Agilulf of Cologne

Saint Agilulf the Hieromartyr was abbot of Stavelot and bishop of Cologne, killed as a martyr around 750. Little is known of his life apart from his name, and an old account written by a monk of Malmedy is deemed unreliable. He is commemorated on 9 July, in some calendars on 31 March.

He came of a good family and was raised under Abbot Angelinus at Stavelot. Shortly after succeeding as abbot of Stavelot he became bishop of Cologne, after Bishop Reginfrid, from 745. He followed the great reformer Saint Boniface, apostle of Germany, and took part in the German council of 747. It is said that he tried to persuade Pepin not to leave the throne to Charles Martel, because of his illegitimacy. Sent on an embassy to Luxembourg, he was treacherously killed, perhaps as a result of Charles Martel's revenge. In a letter of 747 Pope Zachary praised him for signing the profession of right and orthodox faith.

He was venerated at Malmedy Abbey as abbot and martyr and was buried there. In 1062, or according to some sources 1068 or 1075, Bishop Anno brought his relics to the church of Our Lady of the Steps in Cologne. Later he was wrongly identified with a martyr of the same name from Malmedy.