Hilarius of Aquileia and Tatian the Deacon

The Holy Hieromartyrs Hilarius of Aquileia and Tatian the Deacon suffered in the time of the Emperor Numerian, around the year 284. Hilarius, regarded as the second bishop of Aquileia after Saint Hermagoras, was tortured by the prefect Beronius. Before his death his prayers brought about the collapse of the pagan temples of Aquileia and of the images of the gods to which he had refused to sacrifice. His martyrdom was shared by his deacon Tatian and their companions; Orthodox England names Felix, Largus and Denis as laymen, and says that all were beheaded. Hilarius and Tatian are often named together, for example in the dedication of the cathedral of Gorizia. Hilarius died on 16 March. They are venerated as saints of the undivided Church and are commemorated on 16 March (new calendar).