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E04188: Theodoret of Cyrrhus in his Ecclesiastical History recounts the persecution of Christians in Persia under Shah Yazdegerd I (r. 399-420), mentioning the martyrs *Abdas (bishop and martyr in Persia, S01857) and *Beniamin (deacon and martyr in Persia, S01858). Written in Greek at Cyrrhus (northern Syria), 444/450.
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posted on 2017-10-19, 00:00 authored by erizosTheodoret of Cyrrhus, Ecclesiastical History 5.41 (39)
The bishop Abdas destroys a fire temple and is put to death. Theodoret describes the destruction of the temple as an unfortunate provocation, even though he admires the martyr for his refusal to rebuild it – it would have been like venerating the fire. Yet the destruction kindles a persecution which goes on for thirty years.
5.41.18-23
Martyrdom of the deacon Beniamin
He was imprisoned for two years, till freed at the request of a Roman ambassador. He resumed his missionary activity, and was arrested again. He was tortured and put to death by impalement.
The bishop Abdas destroys a fire temple and is put to death. Theodoret describes the destruction of the temple as an unfortunate provocation, even though he admires the martyr for his refusal to rebuild it – it would have been like venerating the fire. Yet the destruction kindles a persecution which goes on for thirty years.
5.41.18-23
Martyrdom of the deacon Beniamin
He was imprisoned for two years, till freed at the request of a Roman ambassador. He resumed his missionary activity, and was arrested again. He was tortured and put to death by impalement.
History
Evidence ID
E04188Saint Name
Abdas, bishop and martyr in Persia, ob. c. 415 : S01857 Beniamin, deacon and martyr in Persia, ob. c 415 : S01858Saint Name in Source
Ἀβδᾶς ΒενιαμίνRelated Saint Records
Type of Evidence
Literary - Other narrative texts (including Histories)Language
- Greek
