Concordius of Spoleto
Concordius of Spoleto was a little-known Christian saint and martyr of the 2nd century. He is remembered for his steadfast refusal to renounce his faith, even under torture, and his subsequent martyrdom by beheading. His feast day is celebrated by both the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches.
- Feast Day
- 2 January
- Century
- 2nd century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›Concordius was the son of the presbyter Gordian.
- ›He was ordained a subdeacon by Pope Pius I in Rome.
- ›He was imprisoned during the Christian persecutions of Marcus Aurelius.
- ›Concordius was tried in Spoleto, Italy, and refused to worship a statue of Jupiter.
- ›He was beaten on a rack, spat on an idol, and then beheaded around 175 AD.
- ›His feast day is 2 January (Roman Catholic) and 4 June (Eastern Orthodox).
About Concordius of Spoleto
Concordius of Spoleto is a little-known Christian saint and martyr from the 2nd century. He is recognized for his staunch adherence to his faith in the face of persecution.
Life and Trial
Concordius was the son of a presbyter named Gordian. He was ordained a subdeacon by Pope Pius I in Rome and led a reclusive life, dedicating much of his time to prayer. During the Christian persecutions under Marcus Aurelius, Concordius was imprisoned and subsequently tried in Spoleto, Italy. The governor of Umbria oversaw his trial, offering him freedom if he would renounce his faith and worship a statue of the Roman god Jupiter.
Martyrdom
When Concordius refused to recant, he was subjected to torture on a rack. Despite the suffering, he continued to praise Jesus. After this, he was thrown in jail. Two days later, he was given another opportunity to worship an idol, but Concordius spat on the statue and was promptly beheaded around 175 AD. He was canonized by religious officials at that time, though the specific details of this canonization are uncertain.
Veneration
Concordius of Spoleto is venerated with a feast day on January 2 for the Roman Catholic Church and on June 4 for the Eastern Orthodox Church.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Concordius of Spoleto?
Concordius of Spoleto was a Christian saint and martyr of the 2nd century. He was the son of a presbyter named Gordian and was ordained a subdeacon by Pope Pius I.
Why is Concordius of Spoleto remembered as a martyr?
He is remembered as a martyr because he refused to renounce his Christian faith and worship a statue of the Roman god Jupiter, even after being tortured. He was eventually beheaded for his refusal.
When and where did Concordius of Spoleto live and die?
Concordius lived in the 2nd century and died around 175 AD. His trial and martyrdom took place in Spoleto, Italy.
What are the feast days for Concordius of Spoleto?
His feast day is celebrated on 2 January in the Roman Catholic tradition and on 4 June in the Eastern Orthodox tradition.
Was Concordius of Spoleto tortured?
Yes, during his trial, Concordius was beaten on a rack after he refused to denounce his faith. Despite the torture, he continued to praise Jesus.
Related Saints
Julian of Sora
Saint Julian of Sora was a martyr from Sora, Lazio, Italy, who was beheaded by Roman soldiers during the reign of Emperor Antoninus Pius. He is remembered for his martyrdom and is commemorated by both the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches.
Pontianus of Spoleto
Pontianus of Spoleto was a second-century Christian martyr, beheaded on January 14, 175, during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. He is venerated by the Catholic, Old Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox Churches and is invoked in Spoleto for protection against earthquakes. He is also the patron saint of the Frisian village Marssum and historically co-patron of the diocese of Utrecht.
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