Saint Irenaeus was born in Smyrna, in Asia Minor. In his youth, he studied Hellenistic sciences. Dissatisfied with this knowledge, he went to Saint Polycarp, a disciple of Saint John the Theologian and Bishop of Smyrna, and became his disciple. He dedicated his life to the fight against Gnosticism (the heresies of the first two centuries of Christianity). His importance for the Church of Christ of the 2nd century can be compared to the importance of Saint Athanasius the Great for the Church of the 4th century. Saint Polycarp ordained Irenaeus to the rank of priest and sent him to Gaul to preach the Gospel. After the martyrdom of Bishop Pothinus, Irenaeus was enthroned on the throne of Bishop of Lyons. During the reign of Emperor Severus, in the year 202, Saint Irenaeus was beheaded. About 19,000 Christians suffered with him.

Holy Martyr Lupus. Hieromartyr Potinus, Bishop of Lyon. Saint Victor. Saint Alban.