Eleutherius (martyr)
Eleutherius (* around 90 ; † around 138 ? In Aecae ) was a bishop in Illyria and a martyr .
According to tradition, Eleutherius lost his father at an early age and was brought to the Bishop of Rome, Anaclet , by his Christian mother, Anthia, at a young age to be instructed in Christian doctrine. Eleutherius is said to have become a deacon at the age of 16, a presbyter at the age of 18 and a bishop of Illyricum at the age of 20, where he brought many people to the Christian faith. He then suffered the martyrdom under Emperor Hadrian in the city of Aecae , today's small town Troia in Apulia , after he had been tortured in various ways. Paternius Calocerus, Febus, Procelus, Apollonius, Fortunatus, Crispinus, Expeditus, Mappalicus, Victorinus and Gagus were also killed because of their beliefs. Anthia, who had hugged her son's body, was beheaded shortly afterwards.
Eleutherius is especially venerated in southern Italy. Relics can be found in Rieti , Troia and Velletri . He is the patron saint of San Ginesio and Belforte del Chienti .
literature
- Ekkart Sauser : Eleutherius of Illyricum. In: Biographisch-Bibliographisches Kirchenlexikon (BBKL). Volume 14, Bautz, Herzberg 1998, ISBN 3-88309-073-5 , Sp. 957.
Web links
| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Eleutherius |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | Bishop of Illyricum, martyr and saint |
| DATE OF BIRTH | at 90 |
| DATE OF DEATH | at 138 |
| Place of death | Aecae |