Perpetua, Optatus, and Friends: Christian Ministry in Carthage c .203 C.E. William Tabbernee Phillips Theological Seminary, Tulsa
Introduction On March 7, 203 C.E., a twenty-two year old upper class married woman named Vibia Perpetua was martyred along with four other catechumens (Revocatus, Felicitas, Saturninus, Secundulus) and their catechist (Saturus) in the amphitheater at Carthage in Roman Africa Proconsularis. The deaths of these martyrs was commemorated annually in Carthage and elsewhere on the anniversary of their martyrdom. The popularity of their cult, especially in Carthage, is abundantly clear from the numerous epigraphic remnants containing their names. These remnants include mosaic medallions, a mural, and, most significantly, a commemorative plaque The specific details of the arrest, imprisonment, trial, and execution of Perpetua and her companions were kept alive in the memory of the North-African Christian communities through the public reading of their passio during the liturgy on their "feast days." Sermons about these martyrs were also normally preached on these occasions (e.g., Aug. | |
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