In the Greek myths, the character Telemachus (meaning “far-awayfighter”) was a timid and diffident child. But as an adult he defendedthe honor of those he loved and became a fighter and a hero. Unlikehis mythological counterpart, the fourth-century monk Telemachus wasanything but a fighter. Or perhaps it can be argued that his greatest fightwas his effort to eradicate fighting. An ascetic hermit from the East and unknown except for his finalact, Telemachus journeyed to Rome just in time for the victory celebrations. After years of aggressive invasions from the continent, Rome had finally defeated the Goth king Alaric in northern Italy in 403. As was common in those times, extravagant gladiatorial contests wereheld in celebration of military victories. The twenty-year-old emperorHonorius decreed that this particular celebration would be held in the50,000-capacity Coliseum, a battleground named for the colossal 130-foot statue of Nero nearby, the emperor made famous for condemningChristians into human torches. If there was one place in all of Rome thata pacifist Christian might consider avoiding, the Coliseum was it. Telemachus, a “rudely clad man of rough but imposing presence,” resolved to interrupt, indeed to stop, the bloody contest in the Coliseum. Thousands had gathered that day. Cries of … Continue reading Stories of Christian Martyrs: Telemachus