During the reign of Maximian Galerius (305-311), a circus performance in one of the cities of the empire turned into a tragedy. The lead actor, facial artist Ardalion, violated the dramaturgical plan and at the cost of his life confirmed his religious affiliation.
According to the script of the play, the Christian hero had to endure torture, and then publicly renounce his faith and sacrifice to pagan deities. During the action, Ardalion was hung on a wooden structure and began to be tormented with metal hooks. The game was so convincing that the auditorium exploded with a standing ovation, praising the realism of the suffering.
At the moment of the highest intensity, the lyceum suddenly demanded silence and stated that he was actually a Christian and did not intend to follow the storyline. The mayor tried to convince the audience that this is part of the production and in the finale the actor will still worship idols. However, Ardalion stood his ground, repeating the confession of Christ. Then the ruler ordered to throw the artist on a hot metal surface.
Thus the man for whom suffering was a craft found a real martyr’s crown. The place of action and the exact date of the event are not specified by historical sources, but the fact of what happened is recorded in hagiographic vaults.
Memorial Days
27 April
The Holy Land Charitable Foundation
Lives of Saints
