Martyrs and Martyrdom

“Martyr” comes from the Greek, μάρτυς, meaning “witness.” During the first few centuries following the Lord Jesus Christ’s ascension, the term acquired an extended meaning – that of a believer who endures suffering and death for his or her faith. Here is what some of the Church Fathers had to say about martyrs and martyrdom:

“The whole earth has been crimsoned by the blood of Martyrs; heaven is flowery with the crowns of Martyrs, the churches are adorned with the memorials of Martyrs, seasons distinguished by the birthdays of Martyrs….”
- Augustine

“You may kill us, but you can never hurt us.”
- Justin Martyr

“Fire and sword, beasts of prey, irons to rend flesh, are an indulgence rather than a terror to a Christian.”
- Gregory of Nazianzus

“Accustom your limbs rather to fetters than to bracelets of gold; on the neck of yours now encircled with chains of pearls and emeralds, leave a spot where the sword of the lictor can fall…. The robes which the angels are bringing you, remember, are the robes of martyrdom.”
- Tertullian

“May I have the joy of the beasts that have been prepared for me; and I pray that I may find them prompt; nay I will entice them that they may devour me promptly, not as they have done to some….”
- Ignatius

“I am the wheat of God, and let me be ground by the teeth of the wild beasts, so that I may be found the pure bread of Christ.”
- Ignatius

“I am assured that while I live I shall be the victor in my contest with you, and if you cause me to be put to death I shall be still more than a conqueror.”
- Felicitas (before her execution)

“The priest of God holding fast the Gospel and keeping Christ’s precepts may be slain; he cannot be conquered.”
- Cyprian

“It is not martyrs that make the Gospel, but…martyrs are made by the Gospel.”
- Cyprian

“It is the cause, not the punishment, that makes martyrs.”
- Augustine

About these ads