mardi 3 mars 2015

Saint MARINUS (MARIN) de CÉSARÉE et saint ASTURIUS (ASTERIUS, ASTÈRE), martyrs

La cavea du théâtre romain de Caesarea maritima, construit sous Hérode Ier le Grand.


Saints Marin et Astère, martyrs

D'après l'historien Eusèbe, saint Marin était militaire en garnison à Césarée de Palestine. Il venait d'être promu au grade de centurion, quand il fut dénoncé comme chrétien par un rival jaloux de sa promotion. Contraint de choisir, il préféra la palme du martyre aux honneurs militaires. Astère, qui était au tribunal, fut aussi décapité pour avoir donné une sépulture à saint Marin. Cela se passait en 308.

SOURCE : http://www.paroisse-saint-aygulf.fr/index.php/prieres-et-liturgie/saints-par-mois/icalrepeat.detail/2015/03/03/13171/-/saints-marin-et-astere-martyrs

Saints Marin et Astère

Martyrs (+ 308)

D'après l'historien Eusèbe, saint Marin était militaire en garnison à Césarée de Palestine. Il venait d'être promu au grade de centurion, quand il fut dénoncé comme chrétien par un rival jaloux de sa promotion. Contraint de choisir, il préféra la palme de martyr aux honneurs militaires. Astère, qui était au tribunal, fut aussi décapité pour avoir donné une sépulture à saint Marin.

À Césarée de Palestine, vers 260, les saints Marin, soldat et Astérius, sénateur, martyrs durant la persécution de l’empereur Galère. Le premier, dénoncé comme chrétien par un compagnon d’armes jaloux, déclara hautement sa foi devant le juge et reçut la couronne du martyre par la décapitation; et quand Astère recueillit le corps du martyr en lui faisant un coussin de son vêtement, aussitôt, rapporte-t-on, il reçut lui-même, avec le martyre, l’honneur qu’il rendait au martyr.

Martyrologe romain

SOURCE : http://nominis.cef.fr/contenus/saint/739/Saints-Marin-et-Astere.html

LE MARTYRE DE SAINT MARIN, SOUS-CENTURION A CÉSARÉE DE PALESTINE, L'AN 262 (2612)

EUSÈBE, Hist. ecclés., VII, 15. — RUINART, Act. sinc., p. 274 et suiv. — TILLEMONT, Mém., t. IV, art. X, sur la perséc. de Valérien. — P. ALLARD, Hist. des perséc., III, 179.

Quoique la paix eût été rendue à toutes les Églises, un militaire nommé Marin, sous-centurion, distingué par sa naissance et par son bien, eut néanmoins la tête tranchée à Césarée de Palestine, pour avoir confessé sa foi au Christ. Voici comment. Le cep de vigne, chez les Romains, est un insigne d'honneur qui exprime, chez ceux qui l'ont obtenu, le grade de centurion. Or, un de ces grades était vacant, et Marin, par le rang qu'il occupait, devait y être promu. Mais un concurrent se présenta au tribunal et accusa Marin d'être chrétien et de refuser le sacrifice aux empereurs, en conséquence il ne pouvait être admis à cet honneur; il concluait chue lui-même, au contraire, y avait des droits certains. Etonné de cette dénonciation, le juge, qui se nommait Achéus, interrogea d'abord Marin et lui demanda quelle était sa foi. Puis, le voyant confesser hautement et sans fléchir qu'il était chrétien, il lui donna trois heures pour délibérer.

Marin, à peine sorti du prétoire, rencontra Théotecne, l'évêque de la cité, qui l'aborda, s'entretint longuement avec lui, et, le prenant par la main, le conduisit à l'église. Il le fit entrer jusque dans l'intérieur du sanctuaire, jusqu'au pied de l'autel; alors, entr'ouvrant un peu la chlamyde du soldat, il lui montra l'épée qu'il portait au côté, et en même temps lui présenta le livre des saints Evangiles, lui disant de choisir. Marin, sans hésiter, étendit la main droite et prit le livre sacré. « Attache-toi donc, lui dit Théotecne, attache-toi à Dieu. Fort de sa puissance, tu obtiendras ce que tu as choisi. Va en paix.

Comme il sortait de l'église, le crieur public, devant les portes du prétoire, l'appelait à comparaître; car le délai venait d'expirer. Il se présenta donc devant le tribunal et renouvela la profession de sa foi avec plus d'empressement que la première fois. C'est pourquoi, sans autre préparation, il fut aussitôt emmené au lieu du supplice, et reçut la couronne du martyre.

Ce fut pour Asturius l'occasion de témoigner la religieuse indépendance de sa foi, par laquelle il s'est illustré. Asturius était un sénateur de Rome, ami des empereurs et très connu de tous par sa noblesse et son opulence, qui avait assisté au supplice du martyr. Quand tout fut fini, malgré la richesse et l'éclat de la robe blanche dont il était vêtu, il prit le corps sur ses épaules et l'emporta. Puis, l'ayant enseveli avec magnificence, il le déposa dans un tombeau digne de sa fortune et de sa foi. Les familiers de cet homme, qui lui ont survécu jusqu'à nos jours, racontent de lui mille autres exemples de vertu.

LES MARTYRS. TOME II. LE TROISIÈME SIÈCLE. DIOCLÉTIEN. Recueil de pièces authentiques sur les martyrs depuis les origines du christianisme jusqu'au XXesiècle.Traduites et publiées Par le B. P. DOM H. LECLERCQ, Moine bénédictin de Saint-Michel de Farnborough. Imprimi potest FR. FERDINANDUS CABROL, Abbas Sancti Michaelis Farnborough. Die 15 Martii 1903. Imprimatur. Pictavii, die 24 Martii 1903.+ HENRICUS, Ep. Pictaviensis.

SOURCE : https://www.bibliotheque-monastique.ch/bibliotheque/bibliotheque/saints/martyrs/martyrs0002.htm#_Toc90634927

Book of Saints – Marinus and Asterius

Article

(SaintsMartyrs (March 3) (3rd century) Eusebius relates that Marinus, a soldier who was secretly a Christian, on being about to be promoted to the rank of centurion, was denounced by a rival candidate who had come to know of his comrade’s conversion. The governor of Palestine, after, as usual in such cases, tempting the poor soldier by offers of favour and advancement to deny Christ, had him beheaded at Caesarea, A.D. 262. Asterius, a Roman Senator who was witness of the martyrdom, took away the body of Saint Marinus and gave it decent burial. His own martyrdom quickly followed upon this act of Christian charity.

MLA Citation

Monks of Ramsgate. “Marinus and Asterius”. Book of Saints1921. CatholicSaints.Info. 24 November 2014. Web. 9 April 2021. <https://catholicsaints.info/book-of-saints-marinus-and-asterius/>

SOURCE : https://catholicsaints.info/book-of-saints-marinus-and-asterius/

March 3

SS. Marinus and Asterius, or Astyrius, Martyrs

ST. MARINUS was a person remarkable both for his wealth and family at Cæsarea in Palestine, about the year 272, and was in course to succeed to the place of a centurion, which was vacant, and about to obtain it; when another came up and said, that according to the laws Marinus could not have that post, on account of his being a Christian. Achæus, the governor of Palestine, asked Marinus if he were a Christian; who answered in the affirmative: whereupon the judge gave him three hours space to consider whether he would abide by his answer, or recall it. Theotecnus, the bishop of that city, being informed of the affair, came to him, when withdrawn from the tribunal, and taking him by the hand led him to the church. Here, pointing to the sword which he wore, and then to a book of the gospels, asked him which of the two he made his option. Marinus, in answer to the query, without the least hesitation, stretched out his right hand, and laid hold of the sacred book. “Adhere stedfastly then to God,” says the bishop, “and he will strengthen you, and you shall obtain what you have chosen. Depart in peace.” Being summoned again before the judge, he professed his faith with greater resolution and alacrity than before, and was immediately led away just as he was, and beheaded. St. Asterius, or Astyrius, a Roman senator, in great favour with the emperors, and well known to all on account of his birth and great estate, being present at the martyrdom of St. Marinus, though he was richly dressed, took away the dead body on his shoulders, and having sumptuously adorned it, gave it a decent burial. Thus far the acts in Ruinart. Rufinus adds, that he was beheaded for this action. See Eus. Hist. l. 7. c. 15, 16, 17.

Rev. Alban Butler (1711–73).  Volume III: March.The Lives of the Saints.  1866.


St. Marinus, Feast Day 3 March, [and St. Astyrius (Asterius)]

In the first three centuries, there was an almost constant persecution of Christians. It did happen, however, that some emperors, more benevolent than others, revoked the severe decrees against Christians, but this did not prevent local governors from bringing them to trial - if not directly for their faith, then for insubordination. For example, when a soldier entered the army or received a promotion, he had to take an oath, invoking the names of pagan gods, and sometimes he had to take part in pagan rituals. Christians could not agree to this, and they were given over to punishment for disobedience. There were many such cases under Emperor Gallienus (ruled 260-268), who forbade persecuting Christians for their faith.

St. Marinus belonged to a noble family of Caesarea, in Palestine and had been an excellent soldier in the army. He was about to be honoured with the new title and position of "Centurion. Suddenly another soldier who was eager for the same position, rushed forward, crying out, "Marinus is a Christian, and he would not sacrifice to the Emperor!"

Marinus lost his new position and was immediately questioned by Achaeus, the Governor. Marinus spoke up "Yes, I am a Christian and it is true, I did not sacrifice to the Emperor."

Achaeus was very bold, "Then I give you three hours in which to change your mind and give up your beliefs."

As Marinus left the judgment hall, he met Bishop Theotecnus of Caesarea. The Bishop lead him to the Church and made him stand close to the altar saying, "Choose between the sword that you carry by your side, and the book of the Gospels." Marinus immediately stretched out his hand and took the book of the Gospels, holding it firmly. "Hold fast then to God, commanded the Bishop, that strengthened by Him you may obtain what you have chosen! Go in peace."

Marinus returned to the judge stating firmly, "I am a Christian and I wish to remain so!" He was immediately led away, to be killed.

St. Astyrius (Asterius), a Roman Senator, was present at the martyrdom. Taking off his cloak, he wrapped up the body of Marinus. Astyrius carried the body away on his shoulders and buried it with great honour. Later, in the year 260 A. D., Astyrius also became a martyr.

Chapter XV.—The Martyrdom of Marinus at Cæsarea.

1. At this time, when the peace of the churches had been everywhere 2288 restored, Marinus in Cæsarea in Palestine, who was honored for his military deeds, and illustrious by virtue of family and wealth, was beheaded for his testimony to Christ, on the following account.

2. The vine-branch 2289 is a certain mark of honor among the Romans, and those who obtain it become, they say, centurions. A place being vacated, the order of succession called Marinus to this position. But when he was about to receive the honor, another person came before the tribunal and claimed that it was not legal, according to the ancient laws, for him to receive the Roman dignity, as he was a Christian and did not sacrifice to the emperors; but that the office belonged rather to him.

3. Thereupon the judge, whose name was Achæus, 2290 being disturbed, first asked what opinion Marinus held. And when he perceived that he continually confessed himself a Christian, he gave him three hours for reflection.

4. When he came out from the tribunal, Theotecnus, 2291 the bishop there, took him aside and conversed with him, and taking his hand led him into the church. And standing with him within, in the sanctuary, he raised his cloak a little, and pointed to the sword that hung by his side; and at the same time he placed before him the Scripture of the divine Gospels, and told him to choose which of the two he wished. And without hesitation he reached forth his right hand, and took the divine Scripture. “Hold fast then,” says Theotecnus to him, “hold fast to God, and strengthened by him mayest thou obtain what thou hast chosen, and go in peace.”

5. Immediately on his return the herald cried out calling him to the tribunal, for the appointed time was already completed. And standing before the tribunal, and manifesting greater zeal for the faith, immediately, as he was, he was led away and finished his course by death.

Notes

2288    The martyrdom of Marinus after the promulgation of Gallienus’ edict of toleration and after peace had been, as Eusebius remarks, everywhere restored to the churches, has caused historians some difficulty. It is maintained, however, by Tillemont and others, and with especial force by Görres in the Jahrbücher für prot. Theol., 1877, p. 620 sq., that the martyrdom of Marinus took place while the usurper Macrianus, who was exceedingly hostile to the Christians, was still in power in the East, and at a time, therefore, when the edicts of Gallienus could have no force there. This of course explains the difficulty completely. The martyrdom then must have taken place toward the beginning of Gallienus’ reign, for Macrianus was slain as early as 262. Of the martyr Marinus we know only what Eusebius tells us here.

2289    τὸ κλῆμα. The centurion received as a badge of office a vine-branch or vine-switch, which was called by the Romans Vitis.

2290    Achæus is an otherwise unknown person. That he was governor of Palestine, as Valesius asserts, is apparently a pure assumption, for the term used of him (δικαστής) is quite indefinite.

2291    On Theotecnus, see above, chap. 14, note 9.

Eusebius Pamphilius: Church History, Life of Constantine, Oration in Praise of Constantine

SOURCE : http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf201.iii.xii.xvi.html

Saint Marinus of Caesarea

Also known as

Marino

Memorial

3 March

Profile

Soldier in the Roman army, and a closet Christian. When a centurian‘s post fell open, he and another soldier applied. Marinus was the first choice, but his rival cited an ancient law that required a centurian to offer sacrifice to the emperor. Marinus confessed his Christianity, and claimed he could not offer the sacrifice. He was given three hours to change his mind, and spent the time in church with the bishop Theotecnus, meditating on a sword and scroll of the gospels. And the end of his three hours he again refused to make the sacrifice, and was executed for his faith.

Died

beheaded c.262 at CaesareaPalestine

buried by the Senator Saint Asterius of Caesarea

Canonized

Pre-Congregation

Additional Information

Book of Saints, by the Monks of Ramsgate

Lives of the Saints, by Father Alban Butler

books

Our Sunday Visitor’s Encyclopedia of Saints

other sites in english

Catholic Online

Orthodox Church in America

Wikipedia

sitios en español

Martirologio Romano2001 edición

fonti in italiano

Martirologio Romano2005 edition

Santi e Beati

Wikipedia

websites in nederlandse

Heiligen 3s

spletne strani v slovenšcini

Svetniki

MLA Citation

“Saint Marinus of Caesarea“. CatholicSaints.Info. 27 February 2017. Web. 9 April 2021. <https://catholicsaints.info/saint-marinus-of-caesarea/>

SOURCE : https://catholicsaints.info/saint-marinus-of-caesarea/

Martyr Marinus the Soldier at Caesarea in Palestine

Commemorated on August 7

Troparion & Kontakion

The Holy Martyr Marinus (December 16) was a soldier during the reign of the pagan emperors Valerian (253-259) and his son Gallienus (260-268).

When he was about to be promoted to centurion, Marinus refused to swear the customary oath invoking the pagan gods, or to offer sacrifice to idols. Saint Marinus was beheaded in Caesarea Philippi after cruel tortures.

Saint Asterius also happened to be present at the sufferings of the Martyr Marinus. When the execution was over, he took off his senatorial garb, spread it upon the ground and wrapped the head and body of Saint Marinus in it. On his own shoulders he carried the martyr’s relics to the grave and reverently consigned them to earth. For doing this, he was himself sentenced to death and beheaded in the year 260.

SOURCE : https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2016/08/07/102223-martyr-marinus-the-soldier-at-caesarea-in-palestine

Saint Asterius of Caesarea

Also known as

Asterus

Asturius

Memorial

3 March

Profile

Roman senator. Martyred for giving a Christian burial to Saint Marinus of Caesarea.

Died

beheaded c.262 at CaesareaPalestine

Canonized

Pre-Congregation

Additional Information

Book of Saints, by the Monks of Ramsgate

Lives of the Saints, by Father Alban Butler

books

Our Sunday Visitor’s Encyclopedia of Saints

other sites in english

Catholic Online

Wikipedia

sitios en español

Martirologio Romano2001 edición

fonti in italiano

Martirologio Romano2005 edition

Santi e Beati

Wikipedia

websites in nederlandse

Heiligen 3s

spletne strani v slovenšcini

Svetniki

MLA Citation

“Saint Asterius of Caesarea“. CatholicSaints.Info. 27 February 2017. Web. 9 April 2021. <https://catholicsaints.info/saint-asterius-of-cahttps://catholicsaints.info/saint-asterius-of-caesarea/esarea/>

SOURCE : https://catholicsaints.info/saint-asterius-of-caesarea/

Martyr Asterius the Senator at Caesarea, in Palestine

Commemorated on August 7

Troparion & Kontakion

The Holy Martyr Asterius the Senator lived during the reign of the pagan emperors Valerian (253-259) and his son Gallienus (260-268). Although he was a Roman senator, Asterius nonetheless held firmly to the Christian Faith, in spite of the persecutions occurring during those times.

Once, while in Palestine, he came to the city of Caesarea Philippi, where by custom a pagan feast was made with the offering of sacrifice to an idol. The demon residing in the idol made the sacrifice disappear, and this was looked upon as a great wonder. Saint Asterius expelled the demon by prayer. The sacrifice ceased to be invisible, and the pagans ceased to celebrate this impious festival.

Saint Asterius also happened to be present at the sufferings of the Martyr Marinus (December 16). When the execution was over, he took off his senatorial garb, spread it upon the ground and wrapped the head and body of Saint Marinus in it. On his own shoulders he carried the martyr’s relics to the grave and reverently consigned them to earth. For doing this, he was himself sentenced to death and beheaded in the year 260.

SOURCE : https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2000/08/07/102224-martyr-asterius-the-senator-at-caesarea-in-palestine

Santi Marino di Cesarea e Asterio Martiri


Marino visse nel III secolo sotto Gallieno. Eusebio racconta che”…allorché la pace vigeva per tutte le Chiese…” Marino, nobile ufficiale dell’esercito imperiale, avrebbe dovuto essere nominato centurione. Accusato di essere cristiano da un collega che voleva quella carica e condotto dal giudice, ebbe tre ore di tempo per riflettere. Il vescovo Teocteno allora lo condusse in chiesa davanti ad un altare, e, indicandogli la spada che portava, gli domandò di scegliere tra la spada e il Vangelo. Tre ore dopo, Marino, ancor più fermo nel proclamarsi cristiano, fu condannato alla decapitazione. Il senatore Asterio, anch’egli ricordato oggi, tentò di dargli sepoltura pur sapendo cosa rischiava, e per questo ne condivise il martirio.

Etimologia: Marino = uomo del mare, dal latino

Emblema: Palma

Martirologio Romano: A Cesarea in Palestina, santi Marino, soldato, e Asterio, senatore, martiri sotto l’imperatore Gallieno: il primo, denunciato perché cristiano da un commilitone ostile, professò a chiara voce davanti al giudice la propria fede, ricevendo la corona del martiro con la decapitazione; si tramanda che Asterio, stesa a terra la propria veste, raccolse il corpo del martire e ricevette immediatamente egli stesso il medesimo onore da lui reso al martire. 

Allorché la pace vigeva per tutte le Chiese... ": con queste parole lo storico Eusebio inizia il racconto del martirio di Marino, nobile e ricco ufficiale dell'esercito imperiale, a Cesarea di Palestina. Il periodo di pace di cui parla Eusebio è quello instaurato da Gallieno che nel 260 aveva emanato un editto di tolleranza per i cristiani. Evidentemente non tutti i magistrati ne condividevano la politica di distensione, se non mancarono episodi di intolleranza come quello che ha per protagonisti il nobile Marino e il senatore Asterio, che il Martirologio Romano celebra oggi congiuntamente col titolo di martiri.

Ecco il racconto di Eusebio. A Cesarea in Palestina era vacante un posto di centurione. Quel posto toccava a Marino. La promozione gli era già stata notificata ed egli era in attesa della consegna della verga di vite, simbolo del grado di centurione romano. Altri però ambivano a quella promozione. Uno dei più ostinati pretendenti si fece avanti dichiarando in tribunale che a Marino, a norma di antiche leggi, era vietato l'accesso a dignità romane, perchè essendo cristiano avrebbe rifiutato di sacrificare all'imperatore. 

Il giudice, un certo Acheo, infastidito da questo contrattempo, domandò a Marino quale fosse la sua religione. La risposta del soldato fu chiara e pronta: "Sono cristiano". Il giudice gli diede tre ore di tempo per riflettere. Uscito dal tribunale, Marino incontrò il vescovo Teotecno, che, dopo essersi intrattenuto con lui, lo guidò per mano verso la Chiesa. Entrativi, il vescovo lo condusse ai piedi dell'altare. Sollevandogli il mantello gli indicò la spada appesa al fianco e mostrandogli poi il Vangelo gli disse di scegliere. Marino non ebbe alcuna esitazione e scelse il libro della Sacra Scrittura. "Sii dunque di Dio, concluse il vescovo - sii con Dio e, forte nella grazia, consegui ciò che hai scelto. Va' in pace!".

Erano trascorse le tre ore. Marino, recatosi di nuovo al tribunale, davanti al giudice proclamò la sua fede "con ardire ancora più grande". Tanto bastò perché fosse condannato, seduta stante, alla pena capitale. La sentenza fu eseguita immediatamente. Al martirio del giovane ufficiale era presente il senatore Asterio, che volle emularlo nel coraggio, caricandosi sulle spalle il corpo del martire per dargli degna sepoltura, ben sapendo che quel gesto l'avrebbe compromesso. Infatti - aggiunge Rufino, il traduttore di Eusebio - Asterio condivise quasi subito con Marino l'onore del martirio.

Autore: 
Piero Bargellini

Marinus van Cesarea, Palestina; martelaar met Asterius; † 262.

Feest 3 maart (oosterse kerk: 17 maart & 7 augustus).

In het jaar 324 schreef bisschop Eusebius van Cesarea zijn 'Kerkelijke Geschiedenis'. Hij vertelt daarin over Marinus.

"Het was in de jaren dat de kerken overal in het Romeinse Rijk vrede genoten en met rust gelaten werden. Juist in die tijd werd in de Palestijnse stad Cesarea Marinus om zijn getuigenis voor Christus onthoofd. Hij was een man die hoog in aanzien stond door zijn militaire rang, zijn geslacht en zijn rijkdom. Hoe kwam het tot zijn terechtstelling? Bij de Romeinen is de wijnrank een soort ereteken. Wie dat teken bezit, wordt naar men zegt, honderdman, een eervolle rang in het leger. Nu gebeurde het dat er een vacature was voor die post. Er werd bepaald dat Marinus op grond van zijn rang het meest voor die bevordering in aanmerking kwam. Toen trad er een man voor de rechterstoel met de bewering, dat hij onaanvaardbaar was. Immers hij zou een hoge Romeinse waardigheid bekleden, terwijl hij in strijd met de oude wetten, tegelijk christen was. Dat hield in dat hij niet aan de keizers offerde; en dát voor een militair, wiens hoogste gezag juist de keizer was. Nee, die rang kwam eerder aan hemzelf toe! De rechter - Achaeus heette hij - was hevig ontsteld. Hij vroeg aan Marinus van welke richting hij was. Deze bevestigde standvastig dat hij christen was. Hierop gaf de rechter hem drie dagen bedenktijd om tot inkeer te komen.

In die bedenktijd zocht de toenmalige bisschop Theotecnus hem op, greep hem bij hand en voerde hem mee naar de kerk. Binnengekomen liet hij hem bij het altaar plaatsnemen, sloeg zijn soldatenmantel een weinig terug en toonde hem het zwaard, waarmee hij omgord was. Tegelijk hield hij hem het boek der Heilige Evangeliën voor. Hij beval hem volgens zijn eigen inzicht tussen beide een keuze te maken. Marinus stak zonder een moment te aarzelen zijn hand uit naar het heilige boek. Waarop Theotecnus tot hem sprak: 'Houd dan vast, houd goed vast aan God; ik bid dat u mag verkrijgen wat u hebt gekozen. Ga in vrede.' Op het moment dat Marinus daarvan terugkwam, werd hij door een bode aangeroepen dat hij voor de rechterstoel moest verschijnen, want de bedenktijd was voorbij. Eenmaal voor de rechter gevoerd bleek hij nog steviger vast te houden aan het geloof dan drie geleden. Hij werd op staande voet ter dood veroordeeld. Onmiddellijk werd hij weggeleid om de doodstraf te ondergaan. Zo is hij gestorven."

SOURCE : http://heiligen-3s.nl/heiligen/03/03/03-03-0262-marinus.php

Voir aussi : https://svetniki.org/sveta-marin-in-asterij-mucenca/