First martyrs of Rome answered a higher authority

By Patricia Kasten
Compass Associate Editor

As we approach the anniversary of the founding of our nation on July 4, we feel a surge of patriotism. Our hearts swell with pride for those who gave their energies, and even their lives, to help bring about the great democratic experiment that is the United States. But before we celebrate Independence Day, we might do well to remember the "patriots" of the church. The feast of "The First Martyrs of the Church of Rome" falls on June 30. The feast is not old; it first appeared in the church calendar in 1969. However, the church has always honored these early, often anonymous, martyrs who died during the first three centuries of the Christian era.

Their feast comes immediately after the great feast of Ss. Peter and Paul. These two great fathers of the faith were among the first martyrs of Rome. Both died in the first century, and around the same time: 64-67 A.D.

The term "martyr" comes from the Greek martus, meaning "witness." Originally, the term referred to the Apostles, who had witnessed the events of Jesus' life - and also died for the faith (except for St. John).

The first martyrs of the church of Rome, however, are a special group of witnesses. They preferred to remain united to Christ rather than choose between Christ and the Empire of Rome. They were patriots of a kingdom "not of this world."

Even before Peter or Paul arrived in Rome, there were Christians living there, mostly Jewish converts who had brought the Gospel message from Jerusalem. An early historian, Suetonius, wrote about controversy between Roman Jews and Jewish followers of "a certain Chrestus," whom most historians believe was Christ. It was to these early followers that Paul wrote his Letter to the Romans around the year 57 A.D.

On July 19, 64 A.D., a terrible fire broke out in Rome. It blazed for nine days and destroyed more than half the city. Even though he was not in the city at the time (but in nearby Antium), many historians believe the fire was started by the Emperor Nero, who wanted to enlarge a palace that was in the area where the fire started. Before long, the population began to blame Nero, who was said to have written poetry comparing Rome to the burning city of Troy - while his own city was burning.

Probably to deflect that anger, Nero accused the Christians of starting the inferno and condemned them to death. Historians like Tacitus record one horrific night in August, 64 A.D., when Christians were soaked in oil and used as human torches in Nero's gardens.

But it was not only Nero, who committed suicide in 68 A.D., killing Christians. Most of the Roman emperors after him outlawed Christianity and many - such as Decius and Diocletian - actively sought to destroy the faith.

Why?

The Roman empire honored many gods, including former emperors. And even some reigning emperors - such as Augustus Caesar - were viewed as semi-divine. Roman citizens, as a sign of loyalty - were required to sacrifice to the gods of Rome. Anyone who did not offer sacrifice to these gods was considered a traitor and looked upon with suspicion, at the very least.

(Jews were exempt from this rule because Romans honored their monotheism and because Jews had their own country. As part of the Pax Romana, Rome often allowed freedom of worship to its territories in return for tribute from their capital cities. Christians had no such city or protection.)

During the three centuries from Nero to Constantine - who ended the persecutions of Christians and recognized Christianity as an official religion in 313 - followers of Christ could be accused of treason and suffer the consequences. No one, from nobles to common people, was exempt. Sometimes, they could save themselves by publicly renouncing their faith and offering sacrifice to the Roman gods. But not always.

Among those who held fast to the faith are saints such as Felicity of Rome (died 131), Justin Martyr (165), Lawrence of Rome (258), Susanna (293), the 40 Martyr Soldiers of Rome (262), Valentine (269) and Agnes (304).

There are no exact numbers of the martyrs of the church of Rome, but Pope St. Clement I (martyred in 100 A.D.), the third successor of St. Peter called these men and women "a great multitude of the elect, who, having through envy endured many indignities and tortures, furnished us with a most excellent example. ... After they had suffered terrible and unspeakable torments, (they) finished the course of their faith with steadfastness, and though weak in body, received a noble reward."

It was around the martyrs that the church first gathered. At their graves, the Eucharist was offered and the early churches - after the house churches and converted Roman basilicas - were built.

So when we celebrate the feast of the first martyrs of the church of Rome, we celebrate the patriotism of those willing to offer their lives as witness to the one true God and as citizens of the eternal kingdom founded on Christ.