The Holy Martyr Ardalion
Commemorated on April 14
The Holy Martyr
Ardalion accepted death for Christ under the emperor Maximian Galerius
(305-311). Saint Ardalion was a talented mimic actor.
One time at the
circus he played the rolй of a christian. The actor, on the intent of the
play-author, was to at first refuse to offer sacrifice to idols, but later to
consent to renounce Christ. Along the course of the action they suspended him
upon a wooden torture device and tore at him with iron hooks. He so naturally
depicted the suffering, that the spectators were delighted and loudly declared
their praise of his artistry. Suddenly the saint ordered all to be quiet and
declared, that he actually was a Christian and did not renounce the Lord. The
governor of the city tried to explain the matter thus, that Saint Ardalion was
continuing to play the rolй, and at the end of the show he would renounce
Christ and offer sacrifice to the gods. But Saint Ardalion continued to confess
his faith in Christ. Then the governor gave orders to throw the martyr onto a
red-hot iron-pan. Thus did Saint Ardalion merit a martyr's crown.
© 1996-2001 by translator Fr. S. Janos.