Dionysius (bishop of Milan)

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Dionysius
Eastern Orthodox[1]

Dionysius (Italian: Dionigi) was bishop of Milan from 349 to 355. He is honoured as a Saint in the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches and his feast day is 25 May.[2]

Life

Almost nothing is known about the life of Dionysius before his election as bishop of Milan, which took place in 349. Dionysius was probably of

Roman Emperor Constantius II before being elected bishop of Milan.[3]

The historical period in which Dionysius lived was marked by clashes between

lese-majesty against the Emperor. With the arrival of Eusebius the situation changed. Eusebius requested an immediate subscription of the Nicaean faith by the bishops. Eusebius, the Papal legate Lucifer of Cagliari and Dionysius signed, but the Arian bishop Valens of Mursia violently shredded the act of faith.[4]

Constantius, unaccustomed to independence on the part of the bishops, moved the synod to his palace, and grievously maltreated Eusebius, Lucifer and Dionysius, which were all three exiled (also Pope Liberius was shortly later exiled). Dionysius was exiled in

Caesarea of Cappadocia and was substituted as bishop of Milan by the Arian Auxentius appointed by the Emperor.[5]

Dionysius died in exile between 360 and 362.[5] A late tradition, historically unfounded, associates Dionysius with the Mariani, a Milanese family.

Veneration

Dionysius'

Cathedral of Milan in 1532.[3]

Nowadays three

Lombardia are entitled to Saint Dionysius: San Dionigi in Pratocentenaro in Milano, San Dionigi in Premana and San Dionigi in Carcano of Albavilla
.

Notes

  1. ^ Great Synaxaristes: Ὁ Ἅγιος Διονύσιος Ἐπίσκοπος Μιλάνου. 25 Μαΐου. ΜΕΓΑΣ ΣΥΝΑΞΑΡΙΣΤΗΣ.(in Greek)
  2. .(in Italian)
  3. ^ a b c Tolfo, Maria Grazia. "San Dionigi". Storia di Milano. Retrieved 10 October 2011.(in Italian)
  4. ^ .(in Italian)
  5. ^ .(in Italian)