Euprepius of Verona
Euprepius of Verona is venerated as the first bishop of Verona, with his Greek name suggesting the antiquity of the Veronese see. While local tradition identifies him as one of the Seventy Disciples, this is unsubstantiated. He is chiefly remembered for his role as the foundational bishop of Verona.
- Feast Day
- August 21
- Century
- 1st century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›Euprepius is venerated as the first bishop of Verona.
- ›His Greek name, meaning "well-adapted" or "well-suited," is evidence of the antiquity of the Veronese see.
- ›Local tradition states he was bishop of Verona from 60 to 72 AD.
- ›His death may have occurred at the end of the 1st century or beginning of the 2nd century.
- ›His relics were rediscovered in 1492 and translated to the basilica of San Zeno in 1806.
- ›His feast day in the Martyrologium Romanum is August 21.
Euprepus, Puprepis
About Euprepius of Verona
Saint Euprepius of Verona, also known by the variations Euprepus and Puprepis, is venerated as the first bishop of Verona. While much of his life remains obscure, his Greek name, derived from words meaning "well" and "adapted," is considered evidence for the antiquity of the Veronese see.
Life and Historical Context
According to local Veronese tradition, Euprepius was one of the Seventy Disciples mentioned in the Gospel of Luke. However, this identification is unsubstantiated and not supported by early historical records. Local tradition states that he served as bishop of Verona from 60 to 72 AD, with his death occurring around the turn of the 1st and 2nd centuries.
The 9th-century work Versus de Verona by Anno, Bishop of Verona, mentions "Puprepis episcopus" as preaching in Verona, listing him first among the first eight bishops of the see. This work, also known as the Carmen Pipinianum, includes a description of Verona and its churches. Despite these traditional accounts, the Catholic Encyclopedia suggests that the establishment of the see of Verona, and thus Euprepius's episcopate, likely occurred no earlier than the peace granted to the Church under Gallienus (260 AD), and more probably during the early reign of Diocletian.
A reconstruction of the Veronese bishop chronology from the Velo di Classe, dating to the late 8th or early 9th century, also places Euprepius first in the list of bishops.
Veneration
Euprepius's cult did not achieve widespread popularity until the 14th century. In 1492, his relics, alongside those of other Veronese bishop saints, were rediscovered in the pieve of San Procolo. These relics were subsequently translated to the ancient basilica of San Zeno in 1806. An inscription on the altar there reads: "Euprepio Veronae a Christi ann. LXXII praesuli primo," signifying Euprepius as the first prelate of Verona in the 72nd year after Christ.
In the 16th century, artist Domenico Riccio painted a series of portraits of the bishops of Verona, including Euprepius. In 1961, the Sacred Congregation of Rites, following a proposal by the bishop of Verona, Giuseppe Carraro, unified the feast days of the Veronese bishop saints to October 30. However, Euprepius's separate feast day of August 21 was retained due to his status as the city's first bishop.
Feast Day
Euprepius's feast day is celebrated on August 21.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Euprepius of Verona?
Euprepius of Verona is venerated as the first bishop of the city of Verona. His name is Greek and suggests the ancient origins of the Veronese see.
When did Euprepius live and serve as bishop?
Local tradition states that Euprepius was bishop of Verona from 60 to 72 AD. His death is thought to have occurred at the end of the 1st century or the beginning of the 2nd century.
Is Euprepius considered one of the Seventy Disciples?
Local tradition in Verona suggests he was one of the Seventy Disciples mentioned in the Gospel of Luke, but this claim is entirely unsubstantiated and his name does not appear in early lists of the disciples.
When did Euprepius' veneration become popular?
Euprepius' cult did not gain significant popularity until the 14th century. His relics were rediscovered in 1492 and later translated to the basilica of San Zeno in 1806.
What is Euprepius' feast day?
Euprepius' feast day in the Martyrologium Romanum is August 21. He also has a shared feast day with other Veronese bishop saints on October 30.
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