Saint Achillius of Larissa – Defender of Orthodoxy at Nicaea

ST. ACHILLIUS OF LARISSA

Saint Achillius of Larissa was a 4th-century Greek bishop who played a significant role in defending Christian orthodoxy against Arianism at the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. Born in Cappadocia, he later became the Metropolitan of Larissa in Thessaly. He is known for a miracle in which oil flowed from a stone as a divine sign proving Christ’s divinity. After the council, Achillius returned to Larissa, where he continued his missionary work, destroying pagan temples and building Christian churches. He passed away in 330 AD, and his relics were later moved to an island in Prespa, Bulgaria. His feast day is observed on May 15.

Saint Achillius of Larissa was born in 270 AD in Cappadocia, a region known for producing many early Christian saints and theologians. Little is known about his early life, but he eventually became the Metropolitan Bishop of Larissa, the chief city of Thessaly, Greece. As a bishop, he gained a reputation for his deep faith, theological wisdom, and dedication to spreading Christianity in a region still influenced by pagan practices.

Achillius is best remembered for his significant role at the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, where he was one of the 318 bishops present. The council was convened by Emperor Constantine to address the Arian controversy, a theological dispute that questioned the divinity of Jesus Christ. Achillius was a strong defender of the orthodox Christian belief that Christ was of the same essence as God the Father. To demonstrate the truth of this doctrine, he is said to have performed a miracle: in front of the Arians, he took a stone and declared that if Christ was merely a creation, no oil would come from it. When the Arians failed to respond, Achillius then proclaimed that if Christ was truly divine, oil would flow from the stone. Miraculously, oil began to pour forth, leaving the onlookers in awe and reaffirming the orthodox faith.

Following the council, Achillius returned to Larissa, where he continued his mission to spread Christianity. He was known for his zeal in eradicating pagan worship, reportedly destroying many temples and idols while also building numerous churches. His commitment to his faith and his efforts in expanding the Christian Church in Thessaly earned him great respect among his followers.

Achillius passed away in 330 AD in Larissa. However, his influence did not end with his death. When Samuel, the Tsar of Bulgaria, conquered Thessaly centuries later, he had Achillius' relics transferred to an island in Prespa, which was subsequently named after the saint. Today, a region of Larissa still bears his name in honor of his contributions to the Christian faith.

Venerated as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church, Saint Achillius is celebrated for his theological contributions, miracles, and missionary work. His feast day is observed on May 15, and he remains an important figure in the history of Christianity in Greece and the Balkans. His legacy continues to inspire believers, particularly those who seek to defend their faith with courage and conviction.

Feast Day

15-5-

Birth Date

--270 AD

Died Date

--330 AD

Canonised Date

--

Larissa, Greece (later moved to Prespa, Bulgaria)

Saint Achilles of Larissa, Mighty protector and warrior of faith, Intercede for us in times of need. Grant us strength to face our battles, Courage to stand firm, and Wisdom to walk in your righteous path. Through your intercession, Help us overcome all obstacles And find peace in our hearts. Amen.
ST. ACHILLIUS OF LARISSA

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ST. ACHILLIUS OF LARISSA

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