lundi 18 mai 2015

Saint THEODOTUS, Sainte THECUSA et leurs compagnons martyrs


Saint Théodote

Martyr à Ancyre (Ankara) avec de nombreux autres martyrs (4ème s.)

Alors que les chrétiens avaient peine à trouver des nourritures non offertes aux idoles, Théodote ouvrit une auberge où ils pouvaient s'approvisionner. Il visitait les chrétiens en prison. C'est ainsi qu'il vit nombre de ses amis donner leur vie pour le Christ jusqu'au jour où lui-même fut arrêté. Le juge donna licence aux bourreaux de se distraire sur saint Théodote. Le corps déchiré, les plaies avivées par du vinaigre ou des brûlures, les dents cassées à coups de pierre. Rien ne lui fut épargné sans compter d'infâmes dérisions. A la fin, lassés, les bourreaux le décapitèrent.

Vint le jour où la fête païenne conduisait les statues de Diane et de Minerve pour leur bain annuel dans le lac voisin. Ces chrétiens avaient été arrêtés et durent participer au défilé en l'honneur de ces divinités. Le gouverneur païen obligea les hommes à être nus, en tête du cortège, comme les statues des dieux païens et les femmes à monter nues sur un char devant le char des déesses jusqu'au bord du lac. En les faisant ressembler à ces déesses païennes, ce fut une humiliation pour leur pudeur et pour leur foi. Puis, une dernière fois, il chercha à les convaincre d'offrir l'encens, ce qu'elles refusèrent. Il les fit fouetter devant la foule puis noyer dans le lac avec une pierre autour du cou (*) en même temps que l'on baignait les statues. Les hommes, dont saint Théodote, furent décapités et leurs corps jetés sur un bûcher pour être brûlés comme un encens.

(*) un autre récit correspond au martyre de Sainte Claudia et ses compagnes martyres.

À Ancyre en Galatie, vers 303, les saints martyrs Théodule et Thécuse, sa tante paternelle, Alexandra, Claudie, Phaina, Euphrasie, Matrone et Julitte, vierges. Celles-ci, livrées d’abord par le gouverneur à la prostitution, furent ensuite plongées dans un étang, chacune avec une pierre au cou. Théodote fut à son tour torturé et décapité.

Martyrologe romain

SOURCE : http://nominis.cef.fr/contenus/saint/7011/Saint-Theodote.html



Théodote d’Ancyre et les sept vierges, martyrs

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Théodote était de la ville d'Ancyre, capitale de la Galatie. Dès son enfance, il fut élevé dans les maximes d'une piété solide, par les soins d'une pieuse vierge, nommée Técuse. S'étant marié, il prit une hôtellerie, et se mit à vendre du vin. Malgré les dangers que l'on trouve dans cette profession, il se montra toujours juste, tempérant, et zélé pour la pratique de tous les devoirs du christianisme. Quoique à la fleur de l'âge, il méprisait tous les biens du monde. Le jeûne, la prière et l'aumône faisaient ses délices. Non seulement il soulageait les pauvres dans leurs besoins, mais il portait encore les pêcheurs à la pénitence. Il avait aussi encouragé plusieurs fidèles à souffrir le martyre. Sa maxime était qu'il était plus glorieux à un Chrétien de vivre dans la pauvreté, que de posséder des richesses qui ne peuvent être utiles, quand on ne les emploie pas à secourir les indigents, ceux surtout qui sont persécutés pour la foi. Il condamnait une vie molle et oisive, en disant qu'elle énerve un soldat de Jésus-Christ, et qu'un homme livré au plaisir ne peut aspirer à la couronne du martyre. Ses exhortations étaient si efficaces, qu'elles retirèrent plusieurs personnes du désordre. Dieu l'honora du don des miracles ; on lit dans ses Actes qu'il guérit plusieurs malades en priant sur eux, ou en les touchant avec sa main. Il ne s'effraya point de la persécution allumée par Dioclétien, parce qu'il avait vécu toute sa vie comme un homme qui se dispose à verser son sang pour Jésus-Christ.

L'édit publié à Nicothédie en 3o3 arriva bientôt dans la Galatie, qui avait Théôctène pour gouverneur. Citait un homme cruel, qui, pour faire sa:cour au prince, lui avait promis d'exterminer en peu de temps le nom chrétien dans l’étendue de sa province. A peine le bruit de l'arrivée de l'édit se fut-il répandu à Ancyre, que la plupart des fidèles prirent la fuite. Plusieurs se cachèrent dans les déserts et sur les montagnes. Ce n'était parmi les païens que festins «t réjouissances. Ils couraient aux maisons des Chrétien, et emportaient tout ce qui leur convenait, sans éprouver d'opposition. Il ei\t été dangereux de faire entendre la moindre plainte. Si quelque Chrétien se montrait en public, il fallait qu'il optât entre souffrir pour sa religion, ou apostasier. On dépouillait de leurs biens les plus considérables, après quoi on les menait en prison, où ils étaient chargés de fers. On traînait ignominieusement dans les rues leurs femmes et leurs filles; on n'épargnait pas même les petits enfants, dont tout le crime était d'avoir reçu lé jour de parents chrétiens.
Tandis que la persécution faisait ainsi sentir ses ravages dans la ville d'Ancyre, Théodote assistait les confesseurs prisonniers, et enterrait les corps des martyrs, quoiqu'il fût défendu, sous peine de mort, de leur rendre ce devoir. Le gouverneur avait ordonné d'offrir aux idoles toutes les denrées nécessaires à la nourriture de l'homme, avant de les exposer en vente. Par là les Chrétiens se voyaient réduits ou à mourir de faim, ou à participer à l'idolâtrie. Ils se trouvaient même dans l'impossibilité de faire leur offrande à l'autel. Théodote s'était heureusement pourvu d'une ample provision de blé et de vin qui n'avaient point été souillés par les cérémonies sacrilèges des païens II les vendait aux prix qu'ils lui avaient coûté; ce qui mettait les fidèles en état de fournir à l'autel des oblations pures, et de se procurer des vivres dont ils pouvaient se servir sans blesser leur conscience, et sans porter ombrage aux idolâtres. C'était ainsi qu'à la faveur d'une profession autorisée par les lois, le cabaret d'e Théodote s'était changé en un asile pour tous les Chrétiens de la ville; que sa maison était devenue un lieu de prières où l'on s'assemblait pour adorer le vrai Dieu; que les malades trouvaient chez lui une infirmerie, et les étrangers un hospice assuré. La crainte d'être découvert ne l'empêchait point de saisir toutes les occasions de faire éclater son zèle pour la gloire de Dieu.
Victor, un de ses amis, fut arrêté vers le même temps. Les prêtres de Diane l'accusèrent d'avoir dit d'Apollon qu'il avait corrompu sa propre sœur, et que c'était une honte pour les Grecs d'honorer comme Dieu celui qui était coupable d'un crime que les plus effrontés libertins n'osaient commettre. Le juge lui offrit sa grâce s'il voulait se conformer à l'édit des empereurs. « Obéissez, lui disait-il, et votre soumission sera récompensée par des chargea honorables. Sachez qu'en cas d'opiniâtreté, Vous devez vous attendre à de cruels supplices, et à la mort la plus douloureuse. Vos biens seront confisqués, toute votre famille périra, et votre corps, après avoir essuyé toutes sortes de tortures, sera dévoré par des chiens furieux. » Théodote, instruit du danger que courait son ami, courut à la prison où il était renfermé. Il l'exhorta fortement à s'élever au-dessus des menaces des persécuteurs, et à mépriser toutes les promesses que l'on employait pour lui ravir la couronne due à la persévérance. Victor, fortifié par cette exhortation, se sentit animé d'un nouveau courage, et il souffrit patiemment les supplices, tant qu'il se souvint des instructions que Théodote lui avait données. Déjà il touchait au bout de sa carrière ; mais sa fermeté l'abandonna tout-à-coup. Il demanda du temps pour délibérer sur les propositions qu'on lui avait faites. On le reconduisit en prison, où il mourut de ses plaies, sans s'être expliqué autrement. Il laissa par là les fidèles dans l'incertitude par rapport à son salut ; c'est ce qui a rendu sa réputation douteuse dans l'Église, et ce qui l'a privé de l'honneur que l'on y rend à la mémoire des martyrs.
Il y avait à quelques milles d'Ancyre un bourg nommé Malus. Théodote, par une disposition particulière de la Providence, y arriva précisément au moment où l'on allait jeter dans la rivière d'Halys les restes du corps du martyr Valens, qui, après diverses tortures, avait été condamné à être brûlé vif. Il eut le bonheur de se procurer ces précieuses reliques. Il les emporta donc avec lui pour les déposer en lieu de sûreté. Lorsqu'il était à quelque distance du bourg, il rencontra plusieurs personnes de sa connaissance. C'étaient des Chrétiens que leurs propres parents avaient livrés aux persécuteurs, pour avoir renversé un autel de Diane, et auxquels le saint avait depuis peu fait recouvrer la liberté. l\s furent charmés de le voir, et ils lui rendirent grâces comme au bienfaiteur commun de tous les affligés. Théodote de son côte montra une grande joie à la vue des confesseurs de Jésus-Christ. Il les pria d'accepter quelques rafraîchissements avant de passer outre. S'étant tous assis sur l'herbe, il envoya inviter le prêtre du bourg à venir manger avec eux, afin qu'il récitât les prières qui se disaient avant le repas, et celles où l'on implorait le secours du ciel pour les voyageurs.
Ceux qui avaient été envoyés rencontrèrent le prêtre qui sortait de l'église après sexte, ou la prière de la sixième heure * ; mais ils ne le connurent pas d'abord. Il leur raconta un songe qu'il avait «u, puis les suivit au lieu où étaient les fidèles. Il leur offrit à tous de venir prendre leur repas dans sa maison. Théodote s'en excusa en disant que sa présence était nécessaire à Ancyre, et que les confesseurs de cette ville avaient un pressant besoin de son secours. On dîna donc sur l'herbe. Le repas fini, Théodote dit au prêtre, nommé Fronton : « Ce lieu me paraît bien propre à mettre des reliques, pourquoi différez-vous d'y bâtir une chapelle ? — II faudrait avant tout, répondit le prêtre, que nous eussions des reliques. — Dieu vous en procurera, reprit Théodote ; ayez soin seulement de préparer l'édifice pour les recevoir : je vous assure qu'elles ne tarderont pas à venir. » II tire en même temps son anneau de son doigt, et le donne à Fronton, comme un gage de la promesse qu'il lui avait faite. Après quoi il reprend la route d'Ancyre. La persécution y avait causé un bouleversement semblable à celui que produit un tremblement de terre.
Parmi ceux que l'on avait arrêtés pour la foi, étaient sept vierges, qui, dès l'enfance, s'étaient exercées à la pratique de la vertu. Le gouverneur les trouvant inébranlables dans la foi, les livra à de jeunes libertins pour les outrager, en mépris de leur religion, et pour leur ravir cette chasteté dont elles avaient toujours été si jalouses. Elle n'avaient pour se défendre que les prières et les larmes qu'elles offraient à Jésus-Christ. Elles protestaient aussi contre la violence qu'on pourrait leur faire. Un de la troupe des libertins, qui surpassait les autres en impudence, saisit Técuse, la plus âgée des vierges, et la tira à part. Celle-ci, fondant en pleurs, se jette à ses pieds, et lui parle ainsi : « Mon fils, que prétendez-vous faire ? Considérez que nous sommes consumées de vieillesse, de jeûnes, de maladies et de tourments. J'ai plus de soixante-dix ans, et mes compagnes ne sont guère moins âgées. Il vous serait bien honteux d'approcher de personnes dont les corps, semblables à des cadavres, seront bientôt la proie des bêtes et des oiseaux, car le gouverneur a ordonné qu'on nous privât de la sépulture. » Ayant ensuite ôté son voile pour lui montrer ses cheveux blancs, elle ajouta : — Laissez-vous attendrir par ce que vous voyez ; peut-être avez-vous une mère de mon âge. Si cela est, qu'elle devienne notre avocate auprès de vous. Nous ne demandons que la permission de verser librement des larmes. Puisse Jésus-Christ vous récompenser, si, comme je l'espère, vous nous épargnez ! » Un discours si tour chant éteignit le feu impur dans le cœur des jeunes libertins; ils mêlèrent même leurs larmes à celles des sept vierges, et se retirèrent en détestant l'inhumanité du juge.
Théoctène ayant appris qu'elles avaient conservé leur pureté, se servit d'un autre moyen pour vaincre leur constance. Il se proposa de les faire initier aux mystères de Diane et de Minerve, et de les, établir prêtresses de ces prétendues divinités. Les païens d'Ancyre avaient coutume d'aller tous les ans laver dans un étang voisin les images de leurs déesses. Le jour de la cérémonie étant alors arrivé, le gouverneur força les vierges à être de la fête. On devait porter les idoles en pompe, chacune dans un chariot séparé. Les sept vierges furent aussi placées dans les chariots découverts, et conduites à l'étang, afin d'y être lavées de la même manière que les statues de Diane et de Minerve. Elles étaient debout, toutes nues, et par là exposées à l'insolence de la populace. Elles étaient à la tête de cette fête impie ; venaient ensuite les chariots qui portaient les idoles, et que suivait un grand concours de peuple. Théoctène, accompagné de ses gardes, fermait la marche.
Cependant Théodote était dans de vives inquiétudes au sujet des sept vierges, et priait Jésus-Christ de les rendre victorieuses de toutes les épreuves auxquelles elles étaient exposées ; il attendait l'événement dans une maison voisine de l'église des patriarches, où il s'était renfermé avec quelques autres Chrétiens. Tous restèrent prosternés en oraison depuis la pointe du jour jusqu'à midi, qu'ils apprirent que Técuse et ses six compagnes avaient été noyées dans l'étang. Alors Théodote, transporté de joie, se redressa sur ses genoux; puis, les yeux baignés de larmes, il leva les mains au ciel, et remercia le Seigneur à haute voix d'avoir exaucé ses prières. Il demanda ensuite comment la chose s'était passée. Il lui fut répondu, par un témoin oculaire, que les vierges avaient été insensibles aux flatteries et aux promesses du gouverneur; qu'elles avaient repoussé avec indignation les anciennes prêtresses de Diane et de Minerve, qui leur présentaient la couronne et la rose blanche, comme une marque du sacerdoce qu'on leur conférait; que le gouverneur avait ordonné qu'on leur attachât de grosses pierres au cou, et qu'on les jetât à l'endroit où l'étang avait le plus de profondeur ; que l'ordre ayant été exécuté, elles avaient perdu la vie sous les eaux.
Théodote délibéra avec Polychrone, maître de la maison où il était, sur les moyens qu'on pourrait prendre pour tirer de l'étang les corps des saintes martyres; mais on apprit sur le soir que la difficulté «tait devenue encore plus grande, parce que le gouverneur avait posté des gardes auprès de l'étang ; cette nouvelle causa une vive douleur à Théodote. 11 quitta aussitôt sa compagnie pour aller à l'église des patriarches. Il n'y put entrer; les païens en avaient muré la porte. S'étant prosterné en dehors près de la conque où était l'autel, il pria quelque temps. De là il se rendit à l'église des Pères, dont la porte était aussi murée. Mais tandis que, prosterné contre terre, il répandait son âme en la présence de Dieu, un grand bruit vint frapper ses oreilles. Il s'imagina qu'on le poursuivait. Il s'enfuit, et retourna dans la maison de Polychrone, où il passa la nuit. Pendant qu'il dormait, Téouse lui apparut, et lui parla ainsi : « Vous dormez, mon fils, sans penser à nous. Auriez-vous oublié les instructions que je vous ai données pendant votre jeunesse, et les soins que j'ai pris pour vous conduire à la vertu, contre l'attente de vos parents ? Lorsque je vivais sur la terre, vous m'honoriez comme votre mère; mais vous me négligez après ma mort, et vous ne me rendez pas les derniers devoirs. Voudriez-vous que nos corps devinssent la proie des poissons ? Vous devez vous hâter, parce qu'un grand combat vous attend dans deux jours. Levez-vous donc, et allez à l'étang ; mais gardez-vous d'un traître. »
Théodote à son réveil se leva, et raconta la vision qu'il avait eue, à ceux qui étaient dans la maison. Lorsque le jour fut venu, deux chrétiens s'approchèrent de l'étang pour reconnaître la garde. On espérait que les soldats se seraient retirés à cause de la fête de Diane, mais on s'était trompé. Les fidèles redoublèrent leurs prières, et furent jusqu'au soir sans manger. Alors ils sortirent, portant des faux aiguisées pour couper les cordes qui tenaient les corps saints attachés aux pierres. La nuit était fort obscure; la lune et les étoiles ne donnaient aucune lumière. Étant arrivés au lieu où se faisaient les exécutions, et où personne n'osait aller après le coucher du soleil, ils furent saisis d'horreur à la rencontre des tètes coupées, que l'on avait fichées sur des pieux, ainsi que des restes hideux de corps brûlés. Mais ils entendirent une voix qui appelait Théodate par son nom, et qui lui disait d'avancer sans rien craindre. Effrayés de nouveau, ils formèrent le signe de la croix sur leur front, et ils virent à l'instant une croix lumineuse de côté de l'Orient. S'étant mis à genoux, ils adorèrent Dieu, et continuèrent leur route. L'obscurité était si grande, qu'ils ne s'entrevoyaient pas. Il tombait en même temps une grosse pluie qui gâtait tellement le chemin, qu'ils pouvaient à peine se soutenir.
Au milieu de tant de difficultés, ils eurent encore recours à la prière, et ils furent exaucés. Ils virent tout-à-coup un flambeau qui leur montrait la route qu'ils devaient tenir. Dans le même instant deux hommes vêtus d'habits éclatants leur apparurent et  dirent : « Prenez courage, Théodote, le Seigneur Jésus a écrit votre nom parmi ceux des martyrs ; il nous envoie pour vous recevoir. C'est nous que l'on appelle Pères. Vous trouverez près de l'étang S. Sosandre armé, dont la vue épouvante les gardes. » Mais vous n'auriez pas dû mener un traître avec vous.
Cependant l'orage continuait, et le tonnerre grondait horriblement. La tempête, accompagnée d'un vent furieux, incommodait beaucoup les gardes, qui, malgré cela, restaient toujours à leur poste. Mais lorsqu'ils virent un homme armé de toutes pièces, et environné de flammes, ils furent tellement effrayés, qu'ils s'enfuirent dans des cabanes du voisinage. Les fidèles, à la faveur de leur guide, vinrent sur le bord de l'étang. Le vent soufflait avec tant de violence, que poussant l'eau vers les bords, il découvrait le fond où étaient les corps des vierges. Théodote et ses compagnons les ayant retirés, les emportèrent et les enterrèrent près de l'église des patriarches. Les noms des sept vierges étaient, Técuse, Alexandrie, Clavdie, Euphrasie, Matrone, Julitte et Phaine.
Le lendemain toute la ville fut en rumeur à l'occasion du bruit qui se répandit qu'on avait enlevé les corps des sept vierges. Dès qu'un Chrétien paraissait, on l'arrêtait aussitôt pour l'appliquer à la question. Théodote, apprenant qu'on en avait déjà saisi un grand nombre, voulait aller se livrer lui-même, et avouer le fait; mais il en fut empêché par les frères. Cependant Polychrone, déguisé en paysan, se rendit à la place publique, pour mieux s'assurer de tout ce qui se passait dans la ville. Il fut reconnu malgré son déguisement, et conduit devant le gouverneur, qui le fit appliquer à la question. Il souffrit d'abord avec patience, mais il ne put tenir contre l'idée de la mort dont on le menaçait. Il dit que Théodote avait enlevé les corps des sept vierges, et indiqua le lieu où ils avaient été enterrés. Le gouverneur ordonna sur le champ qu'on allât les exhumer, et qu'on les brûlât. Les Chrétiens reconnurent alors que Polychrone était le traître dont ils avaient été avertis de se donner de garde.
Théodote, informé de la trahison du malheureux Polychrone, vit bien que son heure était venue. Il dit adieu aux frères, leur demanda le secours de leurs prières, et ne pensa plus qu'à se préparer au combat. Il pria lui-même longtemps avec eux, afin d'obtenir de Dieu la fin de la persécution et la paix de l'Église ; on s'embrassa ensuite de part et d'autre avec beaucoup de larmes. Théodote ayant fait le signe de la croix sur tout son corps", marcha d'un pas intrépide au lieu du combat. Il rencontra deux bourgeois de ses amis qui l'exhortèrent à pourvoir à sa sûreté pendant qu'il en était temps encore : « Les prêtresses de Diane et de Minerve, lui dirent-ils, sont présentement avec le gouverneur, auprès duquel elles vous accusent de détourner le peuple d'adorer leurs déesses. Polychrone est là aussi pour soutenir ce qu il a avancé touchant l'enlèvement des corps saints. — Si vous m'aimez toujours, répondit Théodote, ne faites point d'efforts pour me détourner de mon dessein. Allez plutôt dire au gouverneur que celui qu'on accuse d'impiété est à la porte, et qu'il demande audience. »
Ayant ainsi parlé, il prit les devants, et parut tout-à-coup en la présence de ses accusateurs. Lorsqu'il fut entré, il regarda en souriant le feu, les roues, les chevalets, et les autres instruments de supplice que l'on avait préparés. Théoctène lui dit qu'il était en son pouvoir de ne pas souffrir les tortures dont il était menacé. Il lui offrit son amitié, l'assura de la bienveillance de l'empereur, et lui promit de le faire gouverneur de la ville et prêtre d'Apollon, s'il voulait travailler à détromper les Chrétiens, et à les faire renoncer au culte de ce Jésus qui avait été crucifié sous Pilate. Théodote, dans sa réponse, releva la grandeur, la sainteté, les miracles de Jésus-Christ; en même temps il montra l'impiété et l'extravagance de l'idolâtrie, surtout par le détail des crimes infames qui étaient attribués aux dieux par les poètes et les historiens. Son discours jeta les païens dans une étrange fureur. Les prêtresses de Diane et de Minerve étaient tellement transportées de rage, qu'elles s'arrachaient les cheveux, déchiraient leurs habits, et mettaient en pièces les couronnes qu'elles portaient sur la tête. Ce n'était que cris confus parmi la populace, qui demandait justice contre l'ennemi des dieux.
Théodote fut donc étendu sur le chevalet. Chacun des païens s'empressa de le tourmenter, afin de signaler son zèle pour ses prétendues divinités. Plusieurs bourreaux, qui se relevaient tour à tour, lui déchiraient le corps avec des ongles de fer. On versa ensuite du vinaigre sur ses plaies, et on y appliqua des torches ardentes. Le martyr, sentant l'odeur de sa chair brûlée, tourna un peu la tête. Le gouverneur à ce mouvement crut qu'il cédait à la violence des tortures. « Vous ne souffrez, lui dit-il, que pour avoir manqué de respect à l'empereur et méprisé les dieux. » — Vous vous trompez, lui répondit Théodote, si vous attribuez à la lâcheté le mouvement de tête que j'ai fait. Je ne me plains que du peu de courage des ministres de vos ordres. Faites-vous donc obéir ; inventez de nouveaux supplices pour voir quelle force Jésus-Christ inspire à ceux qui souffrent pour lui. Connaissez enfin que quiconque est soutenu par la grâce du Sauveur, est supérieur à toute la puissance des hommes. » Le gouverneur, qui ne se possédait pas de rage, lui fit frapper les mâchoires et casser les dents avec des pierres. « Vous pouvez, lui disait le martyr, me faire encore couper la langue, Dieu entend jusqu'au silence de ses serviteurs. »
Les bourreaux étaient épuisés de forces, tandis que Théodote paraissait insensible aux souffrances. Le gouverneur le renvoya en prison, le réservant toutefois à de nouvelles tortures. Le martyr, en passant par la place, montrait son corps tout déchiré, comme une marque de la puissance de Jésus-Christ et de la force qu'il communique à ceux qui lui demeurent fidèles, de quelque condition qu'ils soient. « Il est juste, disait-il en faisant remarquer ses plaies, d'offrir de semblables sacrifices à celui qui nous a donné l'exemple, et qui a daigné s'immoler pour nous. »
Cinq jours après, le gouverneur le fit reparaître devant son tribunal. On l'étendit de nouveau sur le chevalet, et l'on rouvrit toutes ses plaies. On le coucha ensuite sur la terre couverte de morceaux de tuile tout rouges de feu. Cette horrible torture ne pouvant ébranler sa constance, il souffrit une troisième fois celle du chevalet. Enfin le gouverneur le condamna à perdre la tête. Il ordonna en même temps de brûler son corps, de peur que les Chrétiens ne lui donnassent la sépulture.
Quand Théodote fut arrivé au lieu de l'exécution, il remercia Jésus-Christ de l'avoir soutenu par sa grâce au milieu de ses tourments, et de l'avoir choisi pour être un des citoyens de la Jérusalem céleste. Il le pria aussi de mettre fin à la persécution, d'avoir pitié de son Église affligée, de lui rendre enfin la paix. S'étant ensuite tourné vers les Chrétiens qui l'accompagnaient, il leur dit : — Ne pleurez pas ma mort, mais bénissez plutôt notre Seigneur Jésus-Christ, qui m'a fait terminer heureusement ma course, et remporter la victoire sur l'ennemi. Lorsque je serai dans le ciel, je m'adresserai à Dieu avec confiance, et je le prierai pour vous. » Après avoir parlé ainsi, il reçut avec joie le coup qui consomma son sacrifice. Le bûcher sur lequel on mit son corps parut environné d'une lumière si éclatante, que personne n'osait en approcher pour l'allumer. Le gouverneur l'ayant appris, commanda des soldats pour garder la tête et le tronc du martyr en cet endroit.
Ce jour-là même, Fronton, prêtre de Malus, vint à Ancyre pour chercher les reliques que Théodote lui avait promises ; il apportait aussi l'anneau que le saint lui avait laissé comme un gage de sa promesse. Il était venu avec une ânesse chargée do vin provenant d'une vigne qu'il cultivait de ses propres mains. Il n'arriva qu'au commencement de la nuit. Son ânesse, épuisée de fatigue, s'abattit auprès du bûcher, par un effet de la Providence. Les gardes invitèrent Fronton à demeurer avec eux, l'assurant qu'il serait mieux que dans toute autre hôtellerie. Ils avaient fait une hutte avec des branches de saule et des roseaux, et avaient allumé du feu auprès. Comme leur souper était prêt, ils proposèrent à Fronton de manger avec eux ; celui-ci accepta la proposition, et leur fit goûter de son vin, qu'ils trouvèrent excellent, et dont quelques-uns burent jusqu'à s'échauffer un peu.
Dans la conversation, ils racontèrent ce qu'ils avaient souffert au sujet de l'enlèvement des sept vierges, qu'ils disaient avoir été fait par un homme de bronze. Ils ajoutèrent qu'ils gardaient alors le corps de cet homme. Le prêtre les pria de s'expliquer, et de le mettre au fait de cette aventure. Un de la troupe lui rapporta en détail ce qui était arrivé aux sept vierges, et de quelle manière leurs corps avaient été tirés de l'étang. Il dit ensuite qu'un nommé Théodote, bourgeois d'Ancyre, avait souffert les plus affreux tourments avec une insensibilité qui les portait à lui donner le titre d'homme de bronze, que le gouverneur l'avait condamné à mort ; qu'ils étaient chargés de garder son corps, et devaient s'attendre à une rigoureuse punition s'il leur était enlevé.
Fronton remercia Dieu de cette découverte, et le pria de l'assister dans la circonstance où il se trouvait. Après le souper, il épia le moment où les gardes seraient profondément endormis. N'ayant plus rien à craindre de leur part, il prit le corps du martyr, lui remit son anneau au doigt, et le chargea avec la tête sur le dos de son ânesse. Lorsqu'elle fut dans le chemin, il la laissa aller seule, et elle retourna d'elle-même au bourg de Malus, où l'on bâtit depuis une église sous l'invocation de S. Théodote. Ce fut ainsi que s’accomplit la promesse que le saint martyr avait fuite à Fronton de lui fournir des reliques.
SOURCE : Alban Butler : Vie des Pères, Martyrs et autres principaux Saints… – Traduction : Jean-François Godescard.
SOURCE : http://alexandrina.balasar.free.fr/theodote_dancyre.htm

Theodotus, Thecusa & Companions MM (RM)

Died at Ankara, Turkey, 304. According to a pious fiction, Saint Theodotus of Ancyra (Ankara), Galatia (Turkey), was an innkeeper who not only sold wine but also sheltered his Christian friends from persecution. Whenever he could, he also recovered the bodies of the martyred and gave them Christian burial. When returning one day to Ancyra in the company of fellow Christians, he stopped for a meal by the roadside and sent one of his companions to a nearby village to invite a Christian priest, who lived there, to join them. The priest came and invited them to his own house, but they decided that it was pleasant eating in the open, and Theodotus remarked: "What a lovely spot for a confession! Why don't you build an oratory here?"



The priest replied: "My friend, you are too precipitous. We must have the martyr before we can have the church."


To which Theodotus answered: "Ancyra is the scene of many conflicts now. Build the church, and I will provide you with the martyr. Here, take this as the token and return it when I have redeemed the pledge." And removing a gold ring from his finger, he placed it on the priest's.


A tragic episode followed. Seven Christian women--Thecusa, Alexandra, Claudia, Faina (Phaina), Euphrasia, Matrona, and Julitta--including the aunt of the innkeeper, were called before the magistrates and condemned to suffer gross indignities. Stripped and mocked, they were compelled to take part in offensive processions and ceremonies with an image of a pagan goddess, after which they were drowned in a lake, each with a heavy stone attached to her neck, and a guard was posted to prevent the recovery of their bodies.


Then Theodotus went with others, armed with sickles to cut the cords that bound the stones to the dead women. It was a dark, stormy night with lightning and thunder, and their way lay past the place of public execution with its grinning skulls and headless bodies. In pouring rain and through thick mud they made their way to the lake where, fortunately, the guards had left their posts to take shelter, and Theodotus and his friends were able to wade into the water and recover the bodies of the victims, which they loaded on to pack animals and removed for burial.


When the loss of the bodies was discovered, the authorities had no mercy. Theodotus was betrayed by his own brother and, though warned to escape, strode boldly turned himself into the court. He resisted every torture and finally was executed, and a night-watch of soldiers was set to guard his body.


That same night the priest was journeying to Ancyra with a load of wine, and at midnight came upon this group of soldiers, who told him the tavern was closed and invited him to share their camp. He untethered his ass and joined them, but when he learned from them the story of the dead victim in their care, he made them drunk with his wine and while they slept, recovered the body of his friend and returned with it to his own village.


"Ah, Theodotus," he said, "you have indeed redeemed your pledge." And taking the gold ring from his hand, he replaced it on that of his friend, and buried him in the place where he had begged him to build a church. The Bollandist Father Delehaye contends that the story is merely a moral tale (Attwater2, Benedictines, Coulson, Gill).


In art, Saint Theodotus is depicted with a torch and sword. He is, of course, patron of innkeepers (Roeder).

SOURCE : http://www.saintpatrickdc.org/ss/0518.shtml

St Theodotus, Vintner

By the example of St Theodotus we are taught the important lesson, that there is no state of life in which a man may not become a saint. He was a citizen of Ancyra, the capital of Galatia, was a married man, and followed the humble calling of an innkeeper. Although his life presented to the eyes of the world nothing extraordinary, it was one of sanctity before God: since having been disciplined in the fear of the Lord from his youth, by a holy virgin called Thecusa, he practiced temperance, chastity, and the mortification of the flesh, by fasting and other penitential works. As he loved poverty, he gave to the poor whatever he could afford; and his inn was the home of the needy, the asylum of the infirm, and a school of Christian piety. He converted many from the practice of a shameful vice and from other crimes, and also brought many, both Jews and Gentiles, to the profession of the true faith, a considerable number of whom arrived at the glory of martyrdom. He had likewise the gift of miracles, particularly that of healing the sick, which he effected by laying his hands upon them, and invoking the adorable name of Jesus.

The persecution of Diocletian was raging, and Theotecnus, a most cruel man, was governor of the province of Dalmatia. He commanded that all the churches should be demolished, and that all who were known to be followers of Jesus Christ should be slaughtered. The pagans, animated by the cruelty of the governor, entered the houses of the Christians, and plundered whatever they thought fit; and if anyone dared to complain, he was accused of being a rebel. Every day Christians were put into prison, and even noble ladies barbarously dragged through the streets; so that many hid themselves in caves, or flew to the woods, living, like the beasts, upon wild herbs.

St Theodotus remained in Ancyra, where he employed himself in assisting those who had been imprisoned for the faith, helping those in need, and burying the bodies of the martyrs. Moreover, as the governor had forbidden bread or wine to be sold to anyone who was not known as an idolater, St Theodotus supported the poor, and supplied the priests with bread and wine for the celebration of the Mass. Thus, by the charity of Theodotus, his inn became the temple of asylum of the Christians.

Having been informed that a certain friend of his, named Victor, had been imprisoned for the faith, he went by night to see him, and encouraged him, saying:

“A Christian should have no other concern than firmly to maintain his faith.”

Having learned that most enticing promises had been made to him in case he would renounce his faith, St Theodotus said:

“Believe me, my dear Victor, the promises which the impious make to us are for our perdition; they are intended to make us slumber in order that we may not see the eternal death to which they lead us.”

Victor, animated by this exhortation, went boldly to the place of torture; but having suffered for some time, demanded a respite to consider the proposals made to him. He was accordingly brought back to prison, where he soon died of his wounds, leaving his eternal salvation in great doubt, to the inexpressible grief of St Theodotus.

Some time after this sad occurrence our saint met a priest, named Fronto, in a country place called Malus, and told him that he thought it a most appropriate spot for placing the relics of the martyrs. The priest replied that the relics should be procured before the work would be undertaken. Theodotus said:

“God will take care of that. Let it by thy concern to build the crypt, and the relics shall not be wanting.”

As an earnest of this promise, he gave the priest a ring from his finger, and returned to Ancyra.

Here he learned that the bodies of seven martyred virgins had been cast into a pond, and was miraculously assisted in releasing them; for there arose a strong wind that drove the waters to the sides of the pond, and discovered at the bottom the bodies of the saints, which he drew out and placed in a neighboring oratory.

Information to this effect having been lodged against him, he voluntarily surrendered himself to the magistrates. On entering the court the governor, St Theotecnus, told him that if he sacrifieced to the gods he would be made high-priest of Apollo, and be loaded with riches and honors. Theodotus, despising all, undertook to prove to the governor the greatness and sanctity of Jesus Christ, and the enormity of the vices which the pagans themselves attributed to their false gods. But Theotecnus, angered by this discourse, ordered that he should be stretched upon the rack, and that, one after another, the executioners should tear his flesh with iron hooks; after which vinegar was poured into his wounds, and lighted torches applied to his sides.

When the saint smelt the burning of his flesh he turned his head somewhat aside, which the governor mistaking for a sign that he was yielding to the torments, approached him and said:

“Where now, Theodotus, is that daring thou didst so lately glory in? Hadst thou respected the emperor, thou wouldst not now be reduced to this piteous state. Vile innkeeper! Thou shalt learn not to contend henceforward with emperors who have power over thy life.”

St Theodotus calmly replied, “If thou hadst arrested me for any crime, then I should fear. As it is, I fear nothing. Invent new torments, and my Lord Jesus Christ, for whose love I suffer, will grant me strength to disregard them.”

The governor enraged at these words, caused his jaws to be struck with a stone so as to beat out his teeth, unpon which the saint said:

“Although thou shouldst cut out my tongue my prayers cannot be interrupted, for God hears the Christians even when they are deprived of their speech.”

The governor having ordered him back to prison he showed his wounds to the crowd as he went along, giving them thereby to understand the strength which Jesus Christ imparts to his servants.

“It is only reasonable,” he said, “to suffer thus for Our Lord, who has suffered so much for us.”

At the end of five days, the governor, seated upon a throne in one of the public squares, ordered the martyr to be again brought before him. He then commanded that his wounds should be reopened, his sides again torn with irons, and that in this state he should be stretched upon red-hot tiles. The saint, says Cardinal Orsi, feeling a most excruciating pain, penetrating to his very bowels, prayed that the Lord would somewhat mitigate his suffering; and having obtained additional consolation, continued to endure this horrible torture with admirable fortitude.

The tyrant had him stretched upon the rack a third time, and caused him to be lacerated as before; but ultimately despairing of being able to overcome his constancy, condemned him to lose his head, and ordered that his body should be burned. Arrived at the place of execution, the saint gave God thanks for the grace which had enabled him to overcome his torments, and fervently implored peace for the Church. Then turning to the Christians, who had followed him with many tears, he consoled them, and desired that they should give God thanks for his victory, assuring them that he would not fail to assist them by his prayers in heaven. He then presented his neck to the executioner, and received the crown. His body was placed upon a funeral pile to be burned, but appeared surrounded with a light so supernaturally resplendent that no one dared approach it. It was therefore left guarded by soldiers.

Upon that same day the priest Fronto arrived in Ancyra with the ring which Theodotus had given him, as an earnest that God would supply relics for the place previously prepared at Malus. He had with him an ass laden with excellent wine, and the animal upon reaching the place where the martyr’s body was being watched instantly lay down. It was night; the soldiers, who had retired to eat their supper in a little hut, invited the priest to join them, and Fronto gladly complied, giving them in return some wine. The guard, having drunk freely, fell into a sound sleep, while Fronto, adoring the wondrous ways of divine Providence, took the body of Theodotus, and, replacing his ring, laid it upon the ass. The animal being let loose, went back to Malus, where a church was subsequently built in honor of St Theodotus. His martyrdom took place in the beginning of the persecution under Diocletian, in the year 303.

Cardinal Orsi says that his acts were written by one Nilus, is most intimate friend, and an eye-witness of the facts herein recorded.

SOURCE : http://www.roman-catholic-saints.com/st-theodotus.html


St. Theodotus, Vintner, and Seven Virgins, Martyrs

From their authentic acts, written by one Nilus, an eye-witness, in Ruinart’s Acta Sincera, p. 336. See Tillemont, and the English abridgment of these acts.

A.D. 303.

ST. THEODOTUS was a citizen of Ancyra, the capital of Galatia. From his tender years he had been brought up in perfect sentiments of piety, by the care of a holy virgin called Thecusa. He was married, kept an inn, and sold wine; but, what is very rare to be found in that profession, was just, abstemious, and zealous in the practice of all the duties of religion. In the flower of his age he despised riches and pleasures; made fasting, almsdeeds, and prayer his delight, and laid himself out in relieving the necessitous, comforting the distressed, and bringing sinners to repentance: he had also encouraged many persons to suffer martyrdom. It was a settled maxim with him, that it is more glorious for a Christian to suffer poverty than to possess riches; the great advantage of which consists in employing them on the poor, those especially who were persecuted for the faith. He had likewise the gift of miracles; for, according to his acts, he, by his prayers and the laying on of his hands, healed such as were afflicted with incurable diseases. A life of softness and ease he condemned as unworthy a Christian, saying, that “it enervates a soldier of Christ, and that a Christian addicted to pleasure can never be a martyr,” as every disciple of Christ is bound to be in the disposition of his heart. So persuasive were his exhortations to piety, that by them he converted drunkards to temperance, the most debauched persons to continence, and the covetous to the love of poverty. When the persecution of Dioclesian was raised against the church, Theodotus was not dismayed; because his whole life had been a preparation for martyrdom. The bloody edicts published at Nicomedia in 303 soon reached Galatia. Theotecnus, the most cruel governor of that province, promised the emperor to extirpate the Christian name out of his district. No sooner had the bare report of his being on the road to Ancyra reached that city, than the greater part of the faithful betook themselves to flight; incredible numbers of them taking shelter in desert and mountainous places. The Pagans in the mean while feasted and revelled in transports of public joy on this occasion. They broke into the houses of the Christians, and carried off whatever they pleased without opposition; for the least complaint would have been dangerous to him that made it. No Christian was seen in the streets, unless to suffer for his religion, or to renounce it: the most noted persons among them lay in prison, loaded with irons, their goods confiscated, their wives and daughters dragged about the street by insolent ruffians, and their very babes forced to undergo the greatest hardships on account of the religious principle of their parents, the only crime they alleged against them.

While this violent persecution raged at Ancyra, Theodotus assisted those who were imprisoned for the faith, and buried the bodies of the martyrs, though the performance of that last duty was forbidden under pain of death. The governor had ordered all the provisions that were sold publicly to be offered to the idols before they were exposed to sale, that the Christians might be reduced to starve, or give a sanction to that abominable consecration, and even be obliged to unite the service of Jesus Christ with that of the devils on the very altar. But Theodotus had laid in a large stock of corn and wine which he sold to the Christians at prime cost, and thus the altars were furnished with pure oblations, and the faithful supplied with food without defiling their consciences, or giving the least umbrage to the Pagans. His profession privileged this way of proceeding; and thus while he seemed only employed in keeping an inn, his house was at once the place of divine worship, an hospital for the sick and strangers, and the only refuge for the Christians in that town. While he thus studied the security of others, he freely exposed his own life on all occasions where the glory of God was concerned. A friend of his named Victor, was taken up at that time, and accused by the priests of Diana of having said Apollo had debauched that goddess, his own sister; and that it was a shame for the Greeks to honour him as a god who was guilty of a crime that shocks the lewdest of men. The judge offered him his life if he would comply with the edict of the emperor; and he was made to believe his obedience would be rewarded with great preferment at court; but if he remained obstinate he was to expect a slow and painful death; his body should be thrown to the dogs, his estate confiscated, and his family quite destroyed. Theodotus, full of apprehension for his friend thus powerfully attacked, hastened to the prison where he was confined, encouraged him to bear up against all the menaces, and despise the promises that were employed to deprive him of the eternal reward due to his perseverance. Victor received fresh courage from his discourse, and as long as he remembered the instructions of our saint, was an overmatch for all the cruelty of his executioners. He had almost finished his course, when he desired some time to consider the proposals that had been offered him; upon which he was carried back to prison, where he died of his wounds without making any further declaration, which has left his end doubtful in the church, and deprived him of the honour due to martyrs.

There is a town at some miles’ distance from Ancyra called Malus, where Theodotus, by a particular disposition of providence, arrived just as the persecutors were throwing into the river Halys the remains of the martyr Valens, who after long and cruel torments had been burnt alive. These relics Theodotus found means to secure, and was carrying off, when at some little distance from Malus, he was met by some Christians, who had been taken up by their own relations for beating down an altar of Diana, and had lately recovered their liberty by his means; Theodotus having, besides great trouble and expense in the affair, exposed his very life in their deliverance. They were all overjoyed to see him, and joined in thanks to him, as the common friend and benefactor of persons in distress; and he no less rejoicing at the sight of those glorious confessors, desired they would allow him to give them some refreshment before they went any further. They sat down about a quarter of a mile from the town, and sent thither to invite the priest of the place to dine with them, and say the usual prayers before meat, 1 and those for travellers before they pursued their journey. The messengers met the priest as he was coming out of the church after sext, or the prayer of the sixth hour, 2 who pressed Theodotus to come to his house to dine with him; but our saint desired to be excused, being in haste to return to Ancyra for the assistance of the suffering Christians in that city. After dining together on the spot, Theodotus told the priest, he thought that place very proper for the lodging relics. “Yes,” said Fronto, for that was the priest’s name, “but we must have them before we can think of building a place for their reception.” Theodotus told him, God would take care of that; desired he would only see an edifice raised as soon as possible; and assured him the relics should not be wanting. When he had given him this assurance, he took his ring from his finger, left it with the priest as an earnest of his promise, and returned to Ancyra, where he found the persecution had made as much havock as an earthquake could have done.

Among those who suffered in that city were seven virgins, grown old in virtue. The governor, finding them invincible in the profession of the Christian faith, delivered them into the hands of some young libertines to be insulted and abused in contempt of their religion, and to the prejudice of their chastity, which had always been their brightest ornament. They had no arms but prayers and tears, which they offered to Jesus Christ, the author and guardian of their virtue; and protested against the violence offered them. One of the young debauchees more impudent than the rest laid hold of Thecusa, the oldest of that holy company, and dragged her aside. Thecusa cast herself at his feet bathed in tears, and thus expostulated with him: “My son, what designs can you have on such as us, quite worn out as you see with fasting, sickness, torments and old age?” She was upwards of seventy, and her companions not much younger. “It is preposterous,” said she, “to entertain a passion for such carcasses as ours, shortly to be cast forth to be devoured by beasts and birds of prey; for the governor refuses us burial.” Then rending her veil, she showed him her grey hairs, saying: “Pay some regard to these, who, perhaps, have a mother of the same age. For her sake, leave us to our tears, ’tis all we desire; and do not despair of a reward from Christ on account of your forbearance.” The young men were all so affected with this speech that they desisted, and joined their tears with those of the holy virgins, and withdrew. Theotecnus perceiving his design defeated, attacked their constancy another way. He proposed their engaging in the service of Diana and Minerva, and officiating as priestesses to those pretended deities. The heathens of Ancyra had an annual custom of washing the images of those goddesses in a neighbouring pond; and the day for performing that ceremony happening at that time, the governor obliged them to attend the solemnity. As the idols were each to be carried thither in a pompous manner, and in a separate chariot, the governor gave orders for the seven virgins to be placed in derision in other open chariots, in a standing posture, naked, and to be carried with the idols to the pond for the same purpose. They accordingly led up the procession, then came the idols followed by a great crowd of people, and Theotecnus himself in the rear attended by his guards. Theodotus was all this while under great concern for the seven virgins, begged the Almighty to carry them victoriously through the severe trials to which they were exposed, and waited the event in a house near the church of the patriarchs, in company with some other devout persons. They had been prostrate on the ground, and fixed in prayer from break of day till noon, when news was brought that Thecusa and her six companions had been all thrown into the pond aforesaid, and there drowned. Theodotus, overjoyed at this account, raised himself on his knees, shed a flood of tears, lifted up his hands to heaven, and with a loud voice returned thanks for the success of his prayers. He then inquired into the particulars of their sufferings and behaviour, and was told by one who had been in the crowd and had seen all things that passed, how that the virgins had slighted all the governor’s fair speeches and promises, had severely rebuked the priestesses of the heathen deities that presented them the crowns and white garments which were the badges of their priestly office, and rejected their offer with horror and indignation. Whereupon the governor ordered them to be thrown into the deepest part of the pond, with large stones hung about their necks, which was accordingly executed. Theodotus, upon hearing this, consulted with the master of the house and one Polychronius how they should get the bodies of the seven martyrs out of the water; and in the evening they were informed that the task was rendered more difficult by the guards the governor had posted near the pond. This news gave Theodotus a most sensible affliction. He left his company and went to the church of the patriarchs; but found the Pagans had deprived him of the comfort he expected there by walling up the door. However, he prostrated himself without the church, near the shell where the altar stood, and continued there some time in prayer. From thence he made his way to another church, where, finding the same bar to his entrance, he again threw himself on the ground near the building, and poured out his soul in fervent prayer. But hearing a great noise behind him, imagining he was pursued, he went back to the house where he had left his friends, and lay there that night. Thecusa appeared to him in his dream, reproached him with taking his ease while she and the companions of her sufferings were neglected; conjured him by all the pains she had taken for his education, and the affection he once bore her, to rescue their bodies from the fishes; assured him he should be called to a like trial within two days, and then bid him arise and go directly to the pond, but to beware of a traitor.

Upon this he arose, and related his vision to his companions, and as soon as it was day, sent two persons to take a view of the guard, which they hoped would be drawn off on account of its being the festival of Diana, but they were mistaken. To engage the blessing of God more effectually on the undertaking, they fasted till night, and then set out. It was very dark, and neither moon or stars appeared, which enhanced the horror of the place, it being where malefactors were executed. It was strewed with heads and scattered remains of burnt bodies. This shocking scene would probably have made them give over the attempt for that time had not they been encouraged by a voice which called our saint by his name and bid him go on boldly. Upon this invitation they made the sign of the cross on their foreheads, 3 and immediately saw before them a light in the form of a cross to the eastward. They fell on their knees, adored God with their faces turned toward that glorious phenomenon, after which they went on; but it was so dark that they could not see one another; at the same time a heavy rain fell, which made it so dirty that they could scarcely keep themselves upon their legs. In this difficulty they had recourse to prayer, and immediately a body of fire appeared, and moved before them; and two men clothed in shining garments appearing to them were heard to say: “Theodotus, take courage, God has written thy name among the martyrs: he has sent us to receive thee: we are they whom they call the Fathers: thou wilt find near the pond Sosander in arms; and the guards are in a terrible consternation at the sight of him; but thou shouldest not have brought a traitor with thee.” This last clause none of the company understood. The storm still continuing, the thunder, wind, and rain made the sentinels very uneasy in their post; but the apparition of a man completely armed darting fire round him was too terrible to allow them to keep their ground. They accordingly betook themselves to the neighbouring cottages. The way being thus cleared for our martyr and his companions, following their guide, or luminous body before mentioned, they came to the side of the pond; and the wind raged so violently, that, as it drove the water to the sides of the pond, it discovered the bottom where the bodies of the virgins lay. Whereupon Theodotus and his companions drew out the bodies, laid them upon horses, and carried them to the church of the patriarchs, near which they interred them. The names of these seven martyrs were Thecusa, Alexandria, Claudia, Euphrasia, Matrona, Julitta, and Phaina.

The news of this removal of the saints bodies was spread all over the town the next day; every Christian who appeared was put to torture about it. Theodotus, understanding that several had been taken up, was for surrendering himself and owning the fact; but the Christians would not let him follow his inclinations. Polychronius, who had assisted our saint in carrying off the bodies of the seven virgins, the better to be informed of what passed in the city, disguised himself in a peasant’s dress, and went to the market-place. But he was discovered by some who knew him to be related to Thecusa, carried before the governor, examined, and being beaten by his order, and threatened with death, he was weak and base enough to say that Theodotus had taken away the bodies, and discovered the place where he had concealed them. Upon which, orders were given for these valuable relics to be taken up and burnt; and thus it appeared who was the traitor against whom they had been cautioned. Theodotus being informed of this, took his last farewell of the brethren, begged their prayers, and prepared himself for the combat. They continued a long time in prayer, beseeching God to put an end to the persecution, and grant peace to the church. They then embraced him; who making the sign of the cross over his body, 4 went boldly to the place of trial. Meeting two of his old acquaintance and fellow-citizens on the way, they endeavoured to persuade him to provide for his own security, before it was too late; and told him the priestesses of Diana and Minerva were that moment with the governor, accusing him of discouraging the worship of the gods, and that Polychronius too was there, ready to prove what he had alleged about his carrying off the bodies of the seven martyrs.

Theodotus assured them they could not give him a more substantial proof of their regard for him than by going to the magistrates, and telling them the man against whom those articles were alleged was at the door, and desired admittance. Being come to the end of his journey, he with a smiling countenance surveyed the fire, wheels, racks, and other instruments of torture which they had got ready upon this occasion. The governor told him it was still in his power to avoid the torments prepared for the disobedient; offered him his friendship, assured him of the good will of the emperor, and promised to make him a priest of Apollo, and governor of the town, upon condition that he would endeavour to recover his neighbours and friends from their delusion, and teach them to forget Jesus Christ. Theodotus in his reply, on one hand insisted on the enormous crimes the heathen gods stood charged with even by their own poets and historians; and on the other, extolled the greatness and the miracles of Jesus Christ. A discourse like this could not but incense the idolaters. The priestesses were so transported with rage that they rent their clothes, dishevelled their hair, and tore their crowns, which were the marks of their sacrilegious dignity; and the populace were very clamorous in demanding justice on this enemy of their gods. The governor ordered him to be stretched on the rack, and every one seemed desirous of having a share in vindicating the honour of the offended deities. Several executioners were successively employed it tearing his body with iron hooks; then vinegar was poured upon his wounds, and his flesh burnt with torches. When the martyr smelt the burning of his flesh he turned his head aside a little, which the governor mistaking for a sign of his fainting under the torments, put him in mind that his present sufferings were all owing to his disrespect for the emperor, and contempt of the gods. The martyr told him he was mistaken in imagining he was in a yielding disposition, because he turned his head aside; on the contrary, he could not help thinking that his officers did their duty carelessly, and therefore entreated him to see that his orders were better obeyed. He then bid him invent new tortures, which should all contribute to show what courage Jesus Christ inspires into such as suffer for him; and let him know in plain terms, that while he was thus united to, and supported by his Saviour, he was an overmatch for all the power of men. The governor, surprised and enraged at this freedom, commanded him to be struck on the jaws with a stone in order to beat out his teeth. But Theodotus told him nothing of that nature could interrupt his conversation with his God, who would hear the language of his heart and sufferings, if he should be deprived of the use of speech. The executioners were now quite tired out with labour, while the martyr seemed to feel nothing; upon which he was ordered back to prison, and reserved for further punishment. As he went along, he took care to draw the eyes of the crowd on his mangled body, which he offered to their consideration as a glorious proof of the power of Jesus Christ, and the strength he gives to his servants, of what condition soever, and pointing at his wounds: “It is but reasonable,” said he, “that we should offer to Him such sacrifices who was pleased to set us the example, and submit to be sacrificed for us.” At the end of five days the governor ordered Theodotus to be brought before him, and finding his courage not the least abated, directed the executioners to stretch him a second time upon the rack, and open all his wounds. He then caused him to be taken off and laid upon the ground, strewed with red hot tiles, which put him to inexpressible torment. But finding him not to be overcome, though put upon the rack the third time and tortured as before, he condemned him to lose his head; with strict orders that his body should be burnt to prevent its being buried by the Christians. The holy martyr being come to the place of execution, returned thanks to Jesus Christ for his grace and support under the torments he had undergone, and for having made choice of him for a citizen of the heavenly Jerusalem: he also begged of him to put an end to the persecution, and grant peace to his afflicted Church. Then turning to the Christians who attended him, bid them not weep, but rather thank God for having enabled him to finish his course, and overcome the enemy; and assured them that he would employ his charity in praying for them with confidence in heaven. 5 After this short speech he cheerfully received the fatal stroke. The corpse was then laid upon a large funeral pile, but before they could set fire to it, they beheld it surrounded with such an extraordinary light that none durst approach near enough to kindle it. This being reported to the governor, he ordered the body to be watched by a guard he despatched thither for that purpose.

Fronto the priest of Malus came to Ancyra that day with the view of carrying back the relics Theodotus had promised him, and had brought with him the ring he had left in his hands as a pledge. He had with him an ass laden with wine of his own vineyard which he cultivated himself: this was probably designed as a present to Theodotus. He reached the town in the evening; his ass, tired with the journey, lay down near the pile, and did not seem disposed to go any further. The soldiers invited him to pass the night with them, where they assured him he might be better accommodated than at an inn; they having made themselves the day before a hut of reeds and willow branches, near which they had kindled a fire and dressed their supper just as the priest arrived, whom they invited to partake with them. Fronto accepted of their invitation, and in return gave them a taste of his wine, which they found excellent, and of which they drank pretty freely. They then began to talk of what they had suffered on occasion of the dead bodies of seven women being carried away by one made of brass, as they said, whose body was now in their custody. Fronto desired they would explain themselves, and let him into the story of the dead bodies and the brazen man. One of them undertook to give the particulars of the seven martyrs, the rescue of their bodies, the seeming insensibility of Theodotus while under the sharpest torments, which was the reason of their calling him a man of brass; and the punishment they had reason to expect if they lost his body. Hereupon Fronto gave God thanks, and invoked his assistance on the present occasion. After supper, perceiving the guards in a dead sleep, he took the venerable relics of the martyr, put his ring upon his finger, and laid the body on the ass, which being let loose, went directly home, where a church has been since built in honour of the martyr; and thus the saint’s promise of furnishing the priest with relics was made good

This account was drawn up by Nilus, who had lived with the martyr, had been his fellow-prisoner, and was an eye-witness of what he relates.

Note 1. Nec enim cibum sumere consueverat sanctus, nisi benedicente presbytero. Act. p. 341. [back]

Note 2. That is, noon or twelve o’clock: the Terce of the ancients, or the third hour corresponding to our nine in the morning; and their None or ninth hour to our three in the afternoon, or thereabouts. [back]

Note 3. Perterrefacti crucis signum suæ quisque impressit fronti. Act. p. 344. [back]

Note 4. Totumque corpus suum signo crucis muniens, in stadium processit animo imperterrito, p. 345. [back]

Note 5. Deinceps enim in cælis cum fiducia Deum pro vobis deprecabor, p. 349. [back]

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

SOURCE : http://www.bartleby.com/210/5/182.html

St. Theodotus of Ancyra

Martyr. On 18 May the Roman Martyrology says: "At Ancyra, in Galatia, the martyr Saint Theodotus and the saintly virgins Thecusa, his aunt, Alexandra, Claudia, Faina, Euphrasia, Matrona, and Julitta", etc. They are mentioned in all the menologies, and Theodotus has a special feast on 7 June (Nilles, "Kal. man.", I, 162, and II, 583). He is patron of innkeepers. Emblems: torches and the sword. According to the Acts (Acta SS., May, IV, 147) Theodotus was a married man who kept an inn at Ancyra, the capital of Galatia. He is described as a man very zealous in the performance of his Christian duties, endowed with many virtues, especially charity towards his neighbour. He brought sinners to repentance and strengthened many in their faith during the persecution which Theoctenus, the governor of the province, was carrying on, about 303, in accordance with the edict of Diocletian. The name of a certain Victor is mentioned as one who grew weak in his profession of Christianity and received much encouragement from Theodotus. The governor ordered that all provisions exposed for sale should first be offered to the idols. Theodotus laid in stores of goods and his house became a refuge for the Christians, a hospital for the sick, and a place for Divine worship. At Malos, about five miles from Ancyra, he sought out the body of the martyr, Valens, and gave it Christian burial. Returning to Ancyra he found the Christians in great trouble. The seven virgins mentioned above had been called before the judges and made a valiant profession of their faith; they were then sent to a house of debauchery, but preserved their purity. Then they were obliged to suffer cruel torments and were cast into the sea with stones attached to their bodies. Theodotus succeeded in rescuing the bodies and honourably burying them. In consequence he was arrested, and after many sufferings was killed by the sword; his body was miraculously brought to Malos and there entombed by the priest Fronto. A chapel was built over the grave, and the saint was held in great veneration. The legend is told by Nilus who claims to have been an eye-witness to a great part of what he describes. Ruinart (page 372) places it among his "Acta sincera et selecta". Pio Franchi produced a critical edition of the Acts in "Studi e Testi" (Rome, 1901). He considered them trustworthy, but later changed his opinion. Delehaye (Anal. Boll., XXII, 320, and XXIII, 478) says: "The kernel of the legend is a tale narrated by Herodotus, while the existence of the hero of the narrative is not vouched for by any historic document."


Sources

BUTLER, Lives of the Saints; Dict. of Christ. Biog., IV, 580; Röm. Quartalschrift, XVIII, 289; Der Katholik (1895), 569; LECLERCQ, Les Martyrs, II, VIII (Paris, 1903); CHEVALIER, Bio-Bibl., II, 4429.

Mershman, Francis. "St. Theodotus of Ancyra." The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 14. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1912. 18 May 2015 <http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14579a.htm>


Ecclesiastical approbation. Nihil Obstat. July 1, 1912. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York.
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