Felix, Fortunatus, and Achilleus
Saints Felix, Fortunatus, and Achilleus | |
---|---|
Martyrs | |
Died |
212 Valence, Gaul |
Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church |
Canonized | Pre-congregation |
Feast | 23 April |
Felix, Fortunatus, and Achilleus were 3rd-century Christian saints who suffered martyrdom during the reign of Caracalla. Felix, a priest, Fortunatus and Achilleus, both deacons, were sent by Irenaeus, to Valence, to convert the locals. It is known that they died c. 212.
Legends
It is believed that after performing many miracles in the area of Valence, and through their preaching many people were converted. This led to the arrest of Felix, Fortunatus, and Achilleus. They were freed from prison, by angels, who told them to destroy all the idols of the temples in Valence. So Felix, Fortunatus, and Achilleus, destroyed images of Mercury, Saturn, and a particularly valuable amber statue of Jupiter. For their actions the three were captured again, had their legs broken, followed by torture on wheels. Having survived all of these torments they were beheaded.
Veneration
Relics believed to be those of Felix, Fortunatus, and Achilleus, are venerated in Valencia, Spain.
See also
External links
- Sts. Felix, Fortunatus, & Achilleus Catholic Online
- Monks Benedictine Monks Book of the Saints, Kessinger Publishing, 2003