[00:01] AD, a Christian bishop actually begged to be thrown to the lions? Bishop Ignatius of Antioch had spent [music] decades peacefully leading his church community, but when Emperor Trajan ordered the persecution of Christians,
[00:13] everything changed. Roman soldiers dragged [music] him in chains from Antioch to Rome, a journey of over 1,000 miles. Instead of pleading for mercy, [music] Ignatius wrote letters to Christian communities expressing pure
[00:26] joy about his coming death. He called martyrdom his greatest honor, [music] confusing Roman authorities who couldn't understand his eagerness to die. On the packed with screaming crowds. They released two massive lions into the
[00:40] arena. Ignatius knelt in prayer [music] as the beast charged toward him. Within >> [music] >> leaving only scattered bones. His final Christ. Those powerful [music] letters he wrote inspired countless future
[00:55] martyrs to embrace their faith with similar courage. Saint Ignatius is celebrated on October [music] 17th and his relics rest in Rome's San Clemente Basilica. Like and share to spread his story. [music]