Agathius
Acacius | |
|---|---|
The Martyrdom of Saint Agathius. 16th century work by an anonymous artist from Toledo. | |
| Holy Helper, Martyr | |
| Born | late-3rd century Cappadocia |
| Died | ~303 Byzantium |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church Eastern Orthodox Church |
| Major shrine | Cathedral of Squillace, Italy |
| Feast | 7 May (formerly 8 May); 16 January (translation of relics) |
| Attributes | palm of martyrdom, centurion with a bunch of thorns, in armour with standard and shield, depicted with Theodore of Amasea |
| Patronage | soldiers, Squillace, Guardavalle, invoked against headache |
Saint Acacius (Greek: Ἅγιος Ἀκάκιος; died 303), also known as Agathius of Byzantium, Achatius, or Agathonas to Christian tradition, was a Cappadocian Greek centurion of the imperial army, martyred around 304. A church existed in Constantinople associated with Acacius and possibly named after him: the Church of St Acacius.