Hippolytus

Pope Pontian’s aid sailed to Sardinia to claim the bodies of Pontian and Hippolytus. No one, except Phillip, knew that the second box, labeled Hippolytus, actually contained the body of an unidentified dead prisoner. The guards loaded the coffins aboard a shop sailing to Rome. “That is two prisoners we won’t have to worry about any longer,” a guard said. “Working in the mine is difficult but at least you are alive.” When the ship arrived at the port for Rome, representatives of the Pope took possession of the coffins. A ceremony was held and the bodies were buried in Callixtus’ Cemetery. Many Christians in Rome attended. Pope Anterus, who succeeded Pontian, received a message from the emperor’s office indicating that he hadn’t intended to kill the Popes. The priests, who Hippolytus worked with, attended his burial. “It is a sad day for Christianity,” Soter said. “We just buried our good friend and great leader.” “He was our mentor for many years,” Nichlus said. “I am going to miss him very much.” “We will all have a chance to be with him again,” David said. “We must make him proud of us.” “He put his trust in my ability to create new churches,” Phillip said. “I wish I could have done more for him.” They remained at the cemetery for a long time, praying for Hippolytus’ soul. Then they slowly walk back to their churches. Phillip went home to his family. Hippolytus had gathered a hand full of berries and hid under a rocky cliff. He was nervous and afraid but prayed every few moments and remained at peace. While exiled on the island, he had lost weight and now ate just enough to sustain life. He carefully chose his hiding place so he could observe the sea. When night arrived, the sky turned dark and eventually it rained. Hippolytus was wet and cold, but he felt lucky that he was not in a cell and wasn’t going to the mines tomorrow. Everyone on the island thought he was dead, so they weren’t looking for him. The next morning, he could hear the guards marching the prisoners to the mines. “Stay in line, step lively,” a guard said. “At least you will be working in a cooler place.” Hippolytus prayed for the prisoners’ safety. Soon, it became quiet. Hippolytus didn’t want to be discovered and was afraid to move. Several hours later, the sun appeared as a giant ball of fire in the sky and the day warmed. He counted the sea birds that fished close to land. After he watched them catch fish, he became hungry. He knew he wasn’t going to have a meal for several days. After the sun went down, he left his shelter to gather additional berries. Time passed slowly. Finally the fourth night arrived, he watched intently for a signal. The message he had been given said that his rescuers would be in a small boat. They planned to light a candle and pretend to fish while they waited for him. Eventually, he saw a lit candle in the distance and began to run towards it. As he ran to the sea, he removed his clothes and sandals and dove into the water. He swam until he couldn’t see land any longer. Suddenly, the candle that had appeared as a ray of great hope in the black sea of the Roman Empire wasn’t visible. He knew he couldn’t return to the island, so he continued to swim. After what seemed like an eternity, the moonlight allowed him to catch a glimpse of a small boat. His arms became very weak and hurt when he tried to lift them to swim. He struggled to swim, but his legs began to cramp. He couldn’t swim any farther and sank in the water. His head remained barely above water. He prayed for strength, “Do not withhold your mercy from me, O Lord; may your love and your truth always protect me.” (Psalms, 40, 11, NIV) As soon as he stopped praying, he heard a voice, “Hippolytus is that you?” Suddenly, Phillip was next to him in the water. “Hello, friend,” he said. “Allow me help you.” Hippolytus gasped for air and felt his faith buoy him. “I can’t swim,” he said. “I can’t lift my arms.” “I have you,” he said. “I will take you to the boat.” Phillip grabbed him and pushed him toward the boat. Hippolytus was cold and shivered uncontrollably. Two of Phillip’s friends grasped Hippolytus and pulled him into the boat. As water ran from his nose, he started to make strange noises, and they carefully gave him a small sip of wine. He grasped the wine and took a larger drink. He continued to shiver, and they wrapped him with a long sleeved toga. He clung to it and began to speak. “I couldn’t have gone any farther,” he said. “You planned my escape very well.” Phillip stared at him and explained, “The guard’s family members attend our second church. Soter is expecting you and will keep you hidden.” “Poor Pontian,” Hippolytus said. “He wasn’t a very strong person and didn’t have a chance, but now he will learn about the pre-existence of souls.” Phillip looked at Hippolytus. “How are you?” he asked. “The mines must have been very difficult.” “I am hungry and cold,” he said. “The mines were no fun. The guards didn’t want any problems. If you worked long and hard, they didn’t bother you. If you stopped working for any reason, they would club you.” Phillip hugged him and tried to warm him. “I am certain the guards are responsible for delivering a minimum amount of metal ore each day,” he said. “If the prisoners didn’t fill the wagons with ore, the guards would be punished.” “We are headed towards Rome and will be joined by a ship,” Phillip said. “You will be hidden on it. Then, we will continue to Rome on a smaller boat. You will be taken to the church.” “Do you think that will be safe?” he asked. “I don’t want to cause any problems for you.” “You will not be recognized,” Phillip said. “No one has ever seen you without a mustache or beard.” Hippolytus felt his naked face. “Since I saw you last, I lost most of my stomach and all of my hair,” Hippolytus said. “Maybe I will grow a new style of mustache.” “I see your ship,” Phillip said. “When we reach it, a sailor will help you climb a rope ladder.” “I feel stronger,” he said. “I think I can make it up the ladder.” “Well, be careful. I will see you in two days,” he said. “You need sleep and prayers.” The small boat snuggled against the ship. Phillip grabbed the rope ladder that a sailor hung over the side of the ship, while another sailor descended the ladder and put a rope around Hippolytus’ waist. Then he threw the other end of the rope to a mate who stood on the deck of the ship. The mate pulled, and Hippolytus started to climb the ladder. Phillip watched Hippolytus’ limp body slide over the ship’s rail. The ladder was hoisted and the ship sailed into Hippolytus’ unknown future. The mate provided Hippolytus sandals and a head cover which allowed him to appear as part of the ship’s crew. When the ship docked, they took him by the arm and began singing. They went down the ramp to a restaurant on the dock. They fed Hippolytus a meal and more wine. When he revived, he saw a new mate. It was Soter. Soter discreetly handed the sailor a bag of money. Then he led Hippolytus to a carriage. “It is very good to see you,” he said. “I have prayed for your safety every day.” They climbed into the carriage and went to the church. When they arrived at the church, Soter took Hippolytus to a location in the cellar that had been prepared as his quarters, and he lived there for a few days.