Pusices, Head of the King’s Craftsmen

Pusices, the head of the king’s craftsmen, was present at the execution. Seeing that Ananias trembled as the preparations for his death were being made, he said to him, “Old man, close your eyes for a little while and take courage, for you will soon see the light of Christ.” No sooner had he said these words than he was arrested and brought before the king. Since he openly declared himself a Christian, and spoke to the king with great freedom about his own belief and about the martyrs, he was condemned to an unusual and most cruel death, because it was not lawful to speak to the king so boldly. The executioners pierced the muscles of his neck in such a way as to draw out his tongue. On the accusation of certain persons, his daughter, who had devoted herself to a life of holy virginity, was brought to trial and executed at the same time. [a]

The following year, on the day when the passion of Christ was commemorated, while preparations were being made to celebrate the festival of his resurrection from the dead, Sapor issued a most cruel edict throughout Persia, condemning to death all who confessed themselves to be Christians. It is said that a greater number of Christians died by the sword. For the Magi searched diligently through the cities and villages for those who had hidden themselves, and many gave themselves up of their own accord, so that they would not seem by their silence to deny Christ. Of the Christians who were slaughtered so mercilessly, many belonged to the palace, and among these was Azades, a eunuch whom the king especially loved. When he heard of his death, Sapor was overwhelmed with grief and put a stop to the general slaughter of the Christians. He ordered that only the teachers of religion should be put to death.