerefutile,andwehave
nothingfurthertosay.Letuslearnfrom[J.155]thefruitofthetree:atreecannotproducegoodfruitwhenitisrotten(Mt
7.1618).
Althoughthemartyrs'achievementsarenoble,specialpraisebefitstheirmotherwhoissavedbygivingbirthastheApostle
says(1Tm2.15).Godisresponsibleinhisdefenseofthatnaturecommontowomen.Hesays,"Neitherareyoumysonnor
thefruitofmypain,butbecauseyouhavereceivedGod,hehasbegottenyou.Runtoyourfatheranddonotforsakeyour
friends.Donotcomeinsecondplacetoyourcrown,andletyourmother'sprayernotbeinvain.Donotsaddenhersince
youhavetriumphedwithacrownofvictory."Havingsaidthisandhavingreceivedstrengthwellbeyondhernature,thatis,
havingbeenfortifiedbytheSpirit,sheforsakeswhatbelongstoher,assumesajoyfulcountenanceandadvancestothe
struggle.Nextweseethatthesaintsengageincombatintheair,sanctifyfirebytakingonitsformandbybeingtransformed
intoflames.Theyalsoassumetheformofwaterandfulfilldivinerevelationasaresultofallthesetrails.Theyresemblethe
threeyouthswhosingpraiseinbothcoldandheat:coldbyhavingbeenfrozenandheatbyhavingbeenburned.Asaresult,
theyaretransformedintofireandwater(cf.Dan3.23).
Nowthatweknowtheaccountoftheirwitness,letuscontinuesince[M.772]timepermitsit.Whenmanwasbanishedfrom
paradise,arevolvingfieryswordguardeditsentrance(Gen3.24)becauseGodinhisprovidencedidnotwishmantoobtain
thetreeoflife,tasteitandthusachieveimmortality.Yourecallthequestionspresentedtousandrememberourresponse.
Butifweweretothoroughlyexamineeverypoint,wewould[J.156]nothaveenoughtime.However,thequestionisas
follows:Ifparadiseisinaccessibleforthesaintsandiftherevolvingswordhindersaccessforsuchathletes,whataboutthe
promiseheldoutforthosewhohavestruggledfortheirreligion?Willtheyhaveaninferiorpositionlikethethiefeven
thoughtheLordsaidtohim,"Todayyouwillbewithmeinparadise"(Lk23.43)?Thethiefdidnotapproachthecross
voluntarily,buthewasawareofthetreasureofsalvationwhichwasnearby.Becausehehappenedtobepresentattheright
timeforsavinghislife,thethiefwiselyasked,"Lord,remembermeinyourkingdom"(Lk23.42).Althoughhewasworthy
ofparadise,didtheflamingswordhinderthesaintsfromentering?Asolutionexistsforthisdilemma.Scriptureshowsthat
therevolvingsworddoesnotalwaysopposethosewhoenterparadise.Ithindersunworthypersonsbutisbehindthosewho
areworthyandopensanopenpathtolife.Theflamepassedrightthroughpersonsbyreasonoftheircourageandcauses
themnoharm.Wewhofreelyandboldlyenterparadisearestrengthenedbythe[martyrs']intercessionthroughanoble
confessioninourLordJesusChrist,towhombegloryforeverandever.Amen.

CONCERNINGTHEFORTYMARTYRS,TheSecondLetter

[M.773&J.159]Accordingtolawandancientcustomwhichisacceptedbymostpeopleandisobservedeventonow,
Romansoldiersputontheirarmorandmovetoasuitable,levelfieldatthebeginningofeachmonth.Theretheyhavea
trackfortheirhorsesandaplacetopracticetacticalmaneuversandeverykindofmilitaryoperation.Thesesoldiers
commemoratethistimeofyear,especiallythatparticularday.Formypart,Irecallthemartyrsbyhavingspokenaboutthe
fortysoldiersofChristtheotherday.Becausetheyexcelinzealandarearmedforcombat,Iofferatributetotheirvalor
whichisacauseforadmiration.TheyareanadornmentfortheChurch,ajoyforthepeopleandgloryforGodwhohad
strengthenedthem.However,anaccountofthesemartyrs'virtuesareespeciallyprofitableforyoungpersonsinthefull
flowerofmanhood.Beholdingtheirexampleisfine,butitisbettertohearaboutthembecausewordsenabletheirteaching
toenterthesoul.However,weareindangerofreceivingeitheragoodorunsatisfactoryreport.Ihavehearditsaidthatsuch
accountsproduceimagesbygivingrisetothoughtsconceptsandreflectionsbelongingtothemindgivebirthtothoughts.
Thusyoushouldpreparea[J.160]quiet,undisturbedandattentivemindtobestowfittinghonorupontheblessedmartyrs.In
thiswaytheirmemorywillteachyouaboutpietyandtheloveofGod.
Ihavetworeasonstofearbecauseweshouldnotdisrespectfullytreatthesubjectunderdiscussionbyreasonofourinability
toexplainit.Thatis,ahazardexistswhenanyonebelievesthatanyvictoriousdeed[M.776]dependsuponourwordsor
whenthemanwhomweareconsidering[thatis,Basil]crownsthesaintsbyreasonofhisownwisdom.Heisavisible
miracleof[divine]providence,ateacheramongChristianswhotakesthebestfromwhatdoesnotbelongto[theChurch's
teaching].[Basil]isanimageofphilosophy,amodelandwarningforbishops,andateacherwhosewordsareunitedtohis
deeds.[Basil]iscertainlyextraordinaryandenjoysgoodreputeamongpeoplewiththeexceptionofthosewhoblaspheme
Christ.Noonepersoncanchallengethesunwhichgivesbothlightandheatsimilarly,noonecancensurethegreatBasil
unlessheisenrichedwitheveryadornmentofvirtue.Thisnoblemanpraisesthosewhoareexaltedbecauseheworships
[God]hereveresthesaintswhoseintercessionbestowsrewardsupondeservingpersons.Itbehoovesmenottoremain
silentbecause[Basil]wonderfullyproclaimedthosemiraclesaccomplishedbythemartyrs.Wearenotaddressingtheir
strugglesbutoftheattentionrequiredbyyouwhoarelisteningtome.Apersondrawsbenefitfromwhateverishelpful,
especiallywhenitcomesfromonewhohasbetterresourcesathisdisposal.
ThusthefortysoldiersundertheRomanemperor'sauthorityservedasChristiansbyobeyingtheirfaithandreligion.A
certainmanatthattimeworshippedmanygods(forthesedemonswerefondofsuggestingevil)andpersecutedthe
Christiansbypromulgatinganewdecree.Heordainedtheiracquiescencebyofferingincensetodemons.Iftheyrefused,
theyshouldbeputtodeathandbeforethis,theymustallsubmittohavingtheirbodiesmutilated.Thenthoseblessed
soldiersconductedthemselvesbravelybeforethetyrant'scrueltyandabhorrentdecreeagainstGod.Onceseparatedfromthe
othersoldiers,theyformedabattlerankbecausetheyweredistinguishedandfortifiedintheloveofChrist.Thesesoldiers
wereconfidentintheSpirit'spowerandopenlyresistedthedecreeissuedbysuchbrutalmen.Acting[J.161]infullaccord
andwithonevoice,theyprofessedourfaith.Theyconsideredthecaresofthislifeastransitoryandexposedtheirbodiesto
allkindsoftorment.Whenthatcrueltyrantwhoissuedsuchaharshdecreeobservedthesaints'attitude,hecunningly
matcheditwithpassionatevengeanceandplannedanew,extraordinarytorturefortheseintrepidsouls."IfImenacethem
withthesword,theywillnotbedisturbedandwillrefusetosubmit.IfIthreatenthemwithothertorments,theywillbear
themnobly.Theyareexperiencedinsuchthingsandwillsustainblowsandwoundsbecausetrainedsoldiersareaccustomed
tosuchhardships.IfIdeviseothertorments,theywouldbearthemnoblyandwouldremainunaffectedbywoundsand
blows.Thesesoldiersdonotfearfirebecausetheyareconstant."Hewasnowcompelledtofindsometormentdesignedto
inflictsharp,prolongedpain.Whatdidthatcraftyevilmandeviseagainstthesaints?Hecarefullylookedarounduntil
[M.777]hefoundaplaceandtimewhentheycouldbeexposedtoinclementweather.Thetimewaswinterandthelocation,
Armenia,wasaprovinceknownforitsharshclimate.Theinhabitantsofthisplacedonotshunthesun'sheatwhichmakes

corngrow.Theirvinesarewellknown,anditsgrapesarerenownedinthesurroundingareas.Suchreputationcomesfrom
thoseamonguswhohavelivedinIndia.Inthisplace[Armenia]winterhasnotloosenedthegroundforsowing,andthe
harvestoccurswhenitbeginstosnow.Windsafflicttheharvestersiftheydonotwearwarmclothingforprotectionagainst
thewinds'violence.Lateautumnandspringdonotexistbecausetheevilofwintersweepsitaway.
Itwasinthisdistrictandduringwinterthatthesaintswerecompletelystrippedoftheirclothesincontrastthetimewhenthe
kingoftheAssyriansputthedisciplesofpietyintheBabylonianfurnacewheretheyremainedunharmed(Dan3.1+).
Consumingfirecannotbecomparedtothesharpnessanddevastationoffrigidcold.Fireislikeironwhichkillsrightaway,
whereascoldprolongs[J.162]sufferingbeforedeath.Afflictionsassociatedwiththecoldgenerallylastlongerandaremuch
moreseveresincetheycausesoresandcarbuncles.Furthermore,doctorsattempttocuresuchinfirmitiesbyapplyingcoldto
bodies.Thuspersonsaswellasirrationalanimalswithacolder,heavierandmoresluggishconstitutionhavedifficulty
performingphysicalactivity.Ontheotherhand,bodieswithwarmer,moreenergeticmovementaremorespirited,whereas
thosewhicharesluggishandhaveadensephysicalconstitutionexperienceconstraint.Forexample,atthesoundofawhip,
ahorseimmediatelybeginstorun,whereasanassisslowandhardlymovesexceptwhenurgedbyaclub.Becauseapanther
isnimbleandlean,itswarmbodyenablesittoleapacrossvalleys,whileabearmovesmoreslowly.
Itisnottimetospeakaboutsuchmattersinstead,youshouldconsidertheenduranceofthosemenwhosubmitted
themselvestoretaliation.Winterenablesustowalkacrossnavigableriversbyfreezingthewater.Rockscrackopenwhen
coldpenetratesthemandinflictsbodiesbyturningtheirflexiblenatureintostoneandbybreakingsolidobjects.Thus
congealedwineoilassumetheformoftheircontainers.Thedelicatenatureofglassandearthenvesselsbreak.Animals
livinginmountainousregionsandopenfieldsperishandloosetheirnaturalferocity.Deerandgazelleskeptinstables
neitherfeardogsnorfleebecausethegreaterfear[ofcold]castsoutthelesserterrorsof[M.780]cowardice.Birdsdwell
withmenandliveunderthesameroofwiththem.Mendigupwaterandextractitwithstoneinstruments,andneighborsdo
notsocializewitheachother.Suchisthetimeofyearwhenthetyrantventedhiswrathagainstthemartyrs.Itisfittingthat
thisgreat,harmoniousandblessedcohortcontendwithhelpfromonhigh.Inthisway,theirexamplemayurgenumerous
othermartyrstoattaintheincomparableglorywhichbelongstotheirreligion.Theystoodfirm[J.163]withtremblinglimbs,
andtheirmindswereconstantbeforeGodinastrugglewitnessedbyangels,menanddemons.Theangelsawaitedthe
departureoftheirsoulsforthepurposeofconductingthemtotheirdestiny.Menawaitedtheirendandtestedtheendurance
oftheirhumannaturetodiscoveriftheirfearandhopeforthefuturewouldtriumphoverpain.Thedemonswereespecially
curioustoseetheseathletesfallandcometoruin,buttheirexpectationsweredashedbecauseGodhadstrengthenedthem.
Thetyrantscrutinizedtheagonyofeachandevery[martyr].Heplacedafootorfingerin[cold]waterandanotherlimbin
warmwaterwhichthenturnedcold.Thechillofwintercutthemartyrs'battleorderjustlikeviolent,blusterywindswhich
flattenloftytrees.Thisbattleorderembodiedothernobleplantswhichadornedparadise.Wetraceourlineagetothese
[martyrs],thesoldiersofPaulandChrist'sbodyguard,whooverthrow[pagan]altarsandraisedchurches.Theywere
conscriptedtofightagainstthebarbariansandthecommonenemyofhumanity.
Theinevitabilityofdeathdoesnotconstrainthemrather,liberationisintheirpoweriftheysurrender.Abathwasplaced
closebyinordertotemptthemitsdoorremainedopenandbadethemtoenter.Thetyrantstoodbyandcunninglyofferedit
asalluringbaitfortheirfreezingbodies.Heexhortedthemtodesertthecoldjustlikethatfather[theserpent]whotempted
ourfirstparentstotastethetree's[J.164]fruit(Gen3.1+).Instead,the[martyrs]remainedsteadfastknowingthatpatience
whichbearssuchtrialswillcometotheiraide.DanielwasinspiredbyGod(Dan1.8+).Althoughtemptedtoeatabundant
sweetfoodanddrink,hedespisedandrejectedthisofferingtoidolsandpreferredfoodmadefromwheat.[M.781]He
thrivedonhisfastingandwashealthieronthisdietthanthosewhoatesuchofferings.ThisspecialgiftoftrustinGodis
bestoweduponfaithfulservantsintheirtribulations.
Butthosejealousofsuchnobledeedswereclosebyandthreatenedtomutilatethisnoblecohort.Ithappenedthattheseforty
menwasslightlydepleted,foratthepointofvictoryonemangaveupbecauseofthecold.Whatapity!Hedesertedhis
comrades,andacceptedthebathatthetyrant'scunning,therebysparingbodilydestructionoutofloveforthislife.Bygiving
uphopeandbyfailingtoovercomethetransientnatureoflife,hecommittedatransgression.Tothemartyrsheresembled
despicableJudasbeingneitheradisciplenorarichman,hewasdrawntothenoose.Nobodywassurprisedsincethedevil
wasaccustomedtoactwithevilintendagainstthosewhomheenslaved.Thedevilflatteredhimbyvariousdeceitsinan
attempttodefeathim.Onceovercome,heimmediatelytrampleduponthismanandmadehimalaughingstock.Heboasted
athisshameandexultedathimbecausehewasenticedtocommitsuchashamefuldeed.ThePsalm(Ps7.3),inturn,has
manynamesforthisinconstancywhichassumestheformofafoeandavenger.Thedevilisneveranallynorconfidantto
man,forhepretends[J.165]tobeafriendwhenassumingamaskofdeceit.However,[God]isourally[God]inour
weaknessandcultivatesgoodwordsanddeeds.HeprovidedAbrahamwithasheepforsacrificeagainsthisenemywhois
recognizedasablasphemerandwitnessamongpersecutors(Gen22.1+).However,oneofthetyrant'sattendantswasmade
worthytoseetheangelscominguponthemartyrsandtheholyspiritssurroundingthem.AtthispointwerecallPaulwho
beheldChrist'sgloryonthewaytoDamascushavingimmediatelychangedhismindandhavingtakenoffhisclothes,he
joinedthosewhowerefreezingtodeath(Acts9.1+).Hebecameaconvert,confessor,martyrandwaswashedbythebathof
regenerationin[Christ's]ownblood(Tit3.5),thatis,thebloodofdeathandnotbloodresultingfrommurder.Thismanwas

crownedandbecameworthyofhonor,forbyhimtheChurchofGodnowhadfortymen.Hisadmirabledispositiondidnot
breakthemartyrs'rank,andhisconversionservedtomakeaperfectnumber[forty].Forhispart,thedevilwasmadea
subjectoftriumphandridicule,foralthoughthissoldiersuffered,thedevilwasdeprivedofhispersecutionandquarry.
Wenowseethatthesemengiftedwithathreefoldblessingattainedwhattheysetouttoaccomplish.Thedespotwhosought
vengeancequicklybestowedvictoryuponthemartyrsoncedeathovertooktheirbodiesinbattleandorderedthatthe
habitationoftheseholysoulsbehandedovertotheflames.Inthisfashionheimitatedsavagebeastsandcruelmen.Having
rippedapart[M.784]thegarments[bodies]ofmenwhohavefled,helaceratedtheirclothesandburnedtheirhomesonce
theyescaped.Oneofthemartyrsrightlysaidtohim,"NolongerdoIfearyourcruelty,ohfoolishman.Iwilltremblewhen
oursoulsdrawneartothesefrozenbodies,not[J.166]thetormentor'sarrogancewhichvanquishesthecourageofthesaints.
Althoughthisterrorhaspassedandremainsstuckinthemud,youdonotrealizethatIhavefledthebody.Theintense
assaultsrangedagainstushavebeenameansofsecuringfortitude."
Whyshouldwedelay?Thebodieshavebeenconsumedbyflames.Wehavescatteredtheirashesandburntremains,andthe
entireearthpraisesthesesaints.Iwillshareintheirmeritsbyplacingmyparents'bodiesbesidetheremainsofthese
soldiers.Inthiswaytheywillriseattheresurrectionwiththosewhoarefilledwithgreaterconfidence.Iknowtheywill
prevailbecauseIhavewitnessedtheircourageandfaithbeforeGod.Iwishtocommemorateonepersonwhospokeoftheir
nobletestimonybecauseIamclosetoIbora,thevillageandrestingplaceofthesefortymartyrs'remains.HeretheRomans
keeparegisterofsoldiers,oneofwhomwasaguardorderedbyhiscommandertoprotectagainstinvasions,apractice
commontosoldiersinsuchremoteareas.Thismansufferedfromaninjuredfootwhichwaslateramputated.Beinginthe
martyrs'restingplace,heearnestlybeseechedGodandtheintercessionofthesaints.Onenightthereappearedamanof
venerableappearanceinthecompanyofotherswhosaid,"Ohsoldier,doyouwanttobehealed[J.167]ofyourinfirmity?
GivemeyourfootthatImaytouchit."Whenheawokefromthedream,hisfootwascompletelyhealed.Onceheawoke
fromthisvision,hisfootwasrestoredtohealth.Herousedtheothersleepingmenbecausehewasimmediatelycuredand
madewhole.Thismenthenbegantoproclaimthemiracleperformedbythemartyrsandacknowledgedthekindness
bestowedbythesefellowsoldiers.
Iwillnowspeakofanimportantmatterwhichconcernsme.Atonetimewewereobservingthefirstfeastdaywhenthe
cineraryurncontaining[themartyrs]remainswastransferredtoachurch.WhenIwasyoung,mymother[M.785](forher
lifeinGodwonderfullyadornedthisfeastday)askedmetoparticipateinthecelebration.AlthoughIwasnotpresentand
countedamongthecongregation,sheurgedmeeventhoughIwasoccupiedandfailedtocomprehendherrequest.I
thereforedidnotdelaytoattendthisfeastandputasidemynumerousconcernsbeforeattendingthesynod.AtthetimeIwas
keepingwatchatnightinthegardenwherepeoplehonoredthesaints'remainsbyrecitingpsalms.Avisionthenappeared
behindthosewhoweresleepingandseemedtoenterthegardenwherethenightwatchwasposted.WhenIapproachedthe
gate,amultitudeofsoldiersstationedattheentranceroseup,brandishedtheirweaponsinathreateningmannerand
preventedanyonefromentering.Theybeatmewiththeexceptionofonewhoappearedmorehumanandthenfled.WhenI
wokeupandrealizedthatIabandonedmycalling,[J.168],Iunderstoodwhatthisfearfulvisionofsoldiershadwantedand
shedmanytearsinmyperplexity.Ibitterlyweptoverthesaints'urnthatGodpardonmeandthattheholysoldiersforgive
myinsensibility.
Ihavementionedthisforthepurposeofstrengtheningourfaithbecausethemartyrsarealivetheyareourbodyguardsand
companionswhoeventodayserveandadorntheChurch.Thetessarakoste[40thdayorobservanceofthemartyrs'feast]of
thefortymartyrsisasplendid,renownedfeastwhichcelebratestheirmemoryandisofgreaterimportancethanother
monthlyfeasts.Thehardshipofwinteristhusnolongersevere,nordoIbitterlycomplainofitsferocity.Instead,ithas
becomeanoccasiontorecalltheirpersecutionandservesasaholyphalanx.Similarly,themotherofthesevenMaccabeans
(cf.2Mac7.1+)lovedGodwithhersoulinsteadofherbodyanddidnotreproachthecrueltyrantofAntiochinSyria.She
courageouslyborethepunishmentleveledagainsthersons(Shewaswelldisposedtowardsthisdesolationandconsidered
herbereavementasasupport).Shesuffered,forexample,whenStephenwasstoned(Acts7.1+)butsawthathewasbrought
tolife.ThusweshouldreceivemercyfromthesecombatantsofGodwhocometoourhelpbecausetheyenabledusto
becomenotonlyinstrumentsofdoinggoodbutbyengagingincombat.Ourenemiesdogoodwhentheyarehostileand
therebycausenodishonor.ThedevilassistsJobinsteadofharminghim(Job1+)thekingoftheAssyrianshelpsDaniel
(Dan3.1+)thethreeyouthsinthefurnaceprofessGod'sgrace(Dan3.24)IsaiahpraisestheHebrewswhenhewassawed
inhalf(cf.Heb11.37)Zachariahblessedhismurderers[J.169]whilestandingbetweenthetempleandaltarofincense(Mat
23.357)JohnproclaimedGod'shelpwhenHerodbeheadedhim(Mat14.1+)theApostles[blessed]thosewhoboundand
persecutedthemallthemartyrsloved[M.788]theirpersecutorsandcouldnotholdfastunlesstheseathletesmaintained
theircourage.
Whatgreaterlovedowehavethanthisfaithfulmultitudeofwitnesseswhodisplayedfortitudeandunanimity?Letus
neitherbeinsensitivenorungratefultowardsthem.Withintercessorslikethese,weneverlacktheirprayersandentreaties.
ThewitnessoftheirtrustandhopeisGodwhenhespokewithAbraham.AbrahamintercededwithGodnottodestroythe

cityifhefoundtenjustmeninSodom,notsimplyforty(Gen18.32).We,liketheApostle,haveagreatcloudofwitnesses
andpronounceblessedthosewhorejoiceinhope,persistinprayer,andrecallthesaints(Heb12.1).Thefortymartyrsare
powerfulopponentsagainstourenemiesandworthyadvocatesbeforetheLord.LetaChristiandependupontheirhope,
resistthedevil'stemptations,riseagainstevilmenandtheseethingwrathoftyrantswhichresemblesthesea'sferocity.They
shouldalsobeunconcernedwithearthlymatterswhichoccupymostpeople,includinganyassistancewhichcomesfromthe
sky(cf.Gen1.2930).ThebountifulgraceofChristissufficientforeverynecessityandcircumstances,towhomweshould
attributeallgloryforeverandever.Amen.