The matyrdom and worship of the Maccabean brothers in the teaching of st. Augustine

The article presents the place of martyrdom of both the seven Maccabean brothers and their mother, and the adoration of them according to the Bishop Augustine of Hippo. The worship developed in the 4th century and it also reached Africa. However, it demanded justification, due to the Old Testament character of the revered people. The Bishop provided an opportunity to present the essence of Christian martyrdom and loyalty to Christ and His people, to emphasize the value of the testimony and its authenticity. He also encouraged to polemics with Judaism and some of the pagan practices which were sometimes taken also by the Christians