The earliest information we have concerning the liturgical celebration in honor of the martyrs comes from the second century. \u00a0For the early Christians, the anniversary of the death of a martyr was a day of joy and festivity. \u00a0On that day, they would offer the Unbloody Sacrifice over his tomb, sing various hymns, read an account of his sufferings and death, and then hold an agape or banquet of love.<\/p>\n
The earliest testimony relating to the celebration of the anniversary of the death of a martyr is found in the Acts of the Martyrdom of St. Ignatius, bishop of Antioch (+c.115). \u00a0There we read: \u00a0“After having spent a few days at his tomb singing hymns, the Christians agreed in the future to pay tribute to his life and sufferings, and thus while commemorating him they gave glory to the Lord Jesus.”<\/p>\n
Noteworthy is the fact that the first Christians regarded the day of the death of a martyr as the day of his birth into eternal life. \u00a0This was the reason that, afterwards, when the Church Calendar was being formed, it did not give the day of earthly birth of the martyrs and saints, but gave the day of heavenly birth, that is, of birth into eternal life. \u00a0The only exceptions were the nativity of our Lord, that of the Most Holy Virgin Mary, and St. John the Baptist. \u00a0Only at a much later date did the days of their birth begin to be celebrated. \u00a0The agapes which were held at the tombs of the martyrs were called birth-feasts, or birthday banquets.<\/p>\n
Book of Heaven<\/strong> The Feast of the Cross in Heaven.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n This morning I found myself outside of myself, and I saw all of Heaven studded with crosses \u2013 some small, some large, some medium; some which were larger, emanated more splendor.\u00a0 It was a most sweet enchantment to see so many crosses adorning the firmament, more refulgent than suns.\u00a0 Then, it seemed that Heaven opened, and one could see and hear the feast that the Blessed were making for the cross.\u00a0 Those who had suffered more were celebrated more on this day.\u00a0 One could distinguish in a special way the martyrs and those who had suffered in a hidden way.\u00a0 Oh, how esteemed were the cross and those who had suffered more, in that blessed dwelling!<\/strong><\/p>\n As I was seeing this, a voice resounded throughout the whole of Heaven, saying:\u00a0 \u201cIf the Lord did not send the crosses upon the earth, He would be like a father who has no love for his own children – who wants to see them poor and dishonored, instead of honored and rich.\u201d<\/p>\n The rest that I saw during this feast I have no words to describe.\u00a0 I can feel it within me, but I am unable to express it; so I remain silent.<\/p>\n \n \n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The earliest information we have concerning the liturgical celebration in honor of the martyrs comes from the second century. \u00a0For the early Christians, the anniversary of the death of a martyr was a day of joy and festivity. \u00a0On that … Continue reading
\n5\/3\/00 \u2013 Vol. 3<\/strong><\/p>\n