CHAPTER III

MARTYRDOM OF THE HOLY MARTYRIUS AND MARCIAN

THE persecution increased in violence, and led to deeds of blood. Martyrius and Marcian were among those who were slain. They had been the servants of Paul, and were delivered up by Macedonius to the governor, as having been guilty of the murder of Hermogenes, and of exciting the former sedition against him. Martyrius was a sub-deacon, and Marcian a singer, and a reader of Holy Scripture. Their tomb is situated opposite to the walls of Constantinople, and within the precincts of a house of prayer, which was commenced by John and completed by Sisinius, two bishops of the church of Constantinople. These men, who were so highly honoured of God, judged rightly that they would not be deprived of the honours attending martyrdom; for the place where their tomb was erected had been anciently used as a receptacle for the heads of criminals who had been executed, and had been in consequence deserted, on account of the spectral apparitions which were said to be frequent on the spot; but the spectres were dispersed at their tomb, and many other notable miracles were wrought there. These are the particulars which I have heard concerning Martyrius and Marcian. If what I have related appears to be scarcely credible, it is easy to apply for further information to those who are more accurately acquainted with the circumstances; and indeed, far more wonderful things are recorded concerning them than those which I have detailed.