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E02538: John Chrysostom composes and delivers a homily On *Romanos (martyr of Antioch, S00120) during a festival held in the martyr’s memory at Antioch (Syria) or Constantinople. Written in Greek, 386/407.
online resource
posted on 2017-03-09, 00:00 authored by erizosJohn Chrysostom, On Romanos (CPG 4354, BHG 1601)
Summary:
1. The memory of the martyrs is a cause of joy for the church. Their suffering and glory are equally experienced by the whole church, since Christians and martyrs are members of the same body. The greatest thing is love. Love makes us disciples of Christ even without martyrdom. Martyrdom without love has no effect.
2. Romanos is distinguished for the great love he demonstrated in his martyrdom. It is remarkable that the Devil chose to have his tongue cut, rather than any other torment. It was an era of severe persecution, when many were martyred in manifold ways. Romanos publicly declared the faith, encouraging and strengthening martyrs, and causing the repentance of apostates. His activity inspired great courage among the Christians, and reversed their flight. The Devil decided not to subject him to martyrdom, lest it had the opposite effect. He thus had his tongue cut out, in order that the martyr’s followers might be deprived of his voice and teaching.
3. A doctor was appointed to sever the martyr’s tongue. Yet a stronger, spiritual voice was now heard speaking in his mouth. The Devil was clearly afraid of the martyr’s tongue, and this was the proof of the latter’s victory.
4. The martyr’s voice miraculously sounded after his tongue was cut out.
Summary: Efthymios Rizos
Summary:
1. The memory of the martyrs is a cause of joy for the church. Their suffering and glory are equally experienced by the whole church, since Christians and martyrs are members of the same body. The greatest thing is love. Love makes us disciples of Christ even without martyrdom. Martyrdom without love has no effect.
2. Romanos is distinguished for the great love he demonstrated in his martyrdom. It is remarkable that the Devil chose to have his tongue cut, rather than any other torment. It was an era of severe persecution, when many were martyred in manifold ways. Romanos publicly declared the faith, encouraging and strengthening martyrs, and causing the repentance of apostates. His activity inspired great courage among the Christians, and reversed their flight. The Devil decided not to subject him to martyrdom, lest it had the opposite effect. He thus had his tongue cut out, in order that the martyr’s followers might be deprived of his voice and teaching.
3. A doctor was appointed to sever the martyr’s tongue. Yet a stronger, spiritual voice was now heard speaking in his mouth. The Devil was clearly afraid of the martyr’s tongue, and this was the proof of the latter’s victory.
4. The martyr’s voice miraculously sounded after his tongue was cut out.
Summary: Efthymios Rizos
History
Evidence ID
E02538Saint Name
Romanos from Caesarea, martyr in Antioch, ob. 303 : S00120Saint Name in Source
ῬωμανόςRelated Saint Records
Type of Evidence
Literary - Sermons/Homilies Literary - Hagiographical - Accounts of martyrdomLanguage
- Greek
Evidence not before
386Evidence not after
407Activity not before
386Activity not after
407Place of Evidence - Region
Syria with Phoenicia Constantinople and regionPlace of Evidence - City, village, etc
Antioch on the OrontesPlace of evidence - City name in other Language(s)
Antioch on the Orontes Thabbora Thabbora Constantinople Κωνσταντινούπολις Konstantinoupolis Constantinopolis Constantinople IstanbulMajor author/Major anonymous work
John ChrysostomCult activities - Liturgical Activity
- Service for the Saint
