Interrogation of Irenê, in Martyrdom of Agapê, Irenê and Chionê, 5

Interrogation of Irenê, in Martyrdom of Agapê, Irenê and Chionê, 5

Agapê, Irenê, Chionê were martyred in Thessalonica in 304 CE. Following the execution of Agapê and Chionê, Irenê is interrogated alone about where they hid following the publication of the imperial edict.

Source: Herbert Musurillo, The Acts of the Christian Martyrs (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1972). p. 289.

‘Last year,’ said the prefect, ‘when this edict of our lords the emperors and Caesars was first promulgated, where did you hide?’
‘Wherever God willed,’ said Irenê. ‘We lived on the mountains, in the open air, as God is my witness.’
‘Whom were you living with?’ asked the prefect.
Irenê answered: ‘We lived out of doors in different places among the mountains.’
The prefect said: ‘who supplied you with bread?’
Irenê answered: ‘God, who supplies all men.’
‘Was your father aware of this?’ asked the prefect.
Irenê answered: ‘I swear by almighty God, he was not aware; he knew nothing at all about it.’