January 2006		The Martyrs of Thrace Feast Day January 22		Mark Merlino - Home page
The following is the lives of the "Martyrs of Thrace." The Greek original text can be found in PG 117:276D-277A. As well, an on-line version of this text is made available in the Dumbarton Oaks Hagiography Database. This 'Life' recalls the events of 815 AD, during the Bulgarian occupation of Thrace, which resulted from Krum's invasion in 813 AD. The text itself is anonymous and was probably written some time between the year 815 AD and 1000 AD. This is a good example of Middle Byzantine Hagiography and it does demonstrate the potential historical value for such texts.The translation was completed by Mark Merlino, August 20, 2005.
On that day was the struggle of the holy martyrs Manuel, George, Leo, Marinos and the three hundred and seventy seven survivors. These saints, being from different provinces and places, settled in Adrianople. Then the Bulgarians, who are thankless and forgetful, came subduing the Romans. Having taken Thrace and Macedonia captive and attacking the Queen herself [Constantinople], they arrived at Adrianople. Waiting for three days, they seized it. When these things happened, Leo the impious Armenian was emperor and Krum was leader of the Bulgarian nation. When Krum, who was leader of the Bulgarians, was in possession of the city [Adrianople], he expelled from everywhere 40,000 people. In addition to these things, the trampled upon the most holy bishop, having thrown him to the ground down a narrow passage. Then, Krum's life having expired, Dukum took power. And having died by his feet, the terrible and hated Ditzevg was declared leader of the Bulgarians. He cut down the great archbishop Manuel in public and cutting off his arms at the shoulders, he gave them as food to the dogs. He, having been struck by a sword, was picked up by his family. Then Murtagan becoming leader. To deny all Christians believing Christ, he six men give up the present life, throwing them down, putting them in chains and stretching them and inflicting savage injuries on them. Later, the holy archbishop George of Develtos and bishop Peter were savagely killed with clubs. He then cut off their heads with a sword. He condemned Pardos the most holy priest to be stoned to a cruel death. In this way, also the other three hundred and seventy seven people who also were thrown under all of the leaders for punishment by the sword. Then, Leo who was bishop in most holy Nikaia [Nikaia in Thrace] with the situation of a eunuch, they cut open his stomach with a sword. And the other Leo and John, the commanders of the Christians, and Gabriel and Sionos, were stabbed with daggers. The most noble George and many others were killed being punished with a variety of insults. It was not the most brutal Mortagon alone but also those who by succession became Bulgarian leaders and raised all those having spoken with one voice to Christ.