Daily Saint

St. Apollinaris of Ravenna is venerated as one of the earliest bishops and martyrs of the Church, traditionally believed to have been sent by St. Peter the Apostle himself to bring the Gospel to northern Italy. Although historical details are limited and interwoven with early Christian tradition, he is honored as the first bishop of Ravenna and a foundational figure in the region’s Christian history.

According to tradition, Apollinaris arrived in Ravenna in the first century and began preaching Christ in a pagan region. His message of salvation and the resurrection drew many converts, and he is said to have performed miracles that confirmed the Truth of the Gospel. His growing influence, however, also brought persecution from local authorities.

Apollinaris endured repeated arrests and brutal treatment for his Faith. He was exiled from the city multiple times, yet each time he returned, continuing to shepherd the Christian community entrusted to him. Once, after being exiled to Greece, he preached the Gospel and performed miracles there. The Greek pagans beat him and sent him back to Italy.

Returning to Ravenna, he ministered to the people in secret during periods of persecution and refused to abandon his mission or renounce Christ. He was arrested again, and he was so severely beaten that he died from his injuries. His death is traditionally dated to the late first or early second century.

St. Apollinaris is honored as a martyr and confessor of the Faith, remembered for his courage, perseverance, and foundational role in establishing Christianity in Ravenna, where devotion to him has remained strong for centuries.