Saint Birillus
Saint Birillus (also spelled Beryllus; flourished c. 2nd–3rd century AD in Bostra, Arabia, present-day Jordan) was traditionally listed as the first Bishop of Bostra in Arabia Petraea (present-day Bosra, southern Syria/Jordan). He is mentioned by Eusebius of Caesarea in his Ecclesiastical History in connection with a theological controversy involving the denial of Christ's pre-existence. After debate with Origen, Birillus reportedly recanted his error and returned to orthodox faith. His feast day is March 22.
Stored in Cargo: Saint Birillus
| Saint Birillus | |
|---|---|
| Feast Day | March 22 |
| Profession | Bishop |
| Rel. Affiliation | Early Church; Diocese of Bostra |
| Patronage | Bostra (historical) |
| Attributes | Bishop's vestments; book (allusion to his theological controversy) |
| Birthplace | Arabia (exact location unknown) |
| Death Place | Bostra, Arabia Petraea (present-day Bosra, Daraa Governorate, Syria) |
| Cause of Death | Unknown |
| Liturgical Class | Not included (universal calendar) |
| Historic Class | Not included |
Biography
Birillus (Beryllus) is known primarily through a brief account in Eusebius of Caesarea's Ecclesiastical History (Book VI, chapters 20 and 33). Eusebius identifies him as Bishop of Bostra and notes that he fell into the heresy of denying the pre-existence of Christ — a position holding that Christ had no existence or divinity before the Incarnation. A synod was called to address the matter; Origen attended and in debate with Birillus persuaded him to recant his error and return to orthodox faith. Eusebius praises Origen's role and records Birillus's grateful acknowledgment.
Beyond this episode, very little is known about Birillus. He is traditionally listed as an early and holy bishop of Bostra, one of the major cities of the Roman province of Arabia Petraea and an early center of Christianity in the region. His feast day is March 22.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Arabia (exact location unknown)
Death location: Bostra, Arabia Petraea (present-day Bosra, Daraa Governorate, Syria)
Notable location: His episcopal city; the ancient Roman city and early Christian see (Bostra (Bosra), Daraa Governorate, Syria)
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Feast day
March 22
Veneration
Saint Birillus is venerated in the Roman Catholic Church with a feast day on March 22.
Prayers
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