ABSTRACT
Procopius did not begin his hagiographical career as a soldier. In fact, he was introduced into hagiography as a cleric. Whereas Demetrius’ possible origin as a deacon at Sirmium is hypothetical, the early life and martyrdom of Procopius are both well documented.1 Eusebius presented him as the first of the Palestinian martyrs.2 Only the briefer version has survived in Greek; it is succinct. However, the longer version is available in other languages.3 From this we learn that he was born in Aelia or Jerusalem. A Christian, he worked for the Church of Scythopolis as lector, interpreter and exorcist. Since he refused to sacrifice to the gods or offer a libation to the emperors, he was put to death at Caesarea in Palestine.
