Dionysius of Trebia

Holy Martyr Dionysius of Trebia suffered for Christ around the year 300, in the time of the Emperor Maximian (284-305), together with Bishop Emilian, his brother Hermippus, and Hilarion, their teacher. All were natives of Armenia.

After the death of their parents, the brothers Emilian, Dionysius and Hermippus, with Hilarion, left their homeland and came to Italy, to Spoleto. There Emilian began to preach the Gospel to the pagans, and through his austere and pure life he won the esteem of the Christian community and was chosen bishop of the city of Trebia, ordained by Pope Marcellinus.

Having moved to Trebia, Emilian brought many pagans to Christ and for this was brought before the emperor. A man long paralysed could not be healed by the priests of the idols, but the bishop, praying, commanded him in the Name of Jesus Christ to rise, and the man went home whole. The priests said, however, that he worked by sorcery. Emilian was subjected to cruel torments but remained unharmed, and the crowd confessed that the God of the Christians is great; of that day it is said that a thousand people believed and received the crown of martyrdom.

Emilian was shut in prison with his brothers and his teacher. After harsh torments Hilarion, Dionysius and Hermippus were beheaded. Emilian was put to death outside the city; the executioner's sword grew soft as wax and did not wound him, and the soldiers fell at his feet asking forgiveness. A second executioner then cut off his head. Milk flowed from the wound, and many pagans believed and buried his body with honour.

The Synaxarion commemorates the four on 31 August (new style).