St Epipodius (Died 178) was a native of Lyon in France and a bachelor. His companion was St Alexander, a native of Phrygia, now Turkey. They were said to have been close friends from youth.
St Epipodius and St Alexander were martyred together during the scourge of Emperor Marcus Aurelius against Christians. St Epipodius was said to have been betrayed to Roman authorities by a servant for his Christian works. Following imprisonment and torture, they were fed to wild animals in a Roman amphitheatre. They died, “neither uttering a groan nor a syllable, but conversing in [their] heart with God” (Wikipedia). Their relics are retained under the altar of Lyon Cathedral alongside those of St Irenaeus.
The Feast Day of St Epipodius is 22nd April. He is the Patron Saint of bachelor’s, betrayal and torture.
St Epipodius:
Pray for us that our faith will never die.
Glory be to the…
