January 8 + Saint Apollinaris the Apologist

Apollinaris was one of the first great martyrs of the early Church and he was made Bishop of Ravenna by Saint Peter. Eusebius, Saint Jerome, Theodoret, and several others spoke of him in the highest regards.

The miracles he conducted in Ravenna attracted official attention, for they and his preaching won many converts to the faith. However, at the same time, his words and works brought upon the fury of the pagan people who beat Apollinaris cruelly on several occasions.

During one beating, Apollinaris was cut with knives and scalding hot water poured over his wounds, then put on a ship to be sent to Greece. In Greece the same course of preachings, and miracles, and sufferings continued. In fact, after a cruel beating by Greek pagans, he was sent back to Italy. When Emperor Vespasian issued a decree of banishment against the Christians, Apollinaris was kept hidden for some time, but as he was leaving, passing through the gates of the city, he was attacked and savagely beaten. He lived for seven days, foretelling that the persecutions would increase, but that the Church would ultimately triumph.

Apollinaris addressed an "apology" (a defense, of the Christian faith) to the Emperor Marcus Aurelius, who, shortly before, had obtained a victory over the Quadi. One of his legions was composed chiefly of Christians. When the army was perishing for want of water, the soldiers of this legion fell upon their knees and invoked the assistance of God. The result was sudden, for a copious rain fell, and, aided by the storm, they triumphed. The emperor gave this legion the name "Thundering Legion" and mitigated his persecution. It was to protect his flock against persecution that Apollinaris addressed his apology to the Emperor to implore his protection and to remind him of the favor he had received from God through the prayers of the Christians.