Hope.
[March 29.]
S. Limineus, M. at Clermont in Auvergne, circ. A.D. 255.
SS. Jonas and Barachisius, Monks MM. in Persia, A.D. 327.
S. Mark, B. of Arethusa, and S. Cyril, D.M. in Syria, A.D. 362.
S. Mark of Athens, H. in Libya, 4th cent.
SS. Armogastes, Archinimus, and Saturus, MM. in Africa, circ. A.D. 463.
S. Gundleus or Gwynllyw Filwr, K.H. in Wales, circ. A.D. 529. (See Jan. 24th, S. Cadoc.)
S. Eustace, Ab. of Luxeuil, A.D. 625.
S. Ludolf, M.B. of Ratzeburg, in Germany, A.D. 1201.
B. Hugo, Mk. of Vaucelles, 13th cent.
SS. JONAS AND BARACHISIUS, MM.
(A.D. 327.)
[Greek Menology of the emperor Basil the younger, and Roman Martyrology. Authority:—The Acts written by an eye-witness, Esaias, an Armenian knight in the troops of king Sapor, pub. in Chaldaic by Asseman. The Greek version in Metaphrastes has gone through much amplification.]
King Shapoor, or Sapor, of Persia, raised a savage persecution against the Christians in his realm, believing them to be in league with the Roman emperor. Amongst those who suffered were Jonas and Barachisius, because they refused to adore the sun and fire. Melted lead was poured down the nostrils of Jonas, and red-hot plates were placed under his arms, and he was hung up by one foot in his dungeon till he fainted. His hands and feet were cut off, his tongue torn out, and he was pressed to death in a grape-crusher. Barachisius was treated with equal barbarity. Sharp splinters of reed were thrust into his flesh, all over his body, so that he resembled a porcupine, and he was then rolled on the ground to drive the spikes in.