(ABOUT A.D. 298.)
[Greek Menæa, on Feb. 26th; Martyrology of Ado on Feb. 25th.
Inserted in many of the later Western Martyrologies, but in none of
the earlier ones except that of Ado. Authority:--The notices in the
Martyrologies, and an ancient MS. Acts of these saints found in the
Monastery of Gladbach, which is, however, of very doubtful value.]
S. Ananias was a priest in Phoenicia, who was put to a terrible
death by the governor for his testimony to the truth. After having
been scourged till his back was a mass of wounds, salt and vinegar
were rubbed into the exposed and bleeding flesh, and he was wrapped in
a horse-hair garment so as still further to inflame and irritate the
wounds. In prison he converted the gaoler, Peter. He was brought forth
again, and slowly scorched on a grate over live coals; then salt was
again applied to his sores, and the charred flesh was then cut off
with a fish-slice. Peter was also exposed to a slow fire, and was
then, with the priest, and seven believing soldiers, cast into the sea
and drowned.