Martyrium Ananias apostolos
Standard abbreviation: Mart. Anan.
Other titles: none
Clavis numbers: ECCA 484
Related literature: Martyrdom of Ananias
Category: Hagiographa
Compiled by Tony Burke (York University)
Citing this resource (using Chicago Manual of Style): Burke, Tony. “Martyrdom of Ananias, by Symeon Metaphrastes.” e-Clavis: Christian Apocrypha. Accessed DAY MONTH YEAR. https://www.nasscal.com/e-clavis-christian-apocrypha/martyrdom-of-ananias-by-symeon-metaphrastes/.
Created July 2024.
1. SUMMARY
The Metaphrastic martyrdom follows closely the Martyrdom of Ananias attributed to Barsapthas. It begins, however, with an introduction to Lucianus, who had been sent to the parts of the East, including Bethagaurē (Baitogabra) of Eleutheropolis, to inquire about Christians. He sends letters and edicts commanding that anyone unwilling to sacrifice to the gods and who confesses Christ as the one true God will be tortured unto death and their bodies will be made food for dogs.
Then Ananias, “interpreter of heavenly mysteries and apostle of God,” appears. In this text he is one of the 70 disciples of Jesus and is directed by a divine power to journey from Antioch to Damascus to preach. Hereafter is recounted the conversion of Paul and Ananias’s role in his healing and baptism. After Paul’s departure, Ananias departs to Bethagaurē to preach the gospel. He is apprehended by those hunting for Christians and is brought before Lucianus. The governor admires Ananias so he urges him gently to deny Jesus and sacrifice to the gods. Ananias refuses and reveals that he is the one who aided in the conversion of Paul.
Ananias prays to be rescued from Lucianus. But the governor orders him to be struck with rods. Ananias continues to pray as he is beaten and seems to be impervious to pain. The executioners stop when they become tired. Lucianus again urges Ananias to recant and threatens further punishments. Ananias refuses to sacrifice and declares that he will aim to convert everyone he can to faith in Jesus and then insults the governor. So Lucianus orders Ananias to be stripped down, then his flesh is torn with iron claws and scorched with lamps. Again Ananias endures the punishment, leading to an exasperated Lucianus asking him, “How long will you not obey?” Finally, Ananias is taken outside of the city and stoned. He dies 1 October and his body is taken by his followers and buried in Damascus.
Named historical figures and characters: Ananias (disciple), Lucianus, Paul (apostle).
Geographical locations: Antioch, Damascus, Eleutheropolis, Jerusalem, Tarsus.
2. RESOURCES
2.1 Web Sites and Other Online Resources
“Ananias of Damascus.” Wikipedia.
Goran, David. “Home of Ananias of Damascus. The Ancient Underground Chapel of Saint Ananias.” Vintage News. Posted October 2016.
2.2 Art and Iconography
3. BIBLIOGRAPHY
3.1 Manuscripts and Editions
3.1.1 Arabic
Mount Sinai, Monē tēs Hagias Aikaterinēs, ar. 423, fols. 74v–76v (1626)
3.1.2 Greek (BHG 76; additional manuscripts listed on Pinakes)
Paris, Bibliothèque nationale de France, Coisl. 145, fols. 1r–4v (11th cent.) ~ Pinakes; Gallica
Paris, Bibliothèque nationale de France, gr. 774, fols. 161r–165r (14th cent.)~ Pinakes; Gallica
Paris, Bibliothèque nationale de France, gr. 1484, fols. 1r–4r (11th/12th cent.) ~ Pinakes; Gallica
Paris, Bibliothèque nationale de France, gr. 1494, fols. 1r–2v (12th cent.) ~ Pinakes; Gallica
Paris, Bibliothèque nationale de France, gr. 1495, fols. 1r–4r (11th cent.) ~ Pinakes; Gallica
Paris, Bibliothèque nationale de France, gr. 1503, fols. 1r–3v (11th cent.) ~ Pinakes
Paris, Bibliothèque nationale de France, gr. 1512, fols. 1r–5r (12th cent.) ~ Pinakes
Paris, Bibliothèque nationale de France, gr. 1514, fols. 147r–148r (12th/13th cent.) ~ Pinakes; Gallica
Paris, Bibliothèque nationale de France, gr. 1524, fols. 2r–5v (12th cent.) ~ Pinakes
Paris, Bibliothèque nationale de France, gr. 1543, fols. 1r–4v (12th cent.) ~ Pinakes
Paris, Bibliothèque nationale de France, gr. 1546, fols. 1r–3v (12th cent.) ~ Pinakes; Gallica
Paris, Bibliothèque nationale de France, gr. 1555, fols. 142v–143v (14th cent.) ~ Pinakes; Gallica
Paris, Bibliothèque nationale de France, gr. 1558, fols. 201v–204r (15th cent.) ~ Pinakes; Gallica
Vatican, Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana, Vat. gr. 1190, fols. 1316r–1318v (1542)
Migne, Jacques Paul. Patrologiae cursus completus: Series graeca. Vol. 114. Paris: Cerf, 1903 (Greek text from Paris, BNF 1546 with Latin translation from Acta Sanctorum, cols. 1001–1009).
Bolland, Jean et al., eds. Acta Sanctorum, Ianuarii. Vol. 3. 3rd ed. Paris: V. Palmé, 1863 (Latin translation from unidentified source, pp. 227–29).
3.1.1.5 Epitome (BHG 76a)
Milan, Biblioteca Ambrosiana, B 12 inf. (Martini-Bassi 839), fols. 35r–35v (12th cent.) ~ Pinakes; IMAGES
3.2 Modern Translations
3.3 General Works
Bovon, François and Evie Zacharides-Holmberg. “The Martyrdom of the Holy Apostle Ananias (BHG 75y).” Pages 309–31 in The Apocryphal Acts of the Apostles. Edited by François Bovon, Ann Graham Brock, and Christopher R. Matthews. Harvard Divinity School Studies; Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1999.