Artemius
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Artemius of Antioch | |
|---|---|
 Icon of the Martyr Artemius |
|
| Megalomartyr ("Great Martyr"), Shallita | |
| Born | unknown |
| Died | 363, Antioch (relics transferred to Constantinople |
| Canonized | pre-congregation |
| Feast | 20 October |
| Patronage | hernias |
 Saints Portal |
|
Artemius of Antioch (d. 363, known as Shallita in the Maronite tradition), was dux Aegypti (imperial prefect of Roman Egypt) during the 4th century. Previously he had served as an officer in the army of Constantine I. An adherent to Arian Christianity, he is remembered for his role in persecution of Nicene Christians and pagans, and his search for Athanasius, bishop of Alexandria. [1] However, he later accepted Nicene theology, and was involved in denouncing Emperor Julian the Apostate.
Artemius was beheaded in 363 in the city of Antioch, where he had been recalled by Emperor Julian the Apostate for maladministration of his province. [2] The charges stemmed from his persecution of pagans in Alexandria, and his use of troops in the seizure and despoliation of the Temple of Serapis instigated by George of Cappadocia. He is recognized as a saint for his martyrdom; his feast day was set as 20th October. [3]
[edit] References
- ^ Delaney, John J. Dictionary of Saints. Doubleday Publishing: 1980. p.61,p.63
- ^ Gibbon, Edward. The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. Vol. 2. ElecBook: 1999. p. 319.
- ^ Lieu, Samuel N. Constantine to Julian: A Source History. Routledge: 1996. pp. 212-215
[edit] External links
- Artemius in the Catholic Forum.
- Artemius in the Orthodox Church in America
- October 20 in the Synaxarion.
