Felix of Trier

Saint Felix of Trier was bishop of Trier in the late fourth century (about 386 to 398) and died around 400. His episcopate was marked by the trial of Priscillian and his followers, who were condemned to death for heresy; the sentence, against which many western bishops spoke out, among them Saint Martin of Tours and Saint Ambrose of Milan, had heavy consequences for Felix. Pope Siricius, Martin, Ambrose and other bishops broke off communion with the bishops who had taken part in the trial; Felix was accused of not having opposed the sentence resolutely enough.

At the synod of Turin in 398 the bishops were readmitted to communion, provided they had nothing to do with Felix, who was thus left isolated; in that year he gave up his see. He brought the relics of Saint Paulinus of Trier from Phrygia and built a church to house them; he is buried in the crypt of that church, Saint Paulinus. He is a saint of the undivided Church, commemorated on 26 March (new style; 8 April in the old style).