The Collected Works of Pseudo-Dionysius

Account of the Martyrdom

I marvel at how an armed multitude was unable to withstand godless men; then, therefore, the enemy, the origin of all evil original: "ἀρχέκακος" (archekakos), a compound word meaning the "beginning" or "author" of evil, referring to the Devil., M seeing his own power being destroyed and that of the Lord being preserved and winning—and seeing the faith of the people advancing day by day—he turned all his craft toward a warlike enmity which was armed against them. And those who believe in the one and true Lord, and who were already filled with the teaching of the Spirit original: "πνεύματος" (pneumatos), referring to the Holy Spirit. through holy baptism, he strove to persuade—through many tortures while they were confessing—to believe in him instead. But the holy men, confessors and martyrs, dissolving his rage and the rage of the impious by their holy teaching and great powers, supported the disciples. Meeting the lawless ones and paying no heed to the fear of the impious, they endowed the church of Christ original: "χριστοῦ" (christou)., which was growing daily. And when the church had been sufficiently founded in the word by its own teachers—at which time it was greatly disturbed and shaken as if by a storm original: "αἰγίδι" (aigidi), referring to a whirlwind or a violent storm-shield., as the persecutors were then increasing in their tyranny—then even Germany original: "γερμανία" (germania). In this late antique/medieval context, this refers to the Roman provinces of Germania or the broader northern territories of Gaul where Dionysius was said to have preached. itself, that great land which had shared in beastly cruelty and impiety, became submissive and contrite in heart. Placing its neck under the yoke of Christ and having been taught, the land rejoiced, having been strengthened by the faith of the teachers; and once again, they cast down their idols, which...