Eutropius of Orange
Eutropius of Orange was a 5th-century bishop of Orange, France, known for his extreme devotion and willingness to engage in manual labor for his flock. He corresponded with Pope Hilarius and was a friend of Saint Faustus of Riez, earning praise for his learning and piety from contemporaries. His diocese was destroyed by the Visigoths, and he died in 475.
- Feast Day
- May 27
- Century
- 5th century
- Country Or Region
- France
Key Facts
- ›Eutropius was born to the nobility in Marseille and had a wild youth before his conversion.
- ›He succeeded Justus as Bishop of Orange, likely since 463.
- ›He was convinced to return to his duties by a man of God named Aper after initially fleeing the magnitude of his work.
- ›He was known for his extreme devotion and participated in manual labor, even working in fields and carrying stones.
- ›He corresponded with Pope Hilarius and was a friend of Saint Faustus of Riez.
- ›He took part in the Council of Arles in 463 and 475.
Saint Eutrope
About Eutropius of Orange
Eutropius of Orange, also known as Saint Eutrope, was a significant figure in the 5th century, serving as the bishop of Orange, France. His life story, as recorded in hagiography, depicts a man of noble birth from Marseille who experienced a profound conversion. Tradition holds that his wife was instrumental in his spiritual awakening, and following her death, he was ordained a deacon by Eustochius.
Life and Ministry
Upon succeeding Justus as Bishop of Orange, Eutropius initially felt overwhelmed by the responsibilities of his office and even fled. However, he was persuaded to return by a man of God named Aper and dedicated himself to his flock. He became renowned for his exceptional devotion and piety. During his episcopate, which spanned approximately twelve years, Eutropius exemplified humility and hard work by engaging in numerous manual tasks. He was seen working in fields with a plough and carrying stones at building sites, even during the meal breaks of other laborers.
Relationships and Councils
Eutropius maintained correspondence with Pope Hilarius and was a close friend of Saint Faustus of Riez. His intellectual and spiritual qualities were highly regarded, with contemporary letters speaking favorably of his learning and piety. Sidonius Apollinaris offered him the highest praise and expressed deep reverence. Eutropius participated in the Council of Arles in both 463 and 475.
Death and Veneration
The turbulent times of the 5th century saw his diocese ravaged by the Visigoths. Eutropius died on May 27, 475. He was interred in the Basilica of St Julien d'Antioch, a structure he himself had commissioned. His successor, Verus, penned his biography around the year 500, recounting several miracles attributed to Eutropius, including the deliverance of a possessed individual, the healing of someone struck by lightning, and the cessation of a fire through prayer.
His relics are now housed in the altar of St Mary Magdalene's Chapel within the London Oratory. His feast day is observed annually on May 27. A 19th-century stained glass window in the apse of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Orange commemorates his life and ministry.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Eutropius of Orange live?
Eutropius of Orange lived during the 5th century. He died in 475 and was bishop of Orange probably since 463.
What was Eutropius known for as a bishop?
Eutropius was known for his extreme devotion and his willingness to engage in manual tasks, such as working in fields and carrying stones, to serve his flock. He was also noted for his learning and piety.
Who was Eutropius of Orange's successor?
Eutropius of Orange was succeeded by Verus, who wrote his Life around the year 500 and described various miracles attributed to Eutropius.
Where are Eutropius of Orange's relics located?
The relics of Eutropius of Orange are now interred in the altar of St Mary Magdalene's Chapel in the London Oratory.
What events marked the end of Eutropius's episcopate?
Eutropius's diocese was destroyed by the Visigoths, and he died on May 27, 475, during this period.
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