Nota Bene - University of Chicago

§41 Then he returned again to his city, and -- behold -- the devil, thinking he would tempt him,
having taken on the form and clothing of a young woman, approached the holy Abercius on
pretext of asking for the favor of being blessed by him. The holy Abercius, after looking into her
face, and wishing to turn aside struck his right fist against a stone and hit also his ankle (or
wrist), and he signified that he was in pain and with his hand grasped the place where he had
been struck. The devil, after howling with laughter and again returning to his own form, said to
the holy Abercius, “don’t consider me as belonging to those pitiful demons whom you set to
flight in such a superior way. For I am the centurion of demons!” And look now -- you have
received also my trial. For despite healing others from their pains -- look! -- you have been
caused pain by me!”
§42 And after saying these things he entered into one of the young men standing near there
and began to try him and pull him apart. The holy Abercius, by praying and adjuring the
demon, dragged him out of the youth. And he again made a sudden appearance, and was
crying out with an an even louder voice, “Soon, oh Abercius, I shall cause you to tread your way
-- unwillingly and involuntarily -- to the city of the Romans.” After casting these threats the
demon disappeared.
§43 For the present time the holy man marveled at the sheer audacity of the demon, and,
returning to his house, remained there for seven days and nights, fasting and praying with the
brothers that the devil not take such power against him. On the seventh night the Lord stood by
him saying, “Abercius, this, too, is part of the plan, so that you might strengthen the brothers of
Rome, also, in faith in me. Therefore be of good courage, for my grace is with you.” The holy
Abercius, after waking up and blessing God, said, “Lord, let your will come to pass.” And he
told his vision to all the brothers -- about how it was necessary that he go away even to Rome,
and he spent the rest of his time continuing to be engaged in teaching, catechizing, and
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