(A.D. 308.)
[Roman Martyrology. The Greeks on Feb. 16th. See account of SS.
Elias, Jeremias, Isaiah, and Companions, Feb. 16th. Authority the
same.]
"Immediately after Seleucus, (see p. 316) came the aged Theodulus, a
grave and pious man," says Eusebius, "who was of the governor's
family, and who, on account of his age, had been treated with more
regard by Firmilian than any of his domestics, as also, because he was
now a father of the third generation, and had always evinced great
fidelity and attachment to himself and family. He, however, pursuing
the same cause as Seleucus, when arraigned before his master, was
condemned to endure the same martyrdom as our Saviour on the cross.
After all the rest came Julian. He had just come from abroad, and had
not yet entered the city; but learning on the road the death of the
martyrs, he hastened at once, just as he was, to the sight. Then, when
he saw the earthly tabernacles of the holy men lying on the ground,
filled with joy, he embraced every one, and kissed them all. Upon
this, he was immediately seized by the ministers of death, and
conducted to Firmilian, who consigned him to a slow and lingering
fire. Then Julian, exulting with joy, gave thanks to God with a loud
voice, who had honoured him with martyrdom. He was a native of
Cappadocia; in his manner he was most religious, and eminent for the
sincerity and soundness of his faith."