Saint Apollinaris of Ravenna
Saint Apollinaris of Ravenna (born in Antioch, Syria; died c. 75 AD in Ravenna, Italy) was the first Bishop of Ravenna and a martyr of the early Church. According to tradition he was a disciple of Saint Peter and brought Christianity to Ravenna. He is the patron of Ravenna and his relics are venerated in the great early Christian basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe. His feast day is July 23.
Stored in Cargo: Saint Apollinaris of Ravenna
| Saint Apollinaris of Ravenna | |
|---|---|
| Feast Day | July 23 |
| Profession | Bishop of Ravenna (first bishop; appointed by Saint Peter according to tradition); martyr of the early church; disciple of Saint Peter |
| Rel. Affiliation | Catholic Church; Eastern Orthodox Church (venerated); Coptic Church (venerated); 1st-century apostolic church; Ravenna episcopal tradition; early Roman martyrs |
| Patronage | Ravenna; the Diocese of Ravenna; those suffering from fever (an early patronage); early Christian communities; bishops |
| Attributes | Bishop's vestments; palm frond of martyrdom; crozier; Ravenna in background; the mosaic basilica of Sant'Apollinare; sheep (the mosaic depiction below the apse image of Christ); apostolic setting (with Saint Peter) |
| Birthplace | Antioch, Syria (Roman Empire) |
| Death Place | Ravenna (Classis), Roman Empire (modern Italy) |
| Cause of Death | Martyrdom; according to tradition, he was beaten by pagans, exiled, returned to Ravenna, and died of his wounds c. 75 AD; the historical details of his martyrdom are not well documented; the Passio Sancti Apollinaris (a hagiographic account written centuries after his death) describes multiple martyrdoms, beatings, and miraculous deliverances; he is venerated as a martyr; his relics are at Sant'Apollinare in Classe, Ravenna |
| Primary Shrine | Basilica di Sant'Apollinare in Classe, Ravenna — his relics; UNESCO World Heritage Site; July 23 feast; major pilgrimage in Ravenna |
| Liturgical Class | Memorial (Roman Rite); July 23 |
| Historic Class | Double of the Second Class (July 23) in 1962 calendar |
Biography
Apollinaris was born in Antioch, Syria. According to tradition he was brought to Rome by Saint Peter and sent by Peter to Ravenna as its first bishop — one of the earliest episcopal appointments in the Western church.
He evangelized Ravenna and the surrounding Po delta region. He suffered multiple persecutions, beatings, and exiles. He died of his wounds c. 75 AD and is venerated as a martyr.
His relics are enshrined at the Basilica di Sant'Apollinare in Classe (consecrated 549 AD) — one of the supreme monuments of early Byzantine art and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The apse mosaic of the basilica depicts him in the posture of prayer beneath a transfiguration scene.
Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the great mosaic basilicas of late antiquity, depicts him in the procession of martyrs leading toward Christ.
Together the two Sant'Apollinare basilicas are among the finest monuments of early Christian civilization.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Antioch, Syria (Roman Empire)
Death location: Ravenna (Classis), Roman Empire (modern Italy)
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Parishes
No parishes dedicated to Apollinaris of Ravenna have been added to the database yet.
Media
| Media | Length | AuthorCreator |
|---|---|---|
| Saint Apollinaris of Ravenna, Bishop and Martyr July 23rd | Under 5 minutes | Saint of the Day |
| July 20: Saint Apollinaris of Ravenna, Bishop and Martyr: Beaten, Exiled, Never Defeated | 15–30 minutes | The Saints of God |
Shrines
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Known shrines
- Basilica di Sant'Apollinare in Classe, Ravenna — his relics; UNESCO World Heritage Site; July 23 feast.
- Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, Ravenna — UNESCO World Heritage Site; mosaic depiction.
Feast day
July 23
Veneration
Saint Apollinaris of Ravenna was the first Bishop of Ravenna and a martyr sent by Saint Peter according to tradition. His relics rest at Sant'Apollinare in Classe — one of the world's great early Christian basilicas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Feast July 23.
Prayers
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Intercessory
There are no prayers asking for this saint's intercession in prayers list yet.