St. Apollonius, Martyr, A.D. about 311.
by VP
Posted on Wednesday April 10, 2024 at 12:00AM in Saints
"He was a zealous, holy anchoret, who being informed of the cruel persecution of the Christians at Alexandria, under Maximin, left his solitude to visit and encourage those who suffered. He was apprehended by the persecutors at Antinous in Egypt, and cast into prison. Many heathens came to insult and affront him while in chains; and among others one Philemon, a musician, very famous, and admired by the people. He treated the martyr as an impious person, and a seducer, and one who deserved the public hatred. To his insults the saint only answered: "My son, may God have mercy on thee, and not lay these reproaches to thy charge." This his meekness wrought so powerfully on Philemon, that he forthwith professed himself a Christian. Both were brought before the judge, who after making them suffer all kinds of torments, condemned them to be burnt alive. When the fire was kindled about them, Apollonius prayed thus: "Lord, deliver not to beasts the souls who confess thee; but manifest thy power." At that instant, a cloud of dew encompassed the martyrs, and put out the fire. The judge and people cried out at this miracle: "The God of the Christians is the great and only God." The prefect of Egypt being informed of it, caused the judge and the two confessors to be brought to Alexandria loaded with irons. During the journey, Apollonius, by his instructions, prevailed so far upon those who conducted him, that they presented themselves also to the prefect with their prisoners, and confessed themselves likewise Christians. The prefect ordered them all to be thrown into the sea, about the year 311.
See here the force of patience and meekness. These are the arms which the Gospel
puts into your hand. Fight with these, if you have enemies to overcome;
for they are more powerful than passion and violence. To be more
expert, practice daily in ordinary occasions. Do not accustom yourself to anger or peevish expressions of resentment:
be not noisy and loud, but with a generous meekness stand your ground.
Thus in your patience you will possess your own soul, and gain your
enemies." The Catholic Year by Rev. Fr. John Gother
