Saints Felix, Fortunatus, and Achilleus | |
---|---|
Martyrs | |
Died | 212 Valence, Gaul |
Honored in | Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church |
Canonized | Pre-congregation |
Feast | 23 April |
Felix, Fortunatus, and Achilleus were 3rd-century Christian saints who suffered martyrdom during the reign of Caracalla. Felix, a priest, Fortunatus and Achilleus, both deacons, were sent by Irenaeus, to Valence, to convert the locals. It is known that they died ca. 212.
It is believed that after performing many miracles in the area of Valence, and through their preaching many people were coverted. This led to the arrest of Felix, Fortunatus, and Achilleus. They were freed from prison, by angels, who told them to destroy all the idols of the temples in Valence. So Felix, Fortunatus, and Achilleus, destroyed images of Mercury, Saturn, and a particularly valuable amber statue of Jupiter. For there actions the three were captured again, having there legs broken, followed by torture on wheels. Having survived all of these torments they were beheaded.
Relics believed to be those of Felix, Fortunatus, and Achilleus, are venerated in Valencia, Spain.