E02091: The Martyrdom of *Felix and Fortunatus (brothers, martyrs of Aquileia and Vicenza, S01164) is written in Latin, probably between the 5th and the 7th c., presumably in Aquileia. It narrates the trial and death of Felix and Fortunatus under Diocletian and Maximian, and how their bodies are disputed between the cities of Vicenza and Aquileia, each taking one of the martyrs.
Creators: name: Mpignot
Publisher: name: University of Oxford
Year: 2016
Subjects: History

description: Martyrdom of Felix and Fortunatus (BHL 2860)<br><br>Summary:<br><br>§ 1: In the eighteenth year of Diocletian and Maximian, an edict was issued in all cities ordering the killing of all Christians. It was ordered that anyone who wanted to trade should first be asked to sacrifice and that anyone hiding Christians should be punished. At that time, the prefect Apollinaris is sent from Rome to appoint magistrates and judges throughout Italy. In Aquileia the cruel pagan and persecutor of Christians, Euphemius, takes office as governor; he enters the temple of Jupiter and offers sacrifices. All citizens are invited to offer sacrifice in the Capitol, and all denounce their Christian friends.<br><br>§ 2: A certain Apamius from the governor’s office informs him that there are two Christian brothers in the city. The governor orders them to be arrested and interrogated; they find them praying to the Lord and praising his greatness. They are arrested and brought to the governor. The first (princeps) among the office of the governor presents them to him.<br><br>§ 3: Felix enters, signs himself on the forehead, hitting his breast and praying. The governor asks him his name and the name of his brother, and where they come from, if not from the city. Felix tells him that they are Felix and Fortunatus and are from the region, however they dwell in a forest to avoid the inhabitants who venerate idols. Euphemius reminds him of the edict of the emperors, but Felix replies that it only applies to those who obey them, while they have their own king in heaven.<br><br>§ 4: The governor orders them to be severely beaten; they pray to Jesus Christ, quoting Psalm 132:1 and asking Him to help them remain steadfast and serve as witnesses to the only God against the idols. While Euphemius emphasises that the emperors are angry against Christ and that he will kill them, they note that the more they are tortured the more they will be glorified since their glory is spiritual in contrast to that worldly power that is meant to pass.<br><br>§ 5: The governor, much angered, orders them to be put on a rack and their sides burnt with torches. Felix and Fortunatus sing hymns while being tortured, asking for help from the archangel Michael. The torches are extinguished, they praise the Lord. Euphemius demands that they sacrifice to Jupiter but Felix states that their protection is Christ. The gods cannot save them.<br><br>§ 6: Euphemius orders them to be laid on their back and hot oil to be poured on them, but Felix and Fortunatus find it refreshing thanks to Jesus Christ. Euphemius orders their mouths to be crushed to prevent them from speaking against the gods. Fortunatus replies that they fear no punishment as they will be protected by an angel. One of the advisors of the governor suggests that they should be sentenced to death.<br><br>§ 7: The governor orders them to be beheaded. They are taken outside the city next to the river flowing near Aquileia. Kneeling to thank God in prayer for being worthy of martyrdom, they ask God to grant them access to paradise where dwell all those who are crowned in martyrdom. As they pray and kiss each other, they are beheaded, then everybody leaves.<br><br>§ 8: At night, religious men (viri religiosi) from the city come and embalm the bodies secretly in clean linen cloths (linteamina). Meanwhile people from the city of Vicenza come and ask to bring the bodies to their city, but the inhabitants of Aquileia refuse. After some time, they find a solution, fearing the governor and pagans: each city takes one of the martyrs. Felix and Fortunatus were martyred the nineteenth day of the calends of September [= 14 August].<br><br>Text: Mattaloni 2008, 258-272. Summary: M. Pignot.