Justus of Lyon

Justus of Lyon, whose name literally means 'one who helps,' served as the 13th Bishop of Lyon in the mid-4th century, succeeding Verissimus. He is recognized and venerated as a saint by both the Catholic and Orthodox Churches, with his feast day observed on September 2.

Life and Historical Context

Born in the first half of the 4th century in Tournon-sur-Rhône to an aristocratic family, Justus initially followed the religious teachings of Saint Paschasius and became a deacon in Vienne. He was described by a contemporary biographer as a meek and merciful man.

Around 350, Justus was appointed Bishop of Lyon. As bishop of this significant Gallic city, he was an active participant in church affairs. He attended the Council of Valence in 374, which addressed the religious discipline of clergy and the faithful. Later, he also assisted at the Council of Aquileia in 381, an event organized by Ambrose of Milan. At this council, Justus was among the 32 bishops who rejected Arianism and condemned its proponents, Palladius and Secundianus.

Justus maintained a correspondence with Ambrose of Milan, with two letters from Ambrose surviving that discuss scriptural passages, suggesting Justus was a respected scholar.

Transition to Hermitage

A pivotal event in Justus's life occurred after the Council of Aquileia. A violent incident in Lyon involving an insane individual who attacked and killed several people led to a complex situation regarding the right of sanctuary within the church. Despite the bishop's efforts to uphold sanctuary, the accused was eventually handed over to a magistrate and subsequently killed by a mob. This event profoundly impacted Justus, leading him to believe he was unworthy to continue as bishop. He resigned his see and retired to his home in Tournon.

Unconvinced by his friends' reassurances, Justus secretly departed to embrace an ascetic life as a hermit. His journey took him to Arles and then Marseille, where he intended to sail for Alexandria. He was followed by his companion, Viator, and together they sailed to Egypt.

In Egypt, they joined a monastic community in the desert of Scetes, a region known for its ascetics and led at the time by Saint Macarius of Egypt. The monks in Scetes lived in solitary cells, gathering only on Saturdays for liturgy, and their lives were characterized by fasting, prayer, silence, and night vigils.

Repatriation and Legacy

Years later, a pilgrim recognized Justus in North Africa and reported his whereabouts to Lyon. A delegation, led by the priest Antioch, was sent to bring him back, but Justus remained committed to his hermit life. Antiochus eventually returned to Gaul and was later appointed Bishop of Lyon himself.

Justus died in the desert of Scetes in AD 389. Upon his death, Bishop Antiochus arranged for the repatriation of Justus's body, along with that of Viator who died shortly after. They were interred in the Basilica of the Maccabees, which Antiochus renamed the Saint-Just basilica.

At the end of the 4th century, a hagiographic account of Justus's life, the Vita Sancti Justi, was written by a priest from Lyon. The Church of Lyon celebrates services for Saint Justus on several dates, including his ordination (July 14), the translation of his relics (August 4), and his death (September 2). The feast of the translation of his relics was celebrated in the Diocese of Lyon until the 20th century.

The Basilica of Saint Justus, now destroyed, was replaced by the Church of Saint-Just. A village named Saint-Just developed around the basilica and later became an arrondissement of Lyon. Today, Saint-Just is a quarter in the 5th arrondissement of Lyon, located on the Fourvière hill. The chapel of the school of Tournon also bears his name.