Thyrsus of Saulieu

Holy Martyr Thyrsus of Saulieu (Firsus, in Gaul) was a deacon of the Church, sent, according to tradition, by Saint Polycarp of Smyrna to preach in Gaul, together with the priest Andochius. The two landed at Marseilles, went first to Lyons and then settled at Autun, in the house of an eastern merchant named Felix, who helped them in their work and shared their joy and suffering.

They were killed about the year 177 near the town of Saulieu in Burgundy and were buried by the senator Faustus, father of the future Saint Symphorian of Autun. Thyrsus is honoured in Burgundy as a martyr of the second century, a saint of the undivided Church. He is commemorated on 24 September (new style).