The Martyrdom of Ignatius

In the ninth year of Trajan's reign, he became proud after defeating the Scythians, Dacians, and many other nations. Believing that the Christians were the last group needed for him to control everything, he threatened to persecute them unless they worshiped demons, like all other nations. This forced everyone living godly lives to either sacrifice to idols or die. Because of this, the noble soldier of Christ, Ignatius, concerned for the Church of the Antiochians, voluntarily appeared before Trajan, who was in Antioch but eager to set out against Armenia and the Parthians.

WHEN IGNATIUS WAS BROUGHT BEFORE EMPEROR TRAJAN: Trajan said to him, “Who are you, wicked wretch, that defies our commands and persuades others to do the same, causing them to perish miserably?” Ignatius replied, “No one should call Theophorus wicked; for all evil spirits have left the servants of God.

But if you call me wicked because I oppose these spirits, I agree with you; because with Christ, the King of heaven, in me, I destroy all their schemes.” Trajan responded, “And who is Theophorus?” Ignatius answered, “He who has Christ within his heart.” Trajan then asked, “Do we not seem to have the gods in our minds, whose help we enjoy when fighting our enemies?” Ignatius replied, “You are mistaken when you call the demons of the nations gods.

There is only one God, who made heaven, earth, the sea, and all within them; and one Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, whose kingdom I hope to enjoy.” Trajan asked, “Do you mean the one crucified under Pontius Pilate?” Ignatius responded, “I mean the one who crucified my sin, along with its inventor, and who has condemned all the deceit and malice of the devil under the feet of those who carry Him in their heart.” Trajan asked, “Do you carry the one who was crucified within you?” Ignatius replied, “Truly, for it is written, ‘I will dwell in them, and walk in them.’” Then Trajan declared his sentence: “We order that Ignatius, who claims to carry the one who was crucified within him, be bound by soldiers and sent to the great city of Rome, there to be devoured by beasts for the amusement of the people.” Upon hearing this, the holy martyr joyfully exclaimed, “I thank You, O Lord, for granting me perfect love toward You, and for allowing me to be bound with chains, like Your Apostle Paul.” With these words, he happily wrapped the chains around himself.

After he prayed for the Church and entrusted it with tears to the Lord, he was swiftly taken away by the soldiers' cruel savagery, like a distinguished leader of a good flock, to be brought to Rome and serve as food for the bloodthirsty beasts.