Valerianus of Auxerre

Saint Valerian was bishop of Auxerre in Gaul from the year 331 until his death in 360. He was of Gallo-⁠Roman origin. He is commemorated on 6 May, mainly in the Catholic Church.

He took part in the ordination of a bishop, together with Saint Severinus of Sens and other bishops of his province. In 343 he was present at the Council of Sardica. He also took part in the Council of Cologne, held on 12 May 346 or in 349, against the Arian bishop Euphratas.

It is told of him that he kept Saint Amator from remaining a layman, as Amator's parents wished, who had forced him to marry a girl from Langres named Martha. Valerian had been charged with performing the wedding, but, instead of speaking the words that bless such a union, he said in a low voice the blessing used at the ordination of a deacon and a deaconess. Only the two spouses heard it.

Valerian died shortly afterwards and was buried on Mount Artre, beside his predecessors. He lived before the separation of the Churches, and so he is venerated as a saint of the undivided Church.