Saint Apollinaris was one of the most illustrious bishops of the second century. Eusebius, St. Jerome, Theodoret, and others speak of him in the highest terms, and they furnish us with the few facts that are known of him. He addressed an “Apology,” that is, a defense, of the Christian religion to the emperor Marcus Aurelius, who, shortly before, had obtained a signal victory over the Quadi, a people inhabiting the country now called Moravia.
One of his legions, the twelfth, 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 conquered the Germans. The emperor gave this legion the name “Thundering Legion” and mitigated his persecution.
It was to protect his flock against persecution that St. Apollinaris, who was bishop of Hierapolis in Phrygia, 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. The date of the death of St. Apollinaris is not known, but it probably occurred before that of Marcus Aurelius, about the year 175.
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, a renowned 2nd-century bishop, defended Christianity through an "Apology" to Emperor Marcus Aurelius after a Quadi victory.){kind=link}
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When those wright about saints it always amazing to me how much little comforts they had in reassurances from our LORD but had such love for the lord and mankind they had enough faith, hope and love to have the amazing love of our LORD shine on them, God bless Saint Apollinaris
Direct your faithful, Lord,
in the way of eternal salvation,
which the Bishop Saint Apollinaris
showed by his teaching and martyrdom,
and grant, through his intercession,
that we may so persevere
in keeping your commandments
as to merit being crowned with him.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
Saint Apollinaris pray for us amen