(A.D. 161.)
[Roman Martyrology, and those of Usuardus, Ado, Notker and that
attributed to Bede, also the later ones of Maurolycus, Bellinus and
Galesinius, sometimes also on Feb. 18. Authority, the contemporary
Epistle of the Church of Smyrna to the Church of Pontus, describing
the martyrdom of SS. Germanicus, Polycarp, and others; quoted by
Eusebius, lib. IV. c. 15.]
The Epistle of the Church of Smyrna, narrating its sufferings under the
Emperors Marcus Antoninus and Lucius Aurelius, says:--"Germanicus, a
noble youth, was particularly pre-eminent as a martyr, for, strengthened
by divine grace, he overcame the natural dread of death implanted in us;
although the pro-consul was desirous of persuading him, and urged him
from consideration of his youth, that, as he was so young and blooming,
he should take compassion on himself. He, however, hesitated not, but
eagerly irritated the wild beast let loose upon him, that he might be
the sooner freed from this unjust and lawless generation."
The Acts of this martyr have been lost.