Saint Irenaeus was born in Smyrna, in Asia Minor. In his youth, he studied Jelin sciences. Dissatisfied with that knowledge, he went to Saint Polycarp, disciple of Saint John the Theologian and bishop of Smyrna, and became his disciple. He devoted his life to the fight against Gnosticism (the heresies of the first two centuries of Christianity). His importance for the Church of Christ in the 2nd century can be compared to the importance of St. Athanasius the Great for the Church in the 4th century. Saint Polycarp ordained Irenaeus as a priest and sent him to Gaul to preach the Gospel. After the martyrdom of Bishop Potin, Irenaeus was enthroned on the throne of the Bishop of Lyons. In the time of Emperor Severus, in 202, Saint Irenaeus was beheaded. Around 19,000 Christians died with him.

Holy Martyr Lup. Priest Martyr Potin, Bishop of Lyons. Saint Victor. Saint Alban.