of Dr. Loyde, bishop of St.
Asaph's, places his martyrdom about the end of the year 116: for
John Malalas of Antioch tells us the great earthquake, in which Dion
Cassias mentions that Trajan narrowly escaped at Antioch, happened
in that journey of Trajan in which he condemned St. Ignatius. Now
Trajan marching to the Parthian war, arrived at Antioch on the 8th
of January, in 113, the sixteenth year of his reign: and in his
return from the East, above two years later, passed again through
Antioch in 116, when this earthquake happened. St. Ignatius suffered
at Rome towards the end of that year. Le Quien prefers this date,
because it best agrees with the chronology of his successors to
Theophilus. Orien. Christ. t. 2, p. 700.
11. Evagr. Hist. Eccl. l. 1, c. 16, Ed. Vales.
12. Or. in S. Ignat. t. 2, p. 600. Ed. Nov.
13. See Baron. Annal. ad an. 637, and Not. ad Martyr. Rom. ad 17 Dec.
14. See Henschenius, Feb. t. 1, p. 35.

ST. PIONIUS, M.

HE was priest of Smyrna, a true heir of the spirit of St. Polycarp, an
apostolic man, who converted multitudes to the faith. He excelled in
eloquence, and in the science of our holy religion. The paleness of his
countenance bespoke the austerity of his life. In the persecution of
Decius, in 250, on the 23d of February, he was apprehended with Sabina
and Asclepiades, while they were celebrating the anniversary festival of
St. Polycarp's martyrdom. Pionius, after having fasted the eve with his
companions, was forewarned thereof by a vision. On the morning after
their solemn prayer, taking the holy bread (probably the eucharist) and
water, they were surprised and seized by Polemon, the chief priest, and
the guardian of the temple. In prolix interrogatories before him, they
resisted all solicitations to sacrifice; professed they were ready to
suffer the worst of torments and deaths rather than consent to his
impious proposals, and declaring that they worshipped one only God, and
that they were of the Catholic church. Asclepiades being asked what God
he adored, made answer: "Jesus Christ." At which Polemon said: "Is that
another God?" Asclepiades replied: "No; he is the same they have just
now confessed." A clear confession of the consubstantiality of God the
Son, before the council of Nice. Being all threatened to be burnt alive,
Sabina smiled. The pagans said: "Dost thou laugh? thou shalt then be led
to the public stews." She answered: "God will