Saint Eleutherius

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Saint Eleutherius
Feast Day	September 06
Liturgical Class
Patronage	Martyrs, persecuted Christians
Birthplace	Nicopolis, Roman Empire
Death Place	Rome, Roman Empire
Cause of Death	Martyrdom (execution)
Primary Shrine	Church of San Giovanni della Pigna, Rome, Italy

Saint Eleutherius (died c. 189) was a Christian saint and martyr, traditionally regarded as a bishop or deacon from Nicopolis, Roman Empire. Serving in Illyricum and later in Rome, under the Diocese of Rome, he was executed during the persecutions of Emperor Commodus. His steadfast faith and miracles strengthened early Christian communities. Canonized by pre-congregation recognition, his feast day on September 6 in the Roman Rite draws devotion to his relics in Rome, Italy.

Saint Eleutherius’ martyrdom inspired perseverance among persecuted Christians. His intercession is sought by martyrs, and his legacy endures through his veneration in Rome and beyond.

Biography

Birth

Saint Eleutherius was born in the 2nd century in Nicopolis, Roman Empire, likely to a Christian family. His birthplace, a Greek-speaking city under the Diocese of Nicopolis, was a hub of early Christianity. The Roman Empire’s religious diversity shaped his faith.

Baptized in a local Parish, little is known of his early years. His piety marked him for ecclesiastical service.

Early Life

Growing up in Nicopolis, Saint Eleutherius was educated in Christian doctrine, possibly serving as a deacon. He preached in Illyricum, spreading the faith under the Diocese of Nicopolis. Around 180, he traveled to Rome, joining the Christian community during a time of persecution.

His zeal drew attention from Roman authorities. Eleutherius’ early life of ministry prepared him for martyrdom.

Occupation

Saint Eleutherius’ primary occupation was as a bishop or deacon, serving Christian communities in Illyricum and Rome. His duties included preaching, administering sacraments, and supporting the persecuted, overseen by the Diocese of Rome. He faced constant risk of arrest.

His “occupation” involved evangelization under threat. His work reflected the Roman Rite’s call to witness.

Vocation

Saint Eleutherius’ vocation was his episcopal or diaconal ministry, centered on defending the faith. In Rome, he encouraged Christians during Commodus’ persecutions, strengthening the Diocese of Rome. Arrested c. 189, he was executed, possibly by beheading, for refusing to sacrifice to pagan gods.

His martyrdom inspired resilience. Eleutherius’ vocation as a martyr made him a model of courage.

Death

Saint Eleutherius met his end around 189, by martyrdom, executed in Rome, Roman Empire. Killed for his faith, his death was witnessed by the Diocese of Rome, rallying Christians. His body was buried in a local church.

Miracles were reported at his tomb, and his relics in the Church of San Giovanni della Pigna remain a pilgrimage site.

Significant events

• Preached in Illyricum c. 180.
• Arrived in Rome c. 185.
• Martyred in Rome c. 189.

Significant locations

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Legend

• Birth location: Nicopolis, Roman Empire
• Death location: Rome, Roman Empire
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Parishes

Saint Eleutherius
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Canonization

Servant of God

The process to recognize Saint Eleutherius as a Servant of God was not formalized, as his sanctity was acknowledged by the early Church. His martyrdom and miracles were attested by tradition.

Venerable

Saint Eleutherius was not declared Venerable, as his canonization predated this stage. His heroic virtue was affirmed by his sacrifice.

Beatification

Saint Eleutherius did not undergo formal beatification due to pre-congregation canonization. His miracles, like healing a blind man, sufficed for veneration.

Canonization

Canonized by pre-congregation recognition, Saint Eleutherius’ sainthood was affirmed by the early Church based on his martyrdom and miracles. His universal veneration was established by the Roman Rite, with his feast day set for September 6.

Miracles

Miracle for beatification

No formal beatification miracle was recorded due to pre-congregation canonization. Tradition credits Saint Eleutherius with healing a blind man in Nicopolis during his ministry. The man regained sight after Eleutherius’ prayers, a miracle attested by the Diocese of Nicopolis.

This event strengthened his reputation. It inspired devotion among early Christians.

Miracle for canonization

No formal canonization miracle was required, but a notable miracle involves the protection of Christians from persecution in Rome after his martyrdom. Prayers at his tomb halted an attack, a miracle verified by the Diocese of Rome.

This miracle spread his veneration, reinforcing his sainthood. His relics became a pilgrimage site.

Other notable miracles

• Healing of a lame woman in Illyricum.
• Protection of a church during a storm in Rome.

Patronage

Saint Eleutherius is the patron saint of martyrs and persecuted Christians.

Feast day

His feast day is celebrated on September 6 in the Roman Rite, honoring his martyrdom.

Veneration

Saint Eleutherius is venerated through prayers, pilgrimages to his relics in the Church of San Giovanni della Pigna, Rome, Italy, and devotion among persecuted Christians. His relics, including bones, are revered. He is depicted in art with a palm branch, notably in Roman churches. His life influences Christian fortitude.

Books

Written about the saint

• Martyrs of the Early Church
• Saints of Rome by TAN Books

Written by the saint

• No known writings attributed to Saint Eleutherius.

External links

• CatholicSaints.Info: Saint Eleutherius
• Catholic.org: St. Eleutherius
• AnastPaul: Saint of the Day