Valerius of Trier

Holy Hierarch Valerius of Trier (Trèves) is counted as the second bishop of the city of Trier on the Moselle in Germany, and reposed around 320. His life is semi-⁠legendary.

According to an ancient legend, he was a companion of Saint Eucharius, the first bishop of Trier. Eucharius was sent to Gaul by Saint Peter as bishop, together with the deacon Valerius and the subdeacon Maternus, to preach the Gospel. They came to the Rhine and to Ellelum in Alsace, where Maternus died. The other two hastened back to Saint Peter and begged him to restore the dead man to life. Peter gave Eucharius his pastoral staff and, upon being touched with it, Maternus, who had lain in his grave for forty days, returned to life. The Gentiles then converted in large numbers. After founding many churches, the three came to Trier, where preaching advanced so rapidly that Eucharius chose that city as his episcopal residence. An angel announced to him his approaching end and pointed to Valerius as his successor. Valerius was bishop for fifteen years, and Maternus succeeded him; in the meantime Maternus had founded the dioceses of Cologne and Tongeren and remained bishop forty years. Saint Peter's staff was kept at Cologne until the end of the tenth century.

Valerius is commemorated on 29 January, by the Western calendar (new style), as a saint of the undivided Church.