Hermippus of Trebia

Holy Martyr Hermippus of Trebia suffered around the year 300, in the time of the Emperor Maximian, together with his brother Dionysius, Bishop Emilian and Hilarion, their teacher. All were born and lived in Armenia.

After the death of their parents, the brothers Emilian, Dionysius and Hermippus, with their teacher Hilarion, left their homeland and came to Italy, to Spoleto. Emilian began there to preach the Gospel to the pagans and, for his austere and virtuous life, was chosen bishop of Trebia, ordained by Pope Marcellinus of Rome. Having moved to Trebia, Emilian brought many pagans to Christ and for this was brought before the emperor.

He healed, in the Name of Jesus Christ, a man long paralysed, but the priests accused him of sorcery. He was tortured but remained unharmed, and thousands of people believed. Emilian was shut in prison with his brothers and his teacher, and after harsh torments Hilarion, Dionysius and Hermippus were beheaded. Emilian was put to death outside the city, after the sword of the first executioner grew soft as wax and did not wound him, and the second cut off his head; milk flowed from the wound, and many pagans believed and buried his body with honour.

The Synaxarion commemorates them all on 31 August (new style).