Apollinaris of Ravenna
Apollinaris of Ravenna was a Syrian saint and the first bishop of Ravenna, traditionally believed to be a disciple of Saint Peter. He is remembered for his missionary work in Emilia-Romagna, enduring significant persecution and performing miracles, which ultimately led to his martyrdom. His veneration spread widely, and he is the patron saint of Ravenna and Emilia-Romagna.
- Feast Day
- 20 July
- Century
- 2nd century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›Apollinaris of Ravenna was a Syrian saint and bishop.
- ›He is traditionally believed to have been a disciple of Saint Peter.
- ›He served as the first Bishop of Ravenna during the reign of Emperor Claudius.
- ›His ministry in Emilia-Romagna involved evangelization and enduring persecution.
- ›He is honored as a martyr, with his feast day traditionally on July 23rd.
- ›His relics were historically housed at the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe.
Apollinare, Ἀπολλινάριος, Apollinarios, Apolenaris
About Apollinaris of Ravenna
Apollinaris of Ravenna, also known by his Greek name Apollinarios and Latinized versions like Apolenaris, is a revered Syrian saint and martyr. Tradition holds that he was a disciple of Saint Peter and was consecrated as the first Bishop of Ravenna, serving in that capacity for twenty-six years during the reign of Emperor Claudius.
Life and Ministry
While his exact native place is uncertain, it is likely Antioch in Roman Syria. Apollinaris dedicated himself to the evangelization of the Emilia-Romagna region. His ministry was marked by nearly constant persecution from idolaters. The traditional narrative recounts numerous instances of him being beaten, driven from the city, and subjected to torture, including being forced to walk on burning coals and enduring imprisonment and starvation. Despite these trials, he persisted in his missionary efforts, journeying to Aemilia and returning to Ravenna multiple times.
Historical Context and Hagiography
Christian inscriptions from the 2nd century near Classe confirm the early presence of Christianity in Ravenna. Historical estimations place Saint Apollinaris's epoch in the late 2nd century, suggesting his martyrdom might have occurred under Emperor Septimius Severus. The hagiographical text known as the Passio Sancti Apollinaris, likely written by Archbishop Maurus of Ravenna between 642–671, sought to establish the early origins and importance of the see of Ravenna, aiming for autonomy from Rome. This effort was partly successful, as Emperor Constans II granted Ravenna the right to consecrate its bishop without Roman approval in 666.
Veneration and Patronage
Apollinaris's movement and veneration spread beyond Ravenna, encouraged by Popes Simmachus and Honorius I, and supported by figures like the Frankish king Clovis, who dedicated a church to him near Dijon. Churches dedicated to him were established in Bologna, Aachen, Burtscheid, and Remagen, among other places. He is the patron saint of Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna, and Düsseldorf, Germany. He is invoked as an intercessor against gout, venereal disease, and epilepsy.
Feast Day and Relics
His memorial is observed on 20 July in the General Roman Calendar, with 23 July noted as the traditional day of his martyrdom. His relics were initially housed at the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe, the traditional site of his martyrdom, but were transferred to the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo in Ravenna in 856 due to threats from pirate raids.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Apollinaris of Ravenna?
Apollinaris of Ravenna was a Syrian saint and the first bishop of Ravenna. Tradition holds he was a disciple of Saint Peter and dedicated his life to spreading Christianity in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy.
What is Apollinaris of Ravenna remembered for?
He is remembered for his evangelization efforts, enduring significant persecution, and performing miracles. He is venerated as a martyr for the faith.
When is the feast day of Saint Apollinaris?
His memorial in the General Roman Calendar is July 20th. Traditionally, he was believed to have been martyred on July 23rd, which was previously his feast day.
Where are the relics of Saint Apollinaris located?
His relics were historically housed at the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe and later transferred to the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo in Ravenna. Additional relics are found in Düsseldorf and Remagen, Germany.
What is Saint Apollinaris the patron saint of?
He is the patron saint of Ravenna and the region of Emilia-Romagna. He is also the patron saint of Düsseldorf, Germany. He is invoked for protection against gout, venereal disease, and epilepsy.
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