Arcadius, Paschasius, Probus and Eutychian of Africa

The Holy Martyrs Arcadius, Paschasius, Probus and Eutychian of Africa, natives of Hispania, were loyal counsellors of the Vandal king Gaiseric, but were finally proscribed, exiled, tortured and put to death in the year 437 for refusing the king's command to convert to Arianism. Their story is recounted in the contemporary chronicle of Prosper of Aquitaine. Paschasius and Eutychian (sometimes called Eutychius) were brothers.

Prosper records that the four men were for a long time trusted advisors of Gaiseric for their wisdom and faithfulness. They were probably Romans who had first joined Gaiseric when the Vandals were in Hispania and had then continued with him after he invaded Africa in 429. Their sudden removal from court has been described as a "purge". Gaiseric demanded their conversion, and when they refused, their property was confiscated and they were sent into exile, in an unknown place, but within the Vandal kingdom. Bishop Honoratus of Cirta wrote a letter of consolation to Arcadius in exile. They are commemorated on 13 November (new style) and are venerated in the Catholic Church, as saints of the undivided Church.