(A.D. 362.)
[Authorities: the 40th Homily of S. John Chrysostom; Theodoret,
Hist. Eccl. lib. iii. c. 15; Nicephorus Callistus, lib. x. c. 12.]
Theodoret says:--"The Emperor Julian continued to oppose religion with
greater and greater boldness, while he assumed the specious appearance
of clemency, in order to lay snares to entrap men, and seduce them into
irreligion. He cast things offered to idols into the fountains of the
city of Antioch, so that no one could drink of the streams without
partaking of the hateful sacrifices. He defiled in the same way
everything that was sold in the market-place; for he had water which had
been offered to idols sprinkled on the bread, meat, fruit, herbs, and
all other articles of food. The Christians lamented these abominations,
yet partook of the food according to the precept of the Apostle. (1 Cor.
x. 25.) Two of the Emperor's guards, who were his shield-bearers and
companions in arms, vehemently deplored, at a certain convivial meeting,
the perpetration of such odious deeds. One of those who had been present
acquainted the Emperor with this speech. The Emperor sent for these two
men, and asked what it was that they had said. This question they
answered thus, in the warmth of their zeal: 'O Emperor, having been
brought up in the true religion, and having been accustomed to the
admirable laws of Constantine, we cannot but be deeply grieved at
witnessing the very food contaminated by being mixed with idol
offerings. We lamented this privately, and now, publicly, we express our
regret. This is the only cause of sorrow which we experience under your
government.' On hearing these words the Emperor threw off the mask of
clemency. Such excruciating tortures were, by his orders, inflicted on
these two men, that they expired under them. The Church of Antioch
honoured them as defenders of religion, and interred them in a
magnificent tomb; and even to this day an annual festival is celebrated
in their honour. Their names were Juventius (Juventinus) and Maximus."