Achillius of Larissa
Saint Achillius of Larissa was a 4th-century bishop of Larissa and a participant in the First Council of Nicaea. He is primarily remembered for his strong defense of orthodoxy against Arianism, famously performing a miracle involving oil flowing from a stone. Following the council, he is reputed to have been active in suppressing paganism and establishing Christian churches.
- Feast Day
- 15 May
- Century
- 4th century
- Country Or Region
- Greece
Key Facts
- ›Achillius was the metropolitan bishop of Larissa in Thessaly, Greece.
- ›He was one of the 318 bishops present at the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD.
- ›He is celebrated for a miracle where he caused oil to flow from a stone to refute Arian claims.
- ›After returning from the council, he is said to have destroyed pagan temples and built churches.
- ›His relics were translated to Prespa by Emperor Samuel of Bulgaria.
- ›A district of Larissa is named Saint Achellios in his honor.
Saint Achilles, Saint Ailus, Saintc Ahillas, Saint Achilius, Achillius the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Larissa
About Achillius of Larissa
Saint Achillius of Larissa
Saint Achillius of Larissa, also known by various other names including Saint Achilles and Saint Ailus, was a prominent 4th-century bishop of Larissa in Thessaly, Greece. His life and ministry were marked by his strong adherence to orthodox Christian doctrine and his active participation in pivotal early Church councils. He died in 330 AD.
Life and Historical Context
Achillius held the position of metropolitan of Larissa and was one of the 318 bishops who convened at the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. This council was crucial in defining Christian doctrine, particularly in response to the Arian heresy, which questioned the divinity of Christ. Achillius played a significant role in this theological debate, vehemently defending orthodox beliefs.
Major Contributions
Achillius is chiefly remembered for a miraculous event he orchestrated at the Council of Nicaea to counter Arian claims. He challenged the Arians by asking them to make oil flow from a stone, asserting that if Christ were merely a creature, this would be impossible. When the Arians remained silent, Achillius then prayed, and oil flowed from the stone, astonishing all present and serving as a powerful testament to the belief in Christ's equality with the Father.
Following his return from the council, Achillius is credited with actively dismantling pagan structures and establishing Christian places of worship. Tradition holds that he "cast down many pagan temples, built many churches, [and] cast out many demons."
Veneration
Saint Achillius died in Larissa in 330 AD. His veneration extends beyond his city; when Samuel, Emperor of Bulgaria, conquered Thessaly, he translated Achillius's relics to Prespa. These relics were placed on an island in a lake that was later named after the saint. A district within Larissa also bears the name Saint Achellios, in honor of its former bishop.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Saint Achillius of Larissa?
Saint Achillius of Larissa was a 4th-century bishop of Larissa in Thessaly, Greece. He is known for his participation in the First Council of Nicaea and his staunch defense of orthodox Christian doctrine.
Why is Saint Achillius remembered for a miracle?
He is chiefly remembered for a miracle performed at the Council of Nicaea where he challenged the Arians by asking them to make oil flow from a stone, asserting that if Christ were merely a creature, it would be impossible. When oil flowed at his own invocation, it served as a sign of Christ's divinity.
What happened to Saint Achillius's relics?
After Achillius died in 330 AD, his relics were translated by Samuel, Emperor of Bulgaria, to Prespa. They were placed on an island in a lake that was subsequently named after him.
When is the feast day of Saint Achillius?
The feast day of Saint Achillius is celebrated on May 15th.
Related Saints
Pachomius the Great
Pachomius the Great is widely recognized as the founder of Christian cenobitic monasticism, establishing communities where monks lived together under a common rule. His organizational innovations and the Rule he established significantly shaped the development of monasticism across various Christian traditions.
Donatus of Euroea
Saint Donatus of Euroea was a Greek bishop who lived during the reign of Emperor Theodosius I. He is revered in both Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic traditions, primarily in Albania and Greece, and is remembered for his miraculous deeds. His cult was widespread in the Middle Ages, with his relics eventually transferred and his veneration spreading to Italy.
Lydia of Thyatira
Lydia of Thyatira is recognized as the first documented convert to Christianity in Europe, mentioned in the New Testament. She was a businesswoman from Thyatira who encountered the Apostle Paul in Philippi. Her conversion and subsequent hospitality to Paul and his companions are foundational to her veneration.