Septimius of Iesi

Holy Hieromartyr Septimius of Iesi was the first bishop of the city of Iesi (Aesis) in Italy, and died as a martyr in 307. His commemoration is on 22 September. He is a saint of the Roman Catholic Church; our sources mention no Orthodox veneration.

He was born in what is now Germany. After an education in the liberal arts, he began a military career. After he accepted Christianity, he parted from his family, who did not follow his example, and went to Italy, where he preached at Milan. He was forced to leave there during the persecution of Diocletian, in 303. He then went to Rome, where the miracles he performed impressed Pope Marcellus I so much that he made him bishop of Iesi. The year of his death, 307, does not agree with the pontificate of Marcellus I (308 to 309), so this link with the pope must be taken as tradition.

Septimius founded the cathedral of Iesi. A local magistrate, Florentius, opposed its dedication after the saint refused to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods. Florentius then ordered his head to be cut off.

The body of Saint Septimius was found in 1469, although his veneration had begun long before. The body found was moved to the cathedral, where a new altar was consecrated in honour of the saint in 1623. Until 1623 Saint Septimius was commemorated on 5 September, then the day of veneration was moved to 22 September. He is the patron of the city of Iesi.