Eleutherius and Antia

Eleutherius (* 90, † 138 in AECAE? ) Was a bishop and martyr in Illyria.

Eleutherius lost according to tradition, his father early and was at a young age, brought up by his mother Anthia Christian bishop of Rome, Anacletus, to be instructed in the Christian doctrine. Eleutherius to have become Bishop of Illyricum age of 16, deacon, presbyter with 18 and 20 years, where he had numerous people fed to the Christian faith. He had then under Emperor Hadrian in the city AECAE, today Troy, suffered after he had been tortured in the most varied manner Martyrdom. Together with him were killed because of their faith also Paternius Calocerus, Febus, Procelus, Apollonius, Fortunatus, Crispin, Expeditus, Mappalicus, Victorinus and Gagus. Anthia who've taken the dead body of her son in her arms, had been beheaded shortly thereafter.

Eleutherius is especially revered in southern Italy. Relics are in Rieti, Troy and Velletri. He is patron saint of San Ginesio and Belforte del Chienti.