Come sangue versato : l'essenza della martyria cristiana

Abstract

This article takes inspiration from the accuracy of the documentation and testimonies about the Christians martyred because of their faith, and from the special attention reserved from contemporary theological publications about the phenomenon of martyrdom. The main core of Christian "martyria" is identified in the prophetic imitation of Christ who "loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end" (Jn 13:1). Martyrdom is a gesture of complete freedom when faced with a violent death, and it assimilates the martyr to Christ as a "broken body" and "shed blood". This assimilation extends the martyrdom of Christ into Christian martyrdom. The report concerning the more significant patristic texts about this offers a homogenous and rich perspective of martyrdom, understood in a Christian way.