(A.D. 297.)
[Greek Menæa. Authority:--The Chronicon Alexandrinum, or Chron.
Paschale, under date 269 from the Ascension, which is equivalent to
297 of the vulgar era. In this Chronicle he is called Gelasinus.
Theodoret may, perhaps, allude to him, when he says that some have
passed from the stage of the theatre to the ranks of the martyrs. Du
curand Græc. Affect., Serm. 8. Much the same circumstances are
related of S. Genesius (Aug. 25th), who suffered about 286, unless
both are the same; Gelasius in the West becoming Genesius by a
slight change of liquids.]
Gelasius was a comic actor, the second clown of the theatre at
Heliopolis, in Phoenicia. One day, on the stage was performed a
parody of Christian rites for the amusement of the heathen spectators.
A large bathing tub was introduced on the stage, filled with warm
water, and the clown, Gelasius, was dipped in it, the other clown
pronouncing over him the sacramental words. When he rose from the
bath, and was vested in white, it was observed that a change had come
over him; the jesting air and laugh were gone, and a solemn expression
had overspread his countenance. "I am a Christian," said he; "in the
font I saw a dazzling light. Therefore, I will die as a Christian." As
soon as the audience became aware that he spoke in sober earnest, the
theatre became a scene of wild tumult, the people deserted their
seats, and rushed on the stage, and dragged the poor actor forth,
clothed in his white robe, and stoned him to death outside the
theatre. His body was transported to the village of Mariamnia, near
Heliopolis, of which he was a native, and an oratory was erected by
the Christians over his tomb.