Epipodius and Alexander
| Saints Epipodius and Alexander | |
|---|---|
| Martyrs | |
| Born |
Epipodius, Lyon Alexander, Greece |
| Died | 178 |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholicism |
| Major shrine | Lyon Cathedral |
| Feast | 22 April |
| Patronage | Epipodius is the patron saint of bachelors, victims of betrayal, and victims of torture. |
Epipodius (French: Épipode) and his companion Alexander (died 178 AD) are venerated as Christian saints. Their feast day is 22 April. Epipodius was a native of Lyon; Alexander was said to be a native of Phrygia, and a physician by profession.[1] They were both martyred during the reign of Marcus Aurelius.
Epipodius and Alexander are said to have been close friends since childhood. Epipodius is said to have been a confirmed celibate bachelor, who devoted his time to Christian works and was betrayed to imperial authorities by a servant. Both men were subsequently imprisoned, tortured, and condemned to be devoured by wild beasts in the amphitheatre, and died (as one history writes) "neither uttering a groan nor a syllable, but conversing in [their] heart with God."[2]
Veneration
In the 6th century, their relics were placed together with those of St. Irenaeus under the altar of Lyon Cathedral. Miracles were reported at this tomb.
Epipodius is venerated as the patron saint of bachelors, victims of betrayal, and victims of torture.
See also
References
- ↑ Greenhill, William Alexander (1867). "Alexander". In William Smith. Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology. 1. Boston: Little, Brown and Company. p. 110.
- ↑ Bzovius, Nomenclator Sanctorum Professione Medicorum; Martyrol. Roman, ed. Baron.