FaestDay SAINT APOLLINARIS, Bishop January 8 Saint Apollinaris was one of the most illustrious Bishop of the 2nd century. Eusebius, Saint Jerome. theodoret and others speak of him in the highest terms, and they furnish us with the few facts that are known of him. He addressed an apology, that is, a defense of the Christian religion to the Emperor Marcus Aurelius, who, shortly before, had obtained a signal victory over the Quadi, a people inhabiting the country now called Moravia. One of his legions, the twelfth, was composed chiefly of Christians. When the army was perishin for want of water, the soldiers of this legion fell upon their knees and invoked the assistance of God. The result was sudden, for a copious rain fell, and aided by the storm, they conquered the Germans. The emperor gave this legion the name Thundering Legion and mitigated his persecution. It was to protect his flock against persecution that Saint apollinaris, who was Bishop of Hierapolis i. phrygia, addressed his apology to the Emperor to implore his protection and to remind him of the favor he had received from God through the prayers of the Christians. The date of the death of Saint Apollinaris is not known, but it probalbly occured before that of Marcus Aurelius, about the year 175. PRAYER God, You made Saint Apollinaris an outstanding exemplar of Divine love and the Faith that conquers the world, and added him to the roll of saintly Pastors. Grant by his intercession that we may persevere inFaith and love and become shares of his glory. AMEN. †
Posted on: Thu, 08 Jan 2015 05:03:46 +0000
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