1. Lecture 12: Priesthood of Martyrs
Dr. Ann T. Orlando

2. Outline Scriptural models for martyrs as priests
Martyrs following in footsteps of Jesus
Martyrs as ‘priests’ because of their sacrifice
Spiritual authority (or not) of martyrs

3. Old Testament
Abel is seen as the ‘initiator’ of martyrdom because of his acceptable sacrifice (Cyprian Letter 58 (55))
Recall from reading of Ambrose On Cain and Abel as well as Augustine in City of God
Importance of right sacrifice
Abel as proto-priest and martyr

4. New Testament
Key texts are 1 Peter 2:9 and Paul’s Letter to Romans 12:1
Recall from Origen reading Leviticus (Homilies on Leviticus 1:5) in the light of Paul:
The priest, and his sons, is in you the mind which is also its understanding in you who are rightly called a priest and “sons of a priest” for they are the only ones who perceive God and are capable of the knowledge of God. Therefore the divine Word desires that you offer your flesh to God in purity with reasonable understanding, as the Apostle says, A living offering holy and pleasing to God, your reasonable service. (Rom 12:1)
Story in Acts of first martyr: Stephen
Revelation describes how martyrs will attain the ultimate victory because the were ‘sealed’ with the mark of the Lamb and imitated his suffering by washing their robes in the blood of the Lamb (see Rev Ch 7)

5. Martyrs Following Jesus
The heroic witness unto death formed the fundamental way in which the Church understood herself
The sacrifice of the martyrs was often written in imitation of Jesus’ passion and death
And since sacrifice is the definitive priestly act, so martyrs by their self-sacrifice are priests
But acts of the martyrs often filled with Eucharistic references, thus emphasizing their priestly sacrifice
See especially Martyrdom of Polycarp

6. Problems Arising from Honor of Martyrs: Montanism
Believed in continuing Prophecy in Church through the action of Holy Spirit
Prophecy took the form of ecstatic utterances and actions; equal in value to Scripture
Encouraged excessive disciplinary practices
Opposed remarriage after death of spouse
Encouraged active seeking of martyrdom
That is, voluntary martyrdom
Once a person was Baptized, and then sinned, they could not be forgiven

7. ‘Voluntary’ Martyrdom
Bishops actively discouraged Christians from ‘volunteering’ as martyrs
If accused, then Christians should not renounce the faith, but should not flaunt it for purpose of being martyred
This would be suicide, not in accordance with God’s will
Neither should Christians take up arms to defend themselves
There is no recorded instance of any Christian rising in armed rebellion against the Romans
In distinction to earlier Judaism or later Islam
See, for example, Clement of Alexandria, Stromata IV.10

8. Passion of Perpetua
Recounts martyrdom of a group of young Christians c 203
Some parts of story written by Perpetua while in prison
Significant scholarly debate concerning language of origin: Greek or Latin
Note how the direct action of the Holy Spirit guides and sanctifies Perpetua and her companions
Note that their sacrifice is given equal status to Scripture

9. Martyrdom of Polycarp Polycarp probably martyred c. 170 in Asia Minor
The story of his martyrdom is a letter form Smyrna to other Christian Churches
Note especially parallels to Jesus’ trial and crucifixion

10. Authority of Martyrs Recall that did not have to die to be a martyr
Suffer for the sake of The Name
Martyrs in life and death were considered heroes of the Church with great personal spiritual power
Should the Church encourage martyrdom?
Official stance by most bishops was not to actively seek it, but if pushed, not to deny the faith
What was authority of martyrs?
Could they forgive sins
Tertullian, North African Christianity

11. Apostolic Tradition Presumed to be written by Hippolytus c 250 in Rome
Written in Greek
Like the Apostolic Constitutions records various liturgies
A confessor who has suffer can be ordained a presbyter without having hands laid on his head

12. Cyprian and Martyrs Cyprian very much honored martyrs (CUA Letter 58)
But concerned about martyrs giving out certificates to the lapsed (CUA Letter 27)
Seemed to undermine authority of bishops

13. Augustine Wrote over 100 sermons on birthday of the martyrs
Not uncommon
Reread CoG X.20-21
Note 20 is the sacrifice of Christ, followed immediately by a discussion of the sacrifice of the martyrs
Out of deference to Cyprian, Augustine does not call the martyrs heroes, …
But he does say “If it were not contrary to the usage of the Church, we might call those martyrs heroes.”

14. Assignments Martyrdom of Polycarp Passion of Perpetua
Clement of Alexandria, Stromata, IV.10
Selection from Apostolic Tradition
Cyprian, Letters 27 and 58
Augustine, CoG, X.20-21