Old age support of faith according to acta of martyrs

Tadeusz Gacia

Katolicki Uniwersytet Lubelski Jana Pawła II , Poland


Abstract

From twenty two martyrs of advanced age described in ancient Christian texts the author has choosen four in order to present his thesis that old age is a support for faith. They are: Polycarp of Smyrna, Potinus – a bishop of Lyons, presbyter Saturninus from among the martyrs of Abitene, and Sixtus – the bishop of Rome. The literary prototype of Christian martyr – senex is Eleazar whose martyrdom is described in the second and fourth books of the Maccabees. He was an old man, who at the time his cruel death pre­serves the courage of spirit and becomes a support and example of faith for the young.

Keywords:

Old age, acta of martyrs

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Published
2011-12-15


Gacia, T. (2011). Starość – ostoją wiary w świetle akt męczeńskich (Sylwetki męczenników – starców). Vox Patrum, 56, 271–280. https://doi.org/10.31743/vp.4221

Tadeusz Gacia 
Katolicki Uniwersytet Lubelski Jana Pawła II



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