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Avitianus

Avitianus was the third historically attested Bishop of Rouen, serving from 314 AD. He is venerated as a Saint in the Catholic Church and is remembered for his presence at the first Council of Gaul and his attentiveness to the spiritual welfare of his flock.

Feast Day
December 2
Country Or Region
France

Key Facts

  • Avitianus was the third Bishop of Rouen.
  • He is the first historically attested bishop of Rouen.
  • He attended the first Council of Gaul in Arles in 314 with Materne II, Bishop of Cologne.
  • He succeeded Mellonius and settled in Rouen in 314.
  • He is described as having an honest spirit, impeccable manners, and attentiveness to the salvation of souls.
  • He is buried in the crypt of the Church of Saint-Gervais in Rouen.
Also Known As

Avitien, Avidien

Death Year
325
Venerated In
Role Type
Relics Location
Church of Saint-Gervais in Rouen

About Avitianus

Avitianus of Rouen

Avitianus, also known as Avitien or Avidien, served as the third Bishop of Rouen and is venerated as a Saint in the Catholic Church. While his two predecessors are considered legendary, Avitianus is the first historically attested bishop of Rouen, with his presence recorded at the first Council of Gaul in Arles in 314.

Life and Ministry

He succeeded Mellonius and established his see in Rouen from 314. The Acta archiepiscoporum Rotomagensium describe him as a "blessed pontiff" who possessed an "honest spirit, impeccable in his manners, and attentive to the salvation of souls under his charge." His ministry was marked by his participation in significant early church councils, solidifying his historical importance.

Veneration

Avitianus died in 325 and is buried in the crypt of the Church of Saint-Gervais in Rouen. His feast day is observed annually on December 2. His veneration highlights his role as a foundational figure in the history of the Diocese of Rouen.

Source: Wikipedia ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Avitianus of Rouen?

Avitianus was the third Bishop of Rouen, serving from 314 AD until his death in 325. He is venerated as a Saint in the Catholic Church.

What is Avitianus known for historically?

He is historically significant as the first attested bishop of Rouen, noted for his presence at the first Council of Gaul in Arles in 314. His predecessors are considered legendary.

When did Avitianus live and die?

Avitianus died in 325 AD. He began his episcopate in Rouen in 314.

Where is Avitianus buried?

Avitianus is buried in the crypt of the Church of Saint-Gervais in Rouen.

When is the feast day of Avitianus?

His feast day is celebrated on December 2.