For as a living
and florid body, they who behold it embrace it, applying to it the eyes,
mouth, ears, and all the organs of sense; and then with affection pouring
tears upon the Martyr, as if he was whole and appeared to them: they offer
prayers with supplication, that he would intercede for them as an advocate,
praying to him as an Officer attending upon God, and invoking him as
receiving gifts whenever he will._ At length _Gregory_ concludes the
Oration with this prayer: _O Theodorus, we want many blessings; intercede
and beseech for thy country before the common King and Lord: for the
country of the Martyr is the place of his passion, and they are his
citizens, brethren and kindred, who have him, defend, adorn and honour him.
We fear afflictions, we expect dangers: the wicked _Scythians_ are not far
off, ready to make war against us. As a soldier fight for us, as a Martyr
use liberty of speech for thy fellow-servants. Pray for peace, that these
publick meetings may not cease, that the furious and wicked barbarian may
not rage against the temples and altars, that the profane and impious may
not trample upon the holy things. We acknowledge it a benefit received from
thee, that we are preserved safe and entire, we pray for freedom from
danger in time to come: and if there shall be need of greater intercession
and deprecation, call together the choir of thy brethren the Martyrs, and
in conjunction with them all intercede for us.
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