| Saints Epipodius and Alexander | |
|---|---|
| Martyrs | |
| Born | Epipodius, Lyon Alexander, Greece |
| Died | 178 |
| Honored in | Roman Catholicism |
| Major shrine | Cathedral St-Jean in Lyon |
| Feast | 22 April |
| Patronage | Epipodius is the patron saint of bachelors, victims of betrayal and of torture |
Epipodius (French: Épipode) and his companion Alexander (d. 178 AD) are venerated as Christian saints. Their feast day is 22 April. Epipodius was a native of Lyon; Alexander was said to be a native of Phrygia, and a physician by profession.[1] They were both martyred during the reign of Marcus Aurelius.
Epipodius and Alexander are said to have been close friends since childhood. Epipodius is said to have been a confirmed celibate bachelor, though he never joined a religious order. He devoted his time to Christian works and was betrayed to imperial authorities by a servant. Both men were subsequently imprisoned, tortured, and condemned to be devoured by wild beasts in the amphitheatre, and died (as one history writes) "neither uttering a groan nor a syllable, but conversing in [their] heart with God."[2]
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In the 6th century, their relics were placed together with those of St. Irenaeus under the altar of the Cathedral St-Jean in Lyon. Miracles were reported at this tomb.
Epipodius is venerated as the patron saint of bachelors, victims of betrayal and of torture.