Arianus | |
|---|---|
| Martyr | |
| Died | AD 305 |
| Venerated in | Eastern Orthodox Church Oriental Orthodox Church Roman Catholic Church |
| Feast | 14 December (Eastern Orthodox Church) 8Paremhat (17 March) (Oriental Orthodox Church) 8 March (Roman Catholic Church) |
Saint Arianus was a historically attested governor ofAnsena inEgypt (or in some sources a prefect of theThebaid[1]) and a notable figure in theDiocletianic persecution. He is a recurring character in Coptichagiography, wherein he often attempts to tortureChristian martyrs into worshiping idols, gets frustrated with their resilience and has them beheaded. In these hagiographies he is depicted with a sadistic fondness for torture, employing various methods such as beating,combing, nailing,[2] burning,[3] imprisoning,crucifying,[4] and spearing[5] Christians.[6][7]
It is said that, when his own musician Apollonius confessed his Christianity, Arianus ordered him to be shot with arrows. He died, but of the arrows struck Arianus’ eye and destroyed it. A Christian instructed Arianus to take some of Apollonius’ blood and smear it into his eye. He did so and immediately regained his sight, whereupon he converted to the Christian faith and repented of his severe persecution of Christianity. WhenDiocletian heard of it, he questioned Arianus about having forsaken paganism. Arianus told him of the miracles he had seen the martyrs perform, enraging the Emperor who had him tortured and then buried alive in a pit. An angel brought him out of the pit and led him to the Emperor's bed. When Diocletian woke up and recognised Arianus, he was terrified and had him placed in a hair sack then thrown into the sea, where he drowned. He was buried in Ansena alongside Saints Philemon and Apollonius.[8]
