Saint Peter Balsam
Also known as
Peter Apselamus
Peter Balsamus
Pietro Apselamo
memorial
11 January
Profile
Our saint was arrested and tried for being a Christian during the persecutions of Emperor Maximinus. The transcript of his trial was well read among early Christian Literature (see below).
He was sentenced to be crucified in the year 311.
Peter: I know the laws of God the sovereign of the universe
Judge: You shall quickly know that there is an edict of the most clement emperors commanding all to sacrifice to the gods or be put to death
PETER: You will also know one day that there is a law of the eternal king proclaiming that every one shall perish who offers sacrifice to devils which do you counsel me to obey and which do you think should be my option to die by your sword or to be condemned to everlasting misery by the sentence of the great king the true God
Judge: Seeing you ask my advice it is then that you obey the edict and sacrifice to the gods
PETER: I can never be prevailed upon to sacrifice to gods of wood and stone as those are which you adore
Judge: I would have you know that it is in my power to revenge these affronts by your death
PETER: I had no intention to affront you I only expressed what is written in the divine law
Judge: Have compassion on yourself and sacrifice
PETER: If I am truly compassionate to myself I ought not to sacri fice
Judge: My desire is to use lenity I therefore still do allow you time to consider with yourself that you may save your life
PETER: This delay will be to no purpose for I shall not alter my mind do now what you will be obliged to do soon and complete the work which the devil your father has begun for I will never do what Jesus Christ forbids me
11 January
Profile
Our saint was arrested and tried for being a Christian during the persecutions of Emperor Maximinus. The transcript of his trial was well read among early Christian Literature (see below).
He was sentenced to be crucified in the year 311.
Peter: I know the laws of God the sovereign of the universe
Judge: You shall quickly know that there is an edict of the most clement emperors commanding all to sacrifice to the gods or be put to death
PETER: You will also know one day that there is a law of the eternal king proclaiming that every one shall perish who offers sacrifice to devils which do you counsel me to obey and which do you think should be my option to die by your sword or to be condemned to everlasting misery by the sentence of the great king the true God
Judge: Seeing you ask my advice it is then that you obey the edict and sacrifice to the gods
PETER: I can never be prevailed upon to sacrifice to gods of wood and stone as those are which you adore
Judge: I would have you know that it is in my power to revenge these affronts by your death
PETER: I had no intention to affront you I only expressed what is written in the divine law
Judge: Have compassion on yourself and sacrifice
PETER: If I am truly compassionate to myself I ought not to sacri fice
Judge: My desire is to use lenity I therefore still do allow you time to consider with yourself that you may save your life
PETER: This delay will be to no purpose for I shall not alter my mind do now what you will be obliged to do soon and complete the work which the devil your father has begun for I will never do what Jesus Christ forbids me
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