- St. Denis, also known as Dyonisius, is the Patron Saint of France and one of the Patron Saints of Paris. He was martyred in c. 250 CE.
- His Feast Day is celebrated on October 9th.
Decian Persecution (249-251 CE)
- In early 250 CE the Emperor Decius (249-251 CE) passed an Edict which started the Decian Persecution.
- According to Gregory of Tours, Pope Fabian (Pope between 236-250 CE) had sent seven Bishops from Italy with the aim of converting Gaul to Christianity. One of the seven was St. Denis who was sent to become the Bishop of Paris.
- As a result of the Edict, Pope Fabian was martyred on the 20th January 250 CE.
- St. Denis was also martyred, by beheading on a hill, later named after his martyrdom, ‘Montmartre’ (Mount of the Martyr). His two friends, Rusticus and Eleutherius who had accompanied St. Denis were also martyred with him.
Basilica of St. Denis
- He was buried at a site 6 miles (10km) north of Paris, and the Basilica of St. Denis was built on the Site. The Kings of France were all subsequently buried here.
Basilica of St. Denis, Paris