E06585: The ‘epic’ Greek Martyrdom of *Patrikios (bishop and martyr of Prusa in Bithynia, S01763) and his companions, Akakios, Menandros and Polyainos, is written probably in Prusa, and probably at some point in the 5th-8th century, a later date being more likely than an early one.

Martyrdom of Patrikios of Prusa (BHG 1432-1432a)

Very brief summary:

The proconsul Ioulios is ill and arrives at the hot springs at mount Olympus in Bithynia in order to sacrifice to Hygeia and Asklepios. He questions the Christian Patrikios about his faith and challenges him to explain the origins of the hot water of the springs. Patrikios launches into a learned exposition of the structure of the created world (including a quote from Homer in support of the location of Tartaros). He explains that the springs are fed by abyssal waters, which accumulate heat according to the degree of their proximity to the subterranean fires of Hell. The governor has the saint thrown into the boiling water, but he emerges miraculously unscathed. The governor then orders his execution by beheading on 19 May, and his relics are buried by Christians ‘in the public εὔριπος’ (see Evidence Discussion).

In addition, the later revised version BHG 1432a also mentions twice (in the prologue and in the execution scene) Patrikios’ three companion martyrs, Akakios, Menandros and Polyainos, who are unknown to the original BHG 1432.

Text: Halkin 1960, 130-144.
Summary: N. Kälviäinen.