Eleutherius of Tournai

Holy Hierarch Eleutherius of Tournai was born at Tournai in Belgium and became bishop there in the year 486. He is regarded as the first bishop of the city. He enlightened the pagan Franks settled nearby and died of the wounds inflicted by Arian heretics, around the year 532. Tradition calls him a lifelong friend of Saint Medardus, with whom he had been a courtier before becoming a bishop. The little that is known historically about him is preserved in late sources. He is venerated as a saint of the undivided Church and is commemorated on 20 February (new calendar).