Commemorated on September 4
The Martyr Babylas and 84 disciples with him suffered in the city of
Nicomedia for confessing Christianity during the reign of the emperor
Maximian (284-305). The emperor, who was then in Nicomedia, renewed the
persecution against Christians.
Like many other believers, St
Babylas was denounced as someone who was instructing children in
Christian piety. When Babylas was brought before the emperor, and after
his confession of faith in the true God, he was given over to many
torments.
During his sufferings the holy martyr cried to God, “I
thank You, O Lord, that You have made me, who am old and infirm, to be
young and strong.” After being pelted with stones, he was clapped in
irons and they took him to prison.
Then the saint ‘s young
disciples were brought before the emperor. Neither flattery nor promise
of gifts were able to alter the Christian convictions of the children.
Two of them, Ammonias and Donatus, firmly declared, “We are Christians,
and we will not offer sacrifice to deaf and dumb devils.”
The
emperor flew into a rage over the unexpected and firm rebuke from the
children. At first, he ordered them to be whipped, and later to be put
to death by beheading, together with their teacher. On the way to
execution, the holy Martyr Babylas quoted Isaiah, “Behold, I and the
children which God has given me” (Isaiah 8:18). With spiritual
rejoicing, first St Babylas, and then his 84 disciples, received the
crown of martyrdom.
SOURCE:
SAINT OR FEAST POSTED THIS DATE 2015(with 2014's link here also and further: 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008 and even 2007!):
No comments:
Post a Comment