Paragorius of Noli

Saint Paragorius, martyr, was a soldier from Noli in Liguria and died a martyr in Corsica in the fourth century. He is commemorated on 7 September.

Very little is known of him. According to the traditions of Liguria, he was born at Noli into a noble family and then devoted himself to a military career. He was sent as a missionary to Corsica. His fellow soldiers accompanied him, Severinus, Parthenopeus and Parteus, also natives of Noli. There they all received the martyr's death.

According to some opinions, based on the Greek origin of the name of Paragorius and of his companions, he may have been a Byzantine commander stationed at Noli and living around the seventh or eighth century. The first church of Noli dates from that time, rebuilt in the eleventh century.

Paragorius is usually shown as a knight together with his three companions, or in soldier's dress on horseback, holding the flag of Noli. His veneration is also widespread in Hérault in France.