Apollonius and Philemon
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Philemon the actor | |
|---|---|
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| Martyr | |
| Died | c. 303[1] Alexandria[1] |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church |
| Canonized | Pre-congregation |
| Feast | March 8 |
| Patronage | dancers |
Philemon († c. 303) was a famous flute player, mime, and actor at Antinoöpolis, Egypt, who was converted by the deacon Apollonius.
Narrative
During the persecutions of Diocletian, Philemon dons the deacon's clothes so that disguised as Apollonius, he may offer the required sacrifice to Jupiter in his stead, and the deacon avoid imprisonment and death. However, just before performing the public sacrifice, Philemon is recognized and declares himself a Christian, and refuses to make the sacrifice.[2]
They were brought from Antinoe to Alexandria, and were there put to death with many others who had become believers in Christ. Their fate was to be bound hand and foot and to be cast into the sea. [3]
Veneration
Their feast day is 8 March. Philemon is the patron saint of dancers.
Legacy
The story formed the subject of Philemon Martyr, a play by Jacob Bidermann. Bidermann presents acting as "a potential route to moral and spiritual transformation".[4][5]
References
- ^ a b Monks of Ramsgate. "Philemon and Apollonius". Book of Saints 1921. CatholicSaints.Info. 29 December 2016
This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
- ^ Rollason, Nikki. Gifts of Clothing in Late Antique Literature Routledge, 2016, p. 139 ISBN 9781317128205
- ^ Butler, Alban. "Saints Apollonius, Philemon, etc., Martyrs". Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs, and Principal Saints 1866. CatholicSaints.Info. 29 December 2016 This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
- ^ Herdt, Jennifer A., Putting On Virtue: The Legacy of the Splendid Vices University of Chicago Press, 2012, p. 157 ISBN 9780226327198
- ^ Neo-Latin Drama in Early Modern Europe(Jan Bloemendal, Howard Norland, eds.) BRILL, 2013, p. 277 ISBN 9789004257467
External links
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