Aemilianus

Holy Hierarch Aemilianus was bishop of Valence in the second half of the fourth century, still living after the year 374.

He is the first historically documented bishop of Valence. According to the Life of Saint Marcellinus of Embrun, considered trustworthy, Marcellinus was consecrated bishop by Aemilianus of Valence and Eusebius of Vercelli. He is traditionally identified with the bishop Aemilianus who took part in the council held at Valence on 12 July 374, although in the signatures his name is not accompanied by the name of the see. Other authors recognise in the bishop Aemilianus who signed a synodal letter at the council of Sardica of 343 or 344 the bishop of Valence; here too, however, the name is not accompanied by the see, which raises doubts. According to Duchesne there are not sufficient reasons to consider him the first bishop of Valence.

An old manuscript of the cathedral of Valence, perhaps from the tenth century, speaks of Aemilianus vir sanctissimus. From antiquity the memory of Aemilianus was celebrated at Valence on 10 September; Bishop Jean de Catelan (1705 to 1725) moved it to 12 September. He is a saint of the undivided Church, honoured in the Catholic Church.