Sts. Nereus and Achilleus – Roman Soldiers Who Became Christian Martyrs

ST. NREUS AND ACHILLEUS

Sts. Nereus and Achilleus were soldiers in the Roman Praetorian Guard who converted to Christianity and refused to participate in persecution. Along with St. Domitilla, they were exiled and eventually martyred in the 1st century. Their relics are enshrined in Rome.

Sts. Nereus and Achilleus were Roman soldiers in the elite Praetorian Guard, entrusted with enforcing imperial decrees. However, after encountering the Christian faith through Flavia Domitilla, a noblewoman and niece of Emperor Domitian, they renounced their military duties and embraced Christ. Their transformation was so complete that they refused to follow orders that required them to persecute Christians, particularly Flavia Domitilla herself.

Their defiance led to their exile to the island of Ponza, a place notorious for housing Christian prisoners. Eventually, they were transferred to Terracina, where they were beheaded for refusing to renounce their faith. Meanwhile, Flavia Domitilla was condemned for her beliefs and burned alive, enduring prolonged suffering before her death.

The early Church honored them as martyrs, and their graves in the Domitilla catacombs became places of pilgrimage. Pope St. Gregory the Great later emphasized their courage and devotion in a homily, further solidifying their veneration. A basilica was built in their honor along the Via Ardeatina in Rome, preserving their memory for centuries.

Their feast day, May 12, has been celebrated since ancient times, and they remain symbols of unwavering faith in the face of persecution.

Feast Day

12-5-

Birth Date

--1st Century

Died Date

--1st Century

Canonised Date

--

Cemetery of Domitilla, Rome, Italy

"Saints Nereus and Achilleus, faithful martyrs of Christ, Intercede for us in our struggles and challenges. May your courage and unwavering faith inspire us to live with integrity and love. Help us to be strong in our convictions and to follow Christ with the same devotion that you did. Pray for us, that we may grow in holiness and be granted the grace to serve God with our whole hearts. Amen."
ST. NREUS AND ACHILLEUS

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ST. NREUS AND ACHILLEUS

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