E02502: The Martyrdom of *Pancratius (martyr of Rome, S00307) is written in Latin, presumably in Rome, at an uncertain date, by the early 8th c. at the latest, perhaps in the late 6th or early 7th c. It narrates Pancratius’ journey with his uncle Dionysius from Phrygia to Rome, where they live on the Caelian Hill; their conversion triggered by pope Cornelius, and their baptism; Pancratius’ martyrdom at the hands of Diocletian and his burial on the via Aurelia in a new tomb.

Martyrdom of Pancratius (BHL 6426)

Summary:

There is a great persecution against the Christians under the emperors Diocletian and Maximian. In a city of Phrygia (civitate frigida), Cledonius and his wife Quiriada, of noble origins, have an only son, Pancratius. Cledonius makes arrangements to give over, after their death, in the name of all the gods, the care of his son and of his patrimony to his brother Dionysius. Dionyisius starts to love Pancratius, and after three years they go to Rome and live in the insula caminiana on the Caelian Hill with all their household. As the Christians are persecuted, the Roman pope (papa romanus) Cornelius hides near them. Hearing about the wonders performed by Pope Cornelius and the conversions he triggered, Dionysius and Pancratius come to the door of Cornelius’ house. As they ask the doorkeeper Eusebius to be allowed to meet Cornelius, he goes and asks Cornelius, who rejoices and thanks Jesus Christ with a prayer. They are allowed in, come to Cornelius’ feet and ask to be enlightened about the Lord of the Christians. The holy man embraces them and instructs them about God. After twenty days, he baptises them and makes them Christian; they start fearing God to the point that they hand themselves over to the persecutors. After a few days Dionysius dies.

The pagans rage against the Christians asking the emperors to expel them from the city. Diocletian promulgates a law ordering the punishment of anyone who is found to be Christian. They arrest Pancratius, learn that he is of noble birth, tell Diocletian, and he orders him to be quickly brought to his palace. Diocletian advises Pancratius to abandon Christianity to avoid death, since he seems to be only around fifteen years old, of noble birth, and the son of his dear friend Cledonius. He offers him honours and wealth: he will become almost like his own son. But if he refuses he will be killed and his body burnt to avoid Christians honouring him as a martyr. Pancratius replies that although he is only fourteen, Jesus Christ gives him the strength not to fear any prince or judge. He rejects the pagan gods as demons. Diocletian orders him to be brought to the via Aurelia and to be beheaded there. He cannot bear to be surpassed and dishonoured by a boy (puer). Pancratius’ body is taken at night and buried by Christians in a new tomb (sepulchrum) on the 4th day before the Ides of May [= 12 May].

Text: Mombritius 1910, II, 342. Summary: M. Pignot.