Fortunatus of Naples
Fortunatus of Naples was a 4th-century bishop of Naples and the first historically attested bishop of the city. He is known as a staunch opponent of Arianism and is venerated as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church.
- Feast Day
- 14 June
- Century
- 4th century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›Fortunatus of Naples was a 4th-century Christian bishop.
- ›He is the first historically-attested bishop of Naples.
- ›He was a recipient of a letter from the Arian Council of Philippopolis in the 340s.
- ›His tradition states he was a fierce opponent of Arianism.
- ›His term as bishop is traditionally held to be from 347 to 359.
- ›His remains were translated to the old Naples Cathedral in the 9th century and later to Sant'Eframo Vecchio in the 13th century.
About Fortunatus of Naples
Fortunatus of Naples was a significant figure in 4th-century Christianity, serving as the first historically-attested bishop of Naples. His episcopacy is traditionally dated from 347 to 359. He is primarily remembered for his strong stance against Arianism, a theological movement that denied the divinity of Jesus Christ.
His historical importance is cemented by his inclusion as a recipient of a letter from participants of the Arian Council of Philippopolis, held in the 340s. This evidence confirms his existence and his role in the ecclesiastical landscape of the era.
Traditionally, Fortunatus is credited with founding a cemetery basilica adjacent to the catacombs where he was later interred. These catacombs eventually became known as the Catacombs of Saint Gaudiosus, named after a later 5th-century bishop of Naples. The veneration of Fortunatus as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church is marked by a feast day on June 14th. Additionally, Naples observes a local feast on November 8th, honoring all the bishop saints of the Church of Naples.
His remains have a history of translation. In the 9th century, Bishop John IV moved his relics into the old Naples Cathedral. Later, in the 13th century, his relics were transferred to Sant'Eframo Vecchio, where they remain a point of veneration.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Fortunatus of Naples live?
Fortunatus of Naples was a 4th-century Christian bishop. His term as bishop is traditionally held to have been from 347 to 359.
What is Fortunatus of Naples known for opposing?
Fortunatus of Naples is traditionally stated to have been a fierce opponent of Arianism. He was a recipient of a letter from those who took part in the Arian Council of Philippopolis in the 340s.
When is Fortunatus of Naples' feast day?
Fortunatus of Naples is venerated as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church with a feast day on June 14th. There is also a local feast in Naples on November 8th.
Who was the first bishop of Naples mentioned in historical records?
Fortunatus of Naples is the first historically-attested bishop of Naples. He is documented as one of the recipients of a letter written by participants of the Arian Council of Philippopolis in the 340s.
Where are the remains of Fortunatus of Naples located?
Fortunatus' remains were translated by bishop John IV into the old Naples Cathedral in the 9th century. In the 13th century, his relics were further translated to Sant'Eframo Vecchio.
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