Saint Theogenes of Hippo

The Emperor Valerian was reigning at that time; for a long time, he had earned the approval of good people, being very favorable to the Christians. But led astray by the treacherous counsels of Macrianus, he issued an edict of persecution. Begun in Rome with a great shedding of blood, the persecution soon passed into Egypt, and invaded all of Africa. A prelate eminent a bove all othe saint Cyprien Bishop of Carthage and a central figure of the Church in Africa. rs, Saint Cyprian, had his head severed; Saint Augustine says of him: "Like a vine branch laden with fruit, if there was anything to be purified in him, martyrdom purified it." Theogenes of Hippo, his contemporary and his colleague in the episcopate, followed this great man in such a glorious death.

The memory of Theogene Théogène Bishop of Hippo and martyr of the 3rd century. s was famous in H ippo, a Hippone City where Possidius took refuge and where Saint Augustine died. nd the same doctor, speaking of the cult of the Saints, said: "When we offer the holy sacrifice at the memorials of the Saints, is it not to God that we offer it?" The holy martyrs have an honorable rank, yet they are not worshipped in place of Christ. When have you heard it said in the memory of Saint Theogenes, either by me, or by one of my brothers or colleagues, or finally by any priest: I offer to you, Saint Theogenes, I offer to you, Peter? It is not P eter t Pierre Apostle mentioned for the setting of the procession date. hat I worship, but God, whom Peter also worships as I do. Theogenes was martyred around the year 260, and with him thirty-six Christians who, despising death, won the crown of eternal life.

Saint Augustin Saint Augustin Doctor of the Church and principal commentator on the life of Theogenes. e, sermon 327. — See also the Proper of Ai Propre d'Aix Liturgical source mentioning the saint. x.